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E-Recycling

April 18-19 | 9 a.m. – noon

A community drive to ditch the digital clutter and give your old gadgets a second life.

Free to participate | Earn tickets to the Detroit Zoo!

Earn Zoo Tickets for Recycling

Bring your old, unwanted electronics to the Detroit Zoo’s 10 Mile Road parking lot and earn Zoo tickets while you help protect wildlife habitats.

When

April 18-19, 2026 | 9 a.m. – noon

Location

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Cost

Free — registration requested. Walk‑ups welcome.

Please remain in your vehicle while staff unload your items.

Select Your Drop-Off Time

How the Zoo Ticket Reward Works

  • Small loads (at least 17 gallons) earn one Detroit Zoo ticket.
  • Large loads (a full backseat or truckbed) earns two Zoo tickets.

Please pack items so staff can quickly estimate load size at drop-off. Tickets are good through the end of the year.

What NOT to bring:

  • Light bulbs (Check with your city or county for the disposal options)
  • Smoke detectors (Return to manufacturer or wrap in newsprint and dispose via curbside as directed by your municipality)
  • Appliances with freon (e.g., refrigerators, dehumidifiers – try contacting your electric company for recycling programs)

Other Tips

  • Pack safely: Use sturdy boxes or totes; avoid overfilling.
  • Sort and pre‑bundle cords and smaller items to speed up unloading.
  • Weather‑ready: This is an outdoor, drive‑through event—plan accordingly.

Location, Traffic Flow & Parking

  • Address: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
  • On‑site: Event signage and volunteers will direct vehicles through a one‑way, drive‑through unloading route.
  • Accessibility: If you need assistance beyond standard drive‑through service, let a staff member know upon arrival, and we’ll be happy to help.

Important Safety & Privacy Notes

Personal Data

  • Delete personal information from devices before recycling.
  • All hard drives will be destroyed following U.S. Department of Defense standards.

Battery Taping

Uncovered battery terminals are a fire hazard! For the following battery types, please cover all terminals with clear tape before drop-off:

  • Lithium (including button cells)
  • Any battery greater than 9 volts
  • Any battery of unknown chemistry

Event Day Drop Off

Please remain in your vehicle for the safety of you and our volunteers.

Select Your Drop-Off Time

Why Recycling Electronics Matters

Electronics contain valuable materials that can be reused and hazardous components that should never reach landfills. Responsible recycling:

  • Preserves natural resources by recovering metals and parts
  • Reduces pollution and keeps toxins out of soil and waterways
  • Protects wildlife habitats across Michigan, the Great Lakes and beyond

When you recycle with us, you support the Detroit Zoo’s broader conservation and sustainability work — turning old tech into a win for animals, nature and our community.

*Voucher is redeemable for one daytime admission to the Detroit Zoo good through the end of the year. Voucher cannot be redeemed for access to any special events.

**Personal information should be deleted from electronic devices before coming to recycle. All hard drives will be destroyed to U.S. Department of Defense standards.

Event Partners

Huron-Clinton Metro Parks

Cirbar Solutions

LP Pandos