Does Ace Hardware Recycle Batteries, Paint and Lightbulbs in 2024? An In-Depth Guide
As a cooperative operating over 5,000 locally-owned stores, Ace Hardware aims to reduce its environmental footprint through recycling initiatives across locations. With many households having batteries, paint cans, lightbulbs and more to sustainably dispose of, Ace Hardware provides solutions – though offerings differ by store.
Overview of Recycling Options
Many Ace Hardware stores accept the following household hazardous items for recycling:
Batteries
- Alkaline: AA, AAA, C, D, 9V
- Rechargeable: Lithium-ion, NiMH, NiCD
- Cell Phone: Lithium-ion polymer
Paint
- Latex and oil-based architectural paints
- Stains, primers, sealers
- 2 gallons to 5 gallons maximum
Lightbulbs
- CFL bulbs: spirals, globes, flood lights
- Straight fluorescent tubes: 2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft
- U-shaped fluorescent tubes up to 8 ft
As of 2022‘s Sustainability Report, over 85% of Ace retail locations feature recycling programs. However, car batteries or lead-acid batteries are seldom accepted. We‘ll explore exact policies and manufacturer partnerships below.
Recycling Policies, Programs and Partnerships
Independent Ace stores establish their own recycling rules, but most follow corporate guidance on battery and lightbulb policies. For leftover paint, Ace Hardware utilizes state-by-state programs:
Batteries
Ace safely recycles alkaline and rechargeable batteries through Call2Recycle, keeping cadmium, lead and other toxins out of landfills. Simply bring qualifying batteries to the front register in a sealed plastic bag.
Lightbulbs
For CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes under 8 ft, Ace partners with Veolia North America. Follow any local quantity limits when dropping these off at the customer service desk.
Paint
As a PaintCare retail drop-off site, Ace Hardware stores coordinate with this nonprofit to sustainably manage post-consumer architectural paint. PaintCare recycles or properly disposes of unused latex and oil-based paints in states with established programs. Participation varies, but PaintCare details all state-by-state information here.
Quantifying the Environmental Impact
Ace Hardware‘s initiatives keep millions of pounds of batteries, CFL glass tubes, fluorescent lighting and oil-based paint out of landfills annually.
| Item | Annual Recycling Volume |
|---|---|
| Batteries | ~1 million lbs |
| CFL Bulbs | ~300,000 lbs |
| Fluorescent Tubes | ~1.2 million ft |
And through PaintCare, over 680 Ace Hardware‘s PaintCare sites collectively processed around 200,000 gallons of leftover architectural paint in 2021. Diverting these hazardous materials supports environmental sustainability and responsible consumption.
How Consumers Can Contribute
I encourage consumers to ask about recycling when visiting Ace Hardware stores inbattery and lightbulb policies. For leftover paint, Ace Hardware utilizes state-by-state programs:
To recycle eligible products:
- Batteries – Bring to front register in sealed bag
- Lightbulbs – Take CFLs and qualifying tubes to customer service
- Paint – Ask at paint counter to confirm participation
Staff can verify if your location accepts each item type and any relevant quantity limits. For example, some stores restrict battery recycling to 5 lbs per customer daily. Following local procedures makes the process quick and simple for all parties.
To suggest new recycling options:
If your community Ace Hardware doesn‘t yet recycle these common household goods, respectfully ask management about implementation or partnerships with Call2Recycle and PaintCare. Retailer feedback helps guide corporate sustainability decisions to better serve customers and the environment alike.
Even one store properly disposing of an additional 200 gallons of paint yearly makes a measurable impact!
How Ace Stacks Up to the Competition
Home improvement retailers like Lowe‘s and Home Depot now offer recycling programs, but none match Ace Hardware‘s localized approach. With a presence in all 50 states and tailored community initiatives, Ace can provide recycling and sustainability options in areas where big box stores are scarce.
Independent Ace owners also have flexibility to partner with smaller state waste management programs that big chains can‘t feasibly utilize. This grassroots-level support for environmental advocacy matters just as much as large-scale change.
Through discounts for green builders and nonprofits plus charity initiatives supporting youth education, Ace HardwareCoupled with emissions and waste reduction efforts in its retail support centers, I commend Ace Hardware for an industry-leading, multidimensional approach to sustainability.
Conclusion
I encourage all with batteries, lightbulbs and paint taking up storage space to explore Ace Hardware‘s recycling options above competitor offerings. Ace‘s localized programs capture household hazardous materials that otherwise head straight for landfills daily.
Doing our small part to recycle properly, whether through Ace Hardware or other retailers stepping up, makes a massive collective difference. Our households and neighborhoods all contribute to the solution through minor habit shifts that yield ongoing environmental payoffs over time.
