Plan Your Wilson Avenue Drop-Off: Hours, Fees, Permits and Sorting Rules
The City of Loveland Recycling Center at 400 N. Wilson Avenue accepts normal recyclables plus many items that do not belong in a curbside cart, including yard debris, appliances, electronics, mattresses, tires, batteries, motor oil, cooking oil and limited concrete.
The easiest way to avoid a rejected load is to sort before leaving home, bring your yard-waste permit when applicable, secure everything in the vehicle and separate general recycling from fee-based or specialty items.
Quick answer before you drive
Address: 400 N. Wilson Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537. Phone: 970-962-2529.
The City currently lists the center as closed Monday and open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except posted holidays and unusual closures.
Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted for fee-based items. Credit and debit card transactions have a 2.85% service charge. Secure your load before arriving because an uncovered or otherwise unsecured load can result in a $10 charge.
Upcoming 2026 holiday closures
As of late September 2026, the City’s remaining listed recycling-center holiday closures for the year are Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving on November 26 and Christmas Day on December 25.
Holiday schedules can be updated, so check the City page before loading a vehicle for a holiday-week trip.
On this page
- Address and contact
- Hours and holidays
- Payments and load fee
- Accepted items overview
- Paper, plastic, glass and cans
- Cardboard preparation
- Yard waste and permit
- Nonresident yard fees
- Electronics
- Appliances and refrigerant
- Motor and cooking oil
- Mattresses, tires and car seats
- Concrete
- Household cleanup voucher
- Hazardous waste route
- Before-you-go checklist
- Other local routes
- Related guides
- Official sources
- Map and directions
- FAQs
Loveland Recycling Center Address and Phone Number
The municipal drop-off center is operated through the City of Loveland Public Works Solid Waste Division.
Loveland, CO 80537
7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Loveland Recycling Center Hours: Tuesday Through Sunday
| Day | Regular Hours | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Do not use map listings to override the City’s Monday closure. |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Good day for yard debris, sorted recyclables and specialty items. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Loveland Recycling Center is open even though Larimer County’s residential HHW program is closed Wednesdays. |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Call first for unusual fee-based items. |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Sort recyclables before entering to make unloading easier. |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Weekend demand can be higher; arrive with an organized load. |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Sunday is a normal posted service day unless a holiday closure applies. |
Payment Methods, Card Fee and Unsecured Load Charge
For materials with a disposal or recycling fee, the City accepts payment at the entrance to the Recycling Center.
Cash or check
Both are listed as accepted payment methods for applicable Recycling Center charges.
Card payment
Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. The City lists a 2.85% service fee for credit and debit card transactions.
Unsecured load
The City lists a $10 charge for an unsecured load. Loads must be covered, strapped down or kept below the bed of the pickup truck.
What Does Loveland Recycling Center Accept?
The Wilson Avenue site handles much more than bottles and cardboard. Material still needs to be sorted into the appropriate collection area.
Normal recyclables
Cardboard, paperboard, office paper, magazines, newspaper, glass bottles and jars, aluminum, metal cans and listed plastics.
Yard debris
Grass, leaves, garden trimmings, branches, logs, sod, raw lumber and several wood products subject to preparation and permit rules.
Electronics
Computer components, phones and printer cartridges are listed. TVs and computer monitors are accepted with fees.
Metal and appliances
Large and small metal appliances, fencing, wire and empty fire extinguishers are among listed categories.
Oil and batteries
Motor oil, cooking oil and automotive or household batteries are accepted under specific limits.
Bulky and special items
Mattresses, box springs, tires, car seats and prepared concrete are among the special drop-off categories.
Paper, Plastic, Glass, Aluminum and Metal Cans
The drop-off site accepts many materials also found in Loveland’s blue curbside recycling program, but most drop-off materials need to be placed into the correct container rather than dumped together.
| Material | Current City Guidance | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Glass bottles and jars | All colors accepted but glass must be sorted. | Empty and rinse containers. Keep non-container glass out. |
| Aluminum | Cans and foil are accepted. | Keep steel and tin in their separate collection container. |
| Office paper | Mixed office paper and shredded paper are accepted. | Use the posted paper bins correctly; white paper has its own bin. |
| Magazines and newspaper | Listed as accepted. | Keep dry and separate from contaminated material. |
| Plastic and metal containers | Listed commingled categories are accepted. | Containers must be empty. |
| Plastic film | Plastic grocery, newspaper and dry-cleaning bags are listed. | Do not mix in landscape plastic, new mattress covers, feedbags or shrink wrap. |
| #2 plant containers | Listed as an accepted plastic category. | Remove loose soil and unrelated material. |
| Paperboard | Accepted. | Flatten boxes before inserting them into the collection opening. |
Cardboard Must Be Flattened and Cut to Fit
Corrugated cardboard is accepted, but oversized moving and shipping boxes should not be forced into the compactor opening.
The City instructs users to flatten cardboard and cut it down so it fits through an opening approximately 3 feet wide by 6 inches tall. Large pieces can clog the hopper and stop the compactor from operating.
- Empty the box. Remove foam, plastic film and other packing material.
- Flatten it completely.
- Cut oversized panels down.
- Keep food-soiled or wet cardboard out of clean recycling.
- Follow the signs for corrugated cardboard versus paperboard.
Loveland Yard Waste Permit and Accepted Yard Debris
City residents can use a current Yard Waste Permit to enter and drop off eligible non-fee yard debris and clean lumber. Residents who arrive without their current permit can be charged the nonresident/commercial rates.
Accepted yard debris
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Garden trimmings
- Halloween pumpkins
- Branches
- Logs
- Sod without large rocks or foreign debris
- Raw untreated lumber
- Plywood
- Oriented strand board
- Particleboard
- Pallets and spools
- Shake shingles
Preparation limits
- Branches should be 6 feet long or shorter.
- Logs larger than 36 inches in diameter must be cut into 2-foot sections.
- Lumber cannot be painted, stained or laminated.
- Furniture is not accepted as raw lumber.
- Root balls are not accepted in the listed yard-debris stream.
Yard Waste Fees for Nonresidents and Commercial Customers
The City currently publishes the following rates for nonresident and commercial yard-waste customers. City residents without the required current permit may also be charged these rates.
| Material | Current Listed Fee | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Grass / leaves | $7.50 per cubic yard | Sort from unrelated trash. |
| Branches / lumber | $8.50 per cubic yard | Preparation and clean-lumber rules still apply. |
| Logs 12–36 inches diameter | $12.50 per cubic yard | Separate from smaller yard debris when directed. |
| Logs over 36 inches diameter | $17.50 per cubic yard | Must be cut into 2-foot sections. |
| Sod | $8.50 per cubic yard | No large rocks or foreign debris; commercial customers are not accepted for sod. |
| Pallets | $1.50 | Follow current facility instructions on quantity and unloading. |
Electronics, TVs, Monitors and Computer Recycling
The Recycling Center accepts several electronic categories, but not every electronic item has the same fee.
Listed electronics
- TVs
- Computer monitors
- Computer components
- Printer cartridges
- Cell phones
- Home phones
- VCR / CD / DVD equipment
- Fax machines and desktop copiers
Where fees matter
The City specifically states that fees apply to televisions and computer monitors. Commercial copiers are also listed as fee-based in the City’s accepted-material guidance.
Because the City’s main public page does not display one simple current TV/monitor fee table, call before loading a large screen or several units.
Protect personal data before drop-off
- Back up files you want to keep.
- Sign out of important accounts.
- Remove memory cards, SIM cards and removable drives.
- Factory-reset phones, tablets and computers when appropriate.
- Do not assume physical recycling automatically erases private data.
For broader preparation guidance, see the electronic recycling center guide.
Appliances, Metal and Refrigerant Fee
Loveland’s metal drop-off categories include large appliances, small appliances, fencing, wire and empty fire extinguishers.
| Item | Current Rule | Preparation Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Listed as accepted metal appliance. | Remove loose trash and non-appliance contents. |
| Water heater | Listed as accepted. | Drain where appropriate and transport securely. |
| Microwave | Accepted; City instructs customers to remove the plate. | Keep the loose glass plate out of the appliance. |
| Small appliances | Several small appliances are accepted. | Remove nonmetal inserts or tanks where the City specifies. |
| Refrigerator / freezer | $25 charge for items containing refrigerant. | Do not cut refrigerant lines. |
| Air conditioner | $25 refrigerant-item charge applies. | Transport intact; refrigerant must be handled properly. |
| Fire extinguisher | Accepted only when empty. | If it still contains material or pressure, verify another route first. |
Motor Oil, Cooking Oil and Batteries
These materials have dedicated collection rules at the Wilson Avenue site even though general household hazardous waste follows a different local route.
Motor oil
Limited to 8 gallons per day per customer or vehicle. Containers must be completely closed, have sealed caps or plugs and include an attached pourable spout.
The City states that individual motor-oil containers cannot exceed 16 quarts.
Cooking oil
Accepted at up to 5 gallons per visit. Keep cooking oil separate from motor oil and other chemicals.
Batteries
Automotive/truck and household batteries are listed among accepted items. Follow staff instructions and keep battery types separated.
For broader battery preparation and damaged-lithium guidance, use the battery recycling center guide.
Mattresses, Tires and Car Seats
| Item | Current City Rule | Before You Go |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | $29 each | Bed-bug or rodent-infested mattresses are not accepted. |
| Box spring | $29 each | Infested units are not accepted. |
| Tires | Accepted; fees apply | Call for the current fee, especially for multiple or unusual tires. |
| Car seat | Listed as free | Follow current drop-off signs and staff direction. |
Concrete Drop-Off Rules
Concrete is accepted, but this is not an unrestricted construction-demolition dump.
Size and load limit
Concrete pieces must be approximately 30 inches or smaller, and the load cannot exceed 2.5 cubic yards, roughly a standard pickup-truck bed.
Keep the load clean
Concrete must be free of rebar, wood pieces or posts, reinforcement, dirt and trash.
For larger or specialized loads, use our concrete recycling center guide to compare clean-concrete recycling routes.
Loveland Household Cleanup Voucher: Bulky Items and Load Limit
City residents who currently pay the monthly Solid Waste Programs fee are eligible for the Household Cleanup Program. The voucher can be used during Recycling Center business hours and is valid once during its one-year validity period.
Important voucher rules
- The maximum load is a standard pickup equivalent, or about 2.7 cubic yards.
- Household trash should be bagged rather than loose.
- Recyclable items need to be separated from cleanup items.
- Some normally fee-based Recycling Center items can still carry their usual fee.
- Loads containing unacceptable items can be turned away.
- The voucher has no cash value.
How to request the voucher
- Confirm that your City utility bill includes the Solid Waste Programs fee.
- Request the voucher from the City before visiting.
- Provide your City account number, name, address and phone number.
- Allow up to 24 business hours for the electronic voucher.
- Do not expect to obtain a new voucher at the Recycling Center gate.
Paint, Chemicals and Hazardous Waste: Use Larimer County
The City states that the Loveland Recycling Center does not accept general hazardous-waste materials. Do not take paint, pesticides, acids, solvents, cleaning chemicals, fluorescent lamps or similar HHW to Wilson Avenue simply because the site accepts motor oil and batteries.
Larimer County operates the regional household hazardous-waste program at the existing hazardous-waste entrance at 5887 S. Taft Hill Road, Fort Collins.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Larimer County resident limits
- Typical residential HHW is free for Larimer County residents.
- Limit is 30 gallons per vehicle, measured by container capacity rather than how full each container is.
- Containers larger than 5 gallons are not accepted through the residential program.
- Up to 10 fluorescent bulbs may be brought per visit.
- Bring chemicals in labeled, non-leaking containers.
- Original containers are preferred when possible.
- Package chemicals upright in boxes to reduce spilling and mixing.
Larimer County landfill changed in August 2026
General disposal operations moved to the new Central Diversion & Transfer Station at 2388 W. Trilby Road on August 3, 2026. However, the County specifically states that household hazardous waste still uses the prior 5887 S. Taft Hill Road entrance.
For broader material-selection guidance, see our hazardous waste recycling center guide.
Before-You-Go Checklist for Loveland Recycling Center
- Check the day. The center is closed every Monday.
- Check the holiday schedule. Posted City closures override normal Tuesday–Sunday hours.
- Use 400 N. Wilson Avenue.
- Secure the load. Cover, strap or keep material below the truck-bed sides to avoid the $10 unsecured-load charge.
- Bring your current yard-waste permit when using the resident yard-debris benefit.
- Separate the vehicle before arrival. Keep cardboard, glass, yard debris, metal, electronics, oil and specialty items accessible independently.
- Flatten and cut cardboard. Large pieces can clog the compactor opening.
- Prepare glass correctly. Use only accepted bottles and jars and sort by the site’s directions.
- Call about fees. Confirm current charges for TVs, monitors, tires and unusual large items.
- Keep general hazardous waste out. Paint and household chemicals belong in the Larimer County HHW program rather than the normal Wilson Avenue drop-off.
- Check oil containers. Follow the City’s motor-oil capacity, closure and pour-spout requirements.
- Keep concrete clean. No rebar, reinforcement, wood, dirt or trash.
- Do not bring an infested mattress. Bed-bug and rodent-infested units are not accepted.
- Follow staff and container signs after entry. Do not place items in a bin simply because another visitor did.
When Wilson Avenue Is Not the Right Route
Curbside recycling
Loveland residents with City collection service can use curbside recycling for many standard paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastic categories rather than driving to Wilson Avenue.
Larimer County HHW
Use the County hazardous-waste program for paint, pesticides, gasoline, solvents, fluorescent lamps, cleaners and other qualifying household chemicals.
Central Diversion & Transfer Station
General Larimer County disposal moved to 2388 W. Trilby Road in August 2026. The transfer station is useful for disposal categories that do not belong at Wilson Avenue.
Official Loveland and Larimer County Sources
Use the City of Loveland pages for the Wilson Avenue facility and the Larimer County pages for hazardous waste and county disposal. These official pages are the best places to verify time-sensitive hours, holiday closures, fees and accepted items.
Map to Loveland Recycling Center at 400 N. Wilson Avenue
Use the map for navigation, but use the official City page for final hours, holiday closures, fees, permits and material rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loveland Recycling Center
Where is the Loveland Recycling Center?
The City of Loveland Recycling Center is at 400 N. Wilson Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537. The Solid Waste Division phone number listed by the City is 970-962-2529.
What are the Loveland Recycling Center hours?
The City currently lists the center as closed Monday and open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except posted holiday closures.
Is Loveland Recycling Center open on Saturday?
Yes. Saturday is currently listed as a regular service day from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM unless a holiday or special closure applies.
Is the Loveland Recycling Center open on Sunday?
Yes. The City’s normal schedule includes Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Monday is the regular weekly closure.
Does the Loveland Recycling Center accept credit cards?
Yes. The City lists Visa, Mastercard and Discover along with cash and checks. Credit and debit card transactions currently carry a 2.85% service fee.
What is the fee for an unsecured load?
The City currently lists a $10 charge for unsecured loads. Materials should be covered, strapped down or kept below the pickup-truck bed.
Do Loveland residents need a permit for yard waste?
City residents should present their current Yard Waste Permit at the gate to use eligible non-fee yard-debris and clean-lumber service. Without it, the City says nonresident/commercial fees can apply.
Does Loveland Recycling Center accept cardboard?
Yes. Corrugated cardboard must be flattened and cut down to fit the approximately 3-foot-wide by 6-inch-tall compactor opening.
Does Loveland Recycling Center accept glass?
Yes. Glass bottles and jars of all colors are listed, but they must be sorted. Do not treat mirrors, ceramics, Pyrex, drinking glasses or other non-container glass as ordinary bottle-and-jar recycling.
Does Loveland Recycling Center accept TVs and computer monitors?
Yes. The City lists televisions and computer monitors as accepted electronics, but fees apply. Call 970-962-2529 for the current fee before transporting larger or multiple screens.
How much does it cost to recycle a mattress in Loveland?
The City currently lists a $29 fee for each mattress or box spring. Units infested with bed bugs or rodents are not accepted.
Does Loveland Recycling Center accept refrigerators?
Yes, but the City currently lists a $25 charge for items containing refrigerant, including refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioning units.
Can I recycle motor oil at Loveland Recycling Center?
Yes. Motor oil is limited to 8 gallons per day per customer or vehicle. Containers must be closed and sealed, have an attached pourable spout and cannot exceed 16 quarts each.
Can I recycle cooking oil there?
Yes. The City lists cooking-oil drop-off at up to 5 gallons per visit.
Can I bring concrete?
Yes, within the City’s preparation limits. Pieces must be 30 inches or smaller, the load cannot exceed 2.5 cubic yards and the concrete must be free of rebar, reinforcement, wood, dirt and trash.
Does the Loveland Recycling Center accept paint and household chemicals?
General household hazardous waste is not accepted through the normal Wilson Avenue Recycling Center stream. Larimer County operates the residential household hazardous-waste facility at 5887 S. Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins.
Where do Loveland residents take household hazardous waste?
Larimer County residents can use the Household Hazardous Waste facility at 5887 S. Taft Hill Road. The residential program is currently open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and is closed to the public on Wednesdays.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official City of Loveland website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Verify current hours, holidays, fees, permits and material rules through LovGov.org or by calling the City Solid Waste Division.