Use the Right Longmont Recycling Route
Longmont Recycling Center at 140 Martin St. has two different access schedules: cardboard and single-stream bins are available 24/7, while yard waste, food scraps, Styrofoam, oils, batteries and metal use staffed service areas. Paint, household chemicals, many electronics and bulky items may need a different program.
Three Longmont routes to know
Match the material to the correct program before loading your vehicle.
Fast answer for Longmont residents
The City of Longmont Recycling Center is at 140 Martin St., Longmont, CO 80501. Cardboard and normal single-stream recycling bins are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Yard waste, food-waste compost, white block Styrofoam, plastic bags, oils, batteries and scrap-metal services use staffed areas that are generally available Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The center closes for City holidays and can close during unsafe severe weather.
Current 2026 event: Hard to Recycle, Oct. 5–17
Longmont’s 2026 Hard to Recycle Event runs October 5 through October 17, 2026 at Green Girl Recycling, 1801 Boston Ave. It is for Longmont residents and requires a reservation.
The event accepts selected TVs, computers, electronics, mattresses, fire extinguishers, hard-cover books, shredded paper, ceramic toilets and sinks, bicycle tires, toner cartridges and large durable plastics. Some items are free within a stated limit; others carry item-specific charges.
On this page
Which Longmont Recycling Service Should You Use?
Longmont’s recycling system includes the Martin Street recycling center, curbside collection, Boulder County hazardous-waste service and scheduled specialty events. The right destination depends on the material.
Normal recycling
Use the 24/7 cardboard and single-stream bins at 140 Martin St. for accepted normal recyclable material.
Specialty drop-off
During staffed hours, use the recycling center for yard waste, food scraps, oils, batteries, white block Styrofoam, plastic bags and accepted scrap metal.
Hazardous waste
Paint, pesticides, cleaners, solvents and similar chemicals belong at Boulder County’s Hazardous Materials Management Facility, not in the normal recycling stream.
Longmont Recycling Center Hours and Access
The most important planning detail is that not every part of the center is open 24/7. Only cardboard and single-stream bins are listed for round-the-clock access.
| Drop-Off Area | Published Access | Important Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard bins | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | Use only for acceptable cardboard. |
| Single-stream recycling bins | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | Do not use for trash, plastic bags or hazardous waste. |
| Yard waste | Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Resident proof and fee rules can apply. |
| Food scraps | Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Use the designated compost area. |
| White block Styrofoam | Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Use the specialty collection area. |
| Scrap metal | Mon–Sat, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Material rules apply. |
Holiday and weather closures can override normal access
Staffed services close for City holidays and the center may close during severe weather when access is unsafe. Check the City page before hauling a large or specialty load.
Do You Need Proof of Longmont Residency?
The City asks users of resident-only or resident-benefit recycling services to bring a current City of Longmont utility bill and identification showing City residency. Printed or electronic proof may be used where the City allows it.
Bring proof before unloading specialty material
A current City utility bill and ID are particularly important for free resident yard-waste service and specialty recycling areas.
Accepted Items at Longmont Recycling Center
The facility accepts more than ordinary curbside materials, but different materials belong in different collection areas.
| Material | Accepted? | Preparation or Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single-stream recyclables | Yes | Keep recyclables empty and free of trash. |
| Cardboard | Yes | Flatten large boxes before drop-off. |
| Tree limbs and leaves | Yes | Use the yard-waste area during staffed hours. |
| Food scraps | Yes | Use the food-waste compost collection area. |
| White block Styrofoam | Yes | Remove tape, labels and stickers. |
| Plastic bags | Selected clean film bags | Keep clean, dry and free of receipts, food and stickers. |
| Automotive and cooking oil | Yes | One-gallon containers only; maximum 5 gallons per visit. |
| Batteries | Yes | Automotive, rechargeable and alkaline batteries are listed. |
| Scrap metal | Yes, if eligible | Items must generally be at least 50% metal; drain fuel or oil first. |
Plastic Bags, Used Oil, Batteries, Styrofoam and Scrap Metal
Plastic bags
The City lists shopping bags, newspaper bags, zipper bags, dry-cleaning bags and bubble wrap among acceptable film materials. Keep them clean, dry and empty.
Plastic food wrap and black trash bags are not accepted in this specialty collection.
Motor and cooking oil
Oil must be uncontaminated and placed in clear one-gallon containers. The published maximum is 5 gallons per visit.
White block foam
Only clean white block foam is accepted. Foam peanuts, foam sheets, food-grade foam and flexible foam packaging belong elsewhere.
Scrap metal
Metal items generally need to be at least 50% metal. Items containing gasoline or oil must be drained. Microwaves are accepted when the glass plate is removed.
Freon appliances are excluded
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other appliances containing Freon are not accepted through the normal Longmont Recycling Center scrap-metal route.
Longmont Yard Waste, Tree Limbs and Current Fees
Incorporated City of Longmont residents can use the recycling center’s tree-limb and yard-debris drop-off at no charge for eligible household material. Bring a current City utility bill and identification.
Non-City residents, landscapers, contractors and hired service companies pay based on vehicle or load size.
| Vehicle / Load | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Full-size pickup — level with bed | $35 |
| Full-size pickup — top of cab | $40 |
| Mini pickup — level with bed | $30 |
| Mini pickup — top of cab | $35 |
| Car / minivan | $25 |
| Full-size van | $35 |
| Other vehicle or trailer | $20 per cubic yard |
The City’s yard-waste page says this location accepts cash or checks only for these fee-based loads.
Free mulch
Yard debris is periodically processed into mulch. The City makes mulch available to residents when supply is available, but residents must load it themselves and availability is not guaranteed.
Items That Do Not Belong at Longmont Recycling Center
Some materials require hazardous-waste, specialty recycling, landfill or other disposal programs.
Household hazardous waste
- Paint
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Household cleaners
- Aerosol cans
- Other chemical waste
Bulky / construction material
- Household trash
- Furniture
- Lumber
- Tree stumps and root balls
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Rocks
- Dirt and sod
Specialty items
- Electronics not specifically accepted by a program
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Air conditioners
- Tanks and drums
- Antifreeze
- Oil filters
- Grease
Paint, Chemicals and Household Hazardous Waste Near Longmont
The Longmont Recycling Center is not the normal destination for paint, cleaners, pesticides, solvents or other household chemicals. Longmont residents can use Boulder County’s Hazardous Materials Management Facility at 1901 63rd St., Boulder.
Residential drop-off is currently listed Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is free for Longmont residents. Proof of Boulder County residency is required.
| HHW Detail | Current Guidance |
|---|---|
| Address | 1901 63rd St., Boulder, CO |
| Residential hours | Wednesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Residential cost | No charge to eligible Longmont residents |
| Proof required | Boulder County residency documentation |
| Business waste | Fee-based and appointment-only; scheduled separately |
Longmont’s 2026 local chemical event has passed
The City’s Household Hazardous Chemical Drop-Off Day was held August 22, 2026. Do not treat that one-day event as an ongoing drop-off option; use the year-round Boulder County program unless Longmont announces another event.
2026 Longmont Hard to Recycle Event
The City’s 2026 event is scheduled for October 5–17 at Green Girl Recycling, 1801 Boston Ave., Longmont. It is for Longmont residents and requires a reservation.
This event is useful for materials that cannot go in curbside recycling and are not ordinary recycling-center drop-off items.
| Item | 2026 Resident Cost |
|---|---|
| TV / monitor | First one free; additional screens charged by screen size and type |
| Small corded electronics | First 40 lb. free; $0.40/lb. after that |
| Desktop/laptop computers, phones, cameras, game consoles, stereo equipment, cables | Free |
| Mattress / box spring | First one free; $35 each additional |
| Fire extinguisher | $12 each |
| Ceramic toilet / sink | First one free; additional charges apply |
| Bicycle tire / tube | First one free; $2 each additional |
| Large durable plastic items | Free |
Reservation required
Do not simply arrive at Green Girl Recycling during the event period. The City specifically describes this as a by-reservation-only event.
Bulky Trash, Furniture and Longmont Free Landfill Days
The Longmont Recycling Center is not a general dump. Furniture, mattresses outside applicable specialty events and other bulky waste may require landfill, reuse or specialty disposal.
The City sponsors free landfill drop days for eligible residents at Front Range Landfill in Erie. The currently published page has already moved forward to the 2027 schedule, so do not rely on an old 2026 date for a future trip.
Front Range Landfill is at 1830 Weld County Road 5, Erie, Colorado. Free-drop-day rules can limit vehicle size, load quantity and accepted materials, and residents must bring current City utility proof and identification.
Electronics and appliances may be excluded from landfill-day events
The current City landfill-day guidance excludes electronics and appliances. Use the Waste Wizard or a specific recycling program instead of assuming a bulky item qualifies.
Curbside Recycling vs. Martin Street Drop-Off
Longmont residential trash service includes curbside recycling. The recycling center is most useful for overflow cardboard, extra recyclable material and specialty materials that have dedicated collection areas.
Use curbside recycling for
Regular household recyclable containers, paper and accepted packaging when they meet the City’s single-stream rules.
Use Martin Street for
Overflow cardboard, extra single-stream recycling, yard waste, oils, batteries, food scraps, clean plastic bags, white block foam and qualifying metal.
Use the City’s Waste Wizard when an item does not clearly fit either route.
Before You Visit Longmont Recycling Center
Identify the material first
Do not assume everything recyclable belongs in the same bin or even at the same facility.
Check whether you need staffed hours
Only cardboard and single-stream recycling have clearly listed 24/7 access.
Bring a utility bill and ID
Resident-only and resident-benefit specialty services may require current proof of City residency.
Flatten cardboard
Break down large boxes before arriving so they take less bin space and are easier to unload.
Keep specialty materials separate
Do not mix plastic bags, batteries, oil, Styrofoam, yard waste or scrap metal into normal single-stream recycling.
Never mix chemicals with recycling
Use Boulder County HHW services for paint, pesticides, cleaners and similar hazardous material.
Check event dates before hauling electronics
The 2026 Hard to Recycle Event is Oct. 5–17 and requires a reservation.
Common Longmont Recycling Problems and Better Next Steps
| Problem | Why It Happens | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| You arrive Sunday with yard waste | Staffed specialty areas are not open Sunday. | Return Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Plastic film is rejected from single-stream recycling | Plastic bags use a separate specialty collection area. | Bring qualifying clean film during staffed hours. |
| Foam is refused | Only white block Styrofoam is accepted. | Remove labels and tape; dispose of excluded foam through the correct route. |
| Paint or pesticide cannot be unloaded | The recycling center is not the household hazardous-waste facility. | Use Boulder County HMMF. |
| You bring a refrigerator as scrap metal | Freon appliances are specifically excluded. | Use the Waste Wizard or approved appliance recycler. |
| You bring electronics without a reservation | The 2026 specialty event is reservation-only. | Reserve an event slot or use another verified electronics-recycling option. |
Map to Longmont Recycling Center
The main drop-off center is at 140 Martin St., Longmont, CO 80501. This map does not apply to Boulder County hazardous-waste disposal or the Green Girl hard-to-recycle event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Longmont Recycling Center
Where is Longmont Recycling Center?
The City of Longmont Recycling Center is at 140 Martin St., Longmont, CO 80501.
Is Longmont Recycling Center open 24 hours?
The cardboard and single-stream recycling bins are available 24/7. Yard waste, food scraps, Styrofoam, metal and other staffed specialty areas are generally open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Is Longmont Recycling Center open on Sunday?
The staffed specialty areas are closed Sunday. Cardboard and single-stream bins are listed as available 24/7, subject to emergency or access restrictions.
Does Longmont Recycling Center accept yard waste?
Yes. Incorporated City of Longmont residents can drop eligible household yard waste and tree limbs without a fee when they meet the City’s requirements and provide proof of residency.
Does Longmont Recycling Center accept plastic bags?
Yes, selected clean and dry plastic shopping bags, newspaper bags, zipper bags, dry-cleaning bags and bubble wrap are accepted through the specialty collection. Do not place them in normal single-stream recycling.
Can I recycle Styrofoam in Longmont?
The recycling center accepts clean white block Styrofoam only. Foam peanuts, sheets, food-grade foam and other foam packaging are excluded.
Does Longmont Recycling Center take motor oil?
Yes. Used automotive and cooking oil are accepted in clear one-gallon containers, with a maximum of 5 gallons per visit.
Where can Longmont residents take paint and chemicals?
Use Boulder County’s Hazardous Materials Management Facility at 1901 63rd St. in Boulder. Eligible Longmont residents can use residential drop-off without a fee and must provide proof of residency.
When is the Longmont Hard to Recycle Event in 2026?
The 2026 event runs October 5 through October 17 at Green Girl Recycling, 1801 Boston Ave. It is for Longmont residents and requires a reservation.
Does Longmont Recycling Center accept refrigerators?
No. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other appliances containing Freon are excluded from the center’s normal scrap-metal service.