Clear out your closets, and give wild animals a gift on Earth Day

April 14, 2023. – The ABQ BioPark is teaming up with ACTenviro and New Mexico Computer Recyclers to host an e-waste recycling event. You can bring old cell phones, cables, keyboards and almost anything with a plug to the ABQ BioPark Zoo’s parking lot to recycle on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, from 8 - 11 a.m.

ACTenviro and New Mexico Computer Recyclers will take your old electronics and ensure the items are recycled responsibly. New Mexico BioPark Society Members who donate acceptable electronics will receive a free ride on the carousel. All other electronics donors will receive $1 off regular Zoo admission on Earth Day.

The Albuquerque chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers will also be accepting aluminum cans. Cans are recycled to raise money for extra zookeeper professional development.

“The ABQ BioPark always accepts mobile phones” said Allyson Zahm, ABQ BioPark Guest Experience Manager, “However, on Earth Day, our amazing partners will be able to accept electronics of almost any size and type to keep reusable materials out of our landfills.”

Mobile phones and other small electronic gadgets contain a material called coltan. Mining for coltan is destroying critical habitat for gorillas and other animals in Africa. When mobile phones are recycled, the coltan can be reused to make new electronics. By recycling your used phone, you can save a gorilla’s life. 

If helping the planet and wildlife wasn't enough, guests who recycle any e-waste items will receive $1 off admission to the Zoo or Botanic Garden and Aquarium for every member of their party on Earth day. NMBSP members, who already receive complimentary admission, will instead receive a ticket for a  ride on the carousel at the zoo.

Visit our partner’s websites for a full list of acceptable items at actenviro  and New Mexico Computer Recyclers

Some examples of what we can accept on Earth Day include:

• computers
• servers
• laptops
• keyboards
• wire
• cords
• computer mice
• printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines
• telephones
• cell phones
• handheld electronic devices
• batteries
• UPS backup batteries
• stereos and speakers
• cameras
• CD/DVD players
• VCR's
• paper shredders
• switches
• routers
• docking stations
• AC adapters
• power supplies
• household appliances
• portable heaters
• projectors
• LCD monitors
• aluminum cans
  

Items that cannot be accepted include, but are not limited to: 

• Large appliances
• TVs
• Microwaves
• Vacuums
• CRT monitors
• printer toner and ink

Contact our recycler partners if you have any questions on if a specific item not listed may be accepted.