Recycling Centers in Golden, CO
Find drop-off recycling locations in Golden, Colorado. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Golden has 3 recycling centers listed in this directory. Each listing includes the address, phone number, and opening hours where available. Call ahead to confirm accepted materials before making the trip.
Recycling in Golden: A Local Guide
Golden has 3 recycling-related facilities in our Colorado directory, spanning a household-hazardous-waste depot, a scrap and landfill operation, and a data-destruction service. The City of Golden runs a single-stream curbside program: residents receive three carts (trash, recycling, and compost), and recycling and compost are included in the monthly rate with only trash charged under the city's Pay-As-You-Throw model. Golden switched collection to 5280 Waste Solutions under a contract that started September 1, 2026. For hazardous materials that can't go in the cart, Jefferson County residents use the Rooney Road Recycling Center.
For drop-off, the Rooney Road Recycling Center handles household hazardous waste, electronics, paint, motor oil, and car batteries by appointment. Republic Services Foothills Landfill on CO-93 takes solid waste and some materials, while Data Destruction focuses on secure media and document destruction. We don't have verified per-material lists for every site, so check each center's page to confirm what it accepts.
Looking beyond Golden? Browse recycling centers in Arvada, Boulder, Denver, and Aurora, or see every listing in our Colorado directory to compare drop-off sites and hours.
All Recycling Centers in Golden
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Golden
Does Golden have curbside recycling?
Yes. The City of Golden provides single-stream curbside recycling to residents, who each receive three carts — trash, recycling, and compost. Recycling and compost are bundled into the monthly rate, and residents only pay for trash under the city's Pay-As-You-Throw program. Collection is handled by 5280 Waste Solutions under a contract that began September 1, 2026.
Where do I take household hazardous waste in Golden?
The Rooney Road Recycling Center at 151 S Rooney Rd is the drop-off point for Jefferson County household hazardous waste. It operates by appointment only and accepts items like chemicals, solvents, antifreeze, electronics, and fluorescent bulbs. Paint, motor oil, and automobile batteries are typically recycled free, while some items carry a nominal fee — confirm details and book an appointment before you go.
Can I put plastic bags in my Golden recycling cart?
No. Golden's recycling is single-stream, meaning accepted items go loose into the cart, but plastic bags are not accepted — they tangle sorting equipment and can send an otherwise good load to the landfill. Accepted materials include clean paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin, and plastic containers. Return plastic bags to store drop-off bins instead.
How do I recycle electronics or appliances in Golden?
Electronics can be dropped at the Rooney Road Recycling Center by appointment. The City of Golden also offers curbside mattress and appliance recycling for residents. Fees vary by item and program, so check the center's page and the city's waste-diversion resources to confirm what qualifies and any charges.