Spring brings new life, fresh energy—and the perfect opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet. At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we believe protecting wildlife starts with protecting the world we all call home.
As part of our Earth Day celebration, we’re hosting five unique recycling and donation drives from April 21–25, and you’re invited to take part! These events are designed to make it easy for Ohioans of all ages to recycle responsibly, support conservation efforts, and contribute to a healthier planet for both people and wildlife. Whether you're planning a springtime Zoo visit or just looking for a way to give back, these events are a simple, meaningful way to make a difference.
April 21: Handheld Electronics Recycling Drive
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Just outside the Zoo entrance
Your old cell phone can help save a gorilla.
We’re proud to support Gorillas on the Line, a global campaign that raises awareness about the impact of electronics on gorilla habitats and funds conservation efforts. When you donate handheld electronics like smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches, you help reduce the demand for coltan—a mineral found in electronics that’s often mined from critical gorilla habitats.
Accepted items include:
- Cell phones and smartphones
- iPods, iPads, and other tablets
- Apple and Android watches
- GPS units
- MP3 players
- E-readers
- Digital cameras
- Handheld gaming systems
Please note: Laptops cannot be accepted.
Whether you're coming to the Zoo or just swinging by, your donation goes directly toward efforts to protect endangered gorillas through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Wildlife Conservation Society.
April 22: Battery Recycling Drive
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Outside the Zoo entrance
Think batteries can’t be recycled? Think again!
Bring your old single-use alkaline batteries to the Zoo for proper recycling. Recycling batteries keeps heavy metals out of landfills, protects water sources, and allows valuable components like zinc and manganese to be reused.
Please do not bring:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries
- Nickel-cadmium batteries
- Lead batteries
Recycling your batteries helps reduce environmental toxins and keeps both humans and animals safer. And it’s quick and easy to do—just drive up, drop off, and go!
April 23: Styrofoam Recycling Drive
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Parking lot; follow cones after entering
Did you know Styrofoam can be recycled, too?
In partnership with SWACO, we’re collecting expanded polystyrene, such as foam coolers and packaging material. These items often end up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to break down—but when recycled properly, they can be given a second life.
Accepted materials:
- Foam packaging materials
- Foam coolers
Not accepted:
- Food containers
- Foam peanuts
- Construction-grade foam
- Foam sheets or rolls
Before donating, please remove all labels, tape, and other contaminants. Let’s keep this hard-to-recycle material out of landfills and out of the environment.
April 24: Electronic Recycling Drive
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Parking lot; follow signs to recycling trucks
Old electronics piling up at home? This is your moment.
We’ve teamed up with Accurate IT Services to offer a convenient way to recycle your unwanted electronics safely and sustainably. From outdated TVs to tangled cords, your discarded tech can be repurposed and kept out of landfills.
Accepted items include (with small fees for some):
- CRT monitors: $20
- Flat panel TVs: $30
- All other TVs: $40
Items NOT accepted:
- Vapes and e-cigarettes
- Light bulbs (including CFLs)
- Chemicals or HAZMAT materials
- Damaged or leaking batteries
- Aerosol canisters
- Large appliances
For a full list of accepted and non-accepted items, visit Accurate IT’s website.
April 25: Item Donation Drive
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Parking lot; follow signs to Goodwill trucks
Spring cleaning with a purpose!
Instead of sending your gently-used items to the landfill, donate them to Goodwill and help others in your community. Your donations support job training and workforce development programs—and give your items a second life.
Accepted donations include:
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Books, CDs, DVDs, records
- Computers and computer accessories
- Flat screen TVs (less than 5 years old)
- Kitchenware and small appliances
- Tools, garden items, office supplies
- Furniture in good condition
- Linens, towels, and blankets
- Boats and cars (yes, really!)
Through the Dell Reconnect partnership, Goodwill also accepts computers, monitors, keyboards, and more from any brand. Items are responsibly recycled and used in over 100 Dell products.
For safety reasons, some items cannot be accepted, including mattresses, car seats, household chemicals, and large appliances. For a full list, please visit Marion Goodwill’s website.
Save the Date: Earth Day Weekend at the Zoo!
April 26 and 27
We’re planning a weekend full of nature-focused fun, educational experiences, and conservation inspiration. Stay tuned for more details on:
- Special Earth Day activities for kids and families
- Keeper talks and animal encounters
- Ways to support wildlife conservation during your visit
It’s a celebration of the Earth we all share—and the role we each play in protecting it.
Attend Earth Day Weekend at the Columbus Zoo
Why It Matters
Everything we do at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is rooted in a simple idea: when we care for nature, we care for ourselves, too. Your participation in these recycling and donation drives helps protect wildlife, reduce waste, and inspire a more sustainable future. Whether you're dropping off an old phone or a bag of clothes, you’re part of something bigger—and we’re so grateful to have you by our side.
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