The recycler’s way.

Published May 8, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.

Earth Day overtook the calendar last month with events around the world ranging from dances and poetry for school children in Bulgaria to communitywide clean-up events in small American towns like Lomboc, Calif.

Media saturation of the environmentalist message has likely surpassed what Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson invisioned for Earth Day when he started the celebration in 1970. But true tree-huggers know that commitment comes with everyday practice, not annual observances.

That might be why Denver Post readers responded to the clipable list of recycling resources printed on the cover of Inside & Out just before Earth Day. What follows are some additional recycling tips from readers.

In addition to the battery recycling outlets mentioned in our story, All Battery Centers accept batteries for recycling, and offer free pick-up for commercial customers. There are locations at 5801 East County Line Place in Highlands Ranch (303-771-1107) and 12650 West 64th Ave. in Arvada (303-463-6300).

In addition to the electronics recycling outlets we mentioned, all Best Buy stores are now accepting electronics for recycling, regardless of where the product was originally purchased.

One reader sends her old cell phones to the Good Deed Foundation, an organization that aims to complete simple, powerful acts toward poverty aleviation and positive climate change. The Foundation provides free postage-paid envelopes for shipping in your old phones.

At the quaint gift and kid boutique Talulah Jones, (1122 E. 17th Ave., Denver, 303-832-1230), storeowner Robin Lohre has taken steps to be certified as a green business, and hopes other small businesses are doing the same. Her shop recycles boxes and bubble wrap through PostNet, a locally-owned printing and shipping company. Lohre takes Styrofoam to EcoCycle in Boulder. “They also take all kinds of things” including old leather, clothes, milk cartons and plastic bags,” she says.

Former Rocky Mountain News contributor Sally Kurtzman authored a handbook on local reduce and reuse resources called “Second Life for Stuff in Metro Denver.” Below are just a few of its highlights:

Antifreeze can be recycled by Clear Choice Antifreeze recycling: 302-439-7081.

Aluminum pop-top rings can go to the Ronald McDonald House: 720-832-7200.

Appliances in working order will be picked up by BUDS (303-296-3990); non-working appliances can be hauled (for a fee) by Unwanted Appliances (303-430-7142).

Beds that are in good shape can go to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. Ask for Family Support Services (303-293-2217).

Make-up that’s expired can often be composted.

And finally, since home improvement and construction projects take up so much space in landfills, it was good to get these tips for responsibly disposing of paint from CertaPro:

1. Search for any other items in your house that could use a makeover – fences, patio furniture, or perhaps the tree house and paint away!
2. Call a local charity or community group such as Habitat for Humanity and donate your unused paint. You may think the amount you have to offer is not enough, but when combined with paint donated by others, it will go a long way.
3. If you’re ready to throw out your extra paint, for small amounts, pour it onto a piece of flat cardboard and allow to dry completely before tossing.
4. For larger amounts, try pouring an absorbent material such as kitty litter, sawdust, or sand into the paint can...Mix together well and let it sit out to dry completely before disposing in your household bin.
5. Finally, if you’re unsure how to properly dispose of your paints and solvents, take your extras to a hazardous waste facility or contact your local home improvement retailer for recommendations on drop-off locations.

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