Lowe's offers focused recycling services centered on items they sell: light bulbs (CFL + LED), rechargeable batteries, plastic film + bags, and large appliance haul-away (free with new purchase). Lowe's is the best US retailer for paint disposal as well - though paint goes to participating local recyclers + HHW rather than in-store. This guide covers all Lowe's recycling services + what to take elsewhere.
What Lowe's accepts (US, 2026)
| Item | Where | Cost |
|---|
| CFL bulbs | In-store recycling bin | Free |
| LED bulbs | In-store recycling bin | Free |
| Rechargeable batteries (Li-ion, NiMH, NiCad, sealed lead-acid) | In-store recycling bin | Free |
| Plastic film + bags | Entry-area collection bin | Free |
| Large appliances | Haul-away with new appliance delivery | Free |
| Power tool batteries | Limited - call ahead | Free where accepted |
| Ink + toner cartridges | NO general program | Take to Staples or Best Buy |
| TVs (any kind) | NO | Take to Best Buy or County HHW |
| Laptops + computers | NO | Take to Best Buy or Staples |
| Cell phones + tablets | NO general drop-off | Use Cell Phones for Soldiers or trade-in |
| Single-use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, etc.) | NO at most stores | Take to Staples or Best Buy |
| Linear fluorescent tubes (4ft, 8ft) | NO | Take to Batteries Plus, IKEA, or County HHW |
| Paint | Limited (some stores have take-back program; varies by location + state) | Free at participating; ask about Take Back Paint program |
| Lawn mower batteries (12V) | NO | AutoZone, O'Reilly, scrap yard |
Lowe's bulb recycling program
Every US Lowe's store has a CFL + LED bulb recycling bin in the entrance recycling station. Open to all customers + non-customers, free, no purchase required. Max 10 bulbs per visit.
The program partners with Call2Recycle (the largest US battery + bulb recycling non-profit). The recycled CFL bulbs go to mercury recovery + refurbished bulb manufacturing. LED bulbs go to materials recovery (copper, aluminum, rare-earth phosphors).
Lowe's accepts rechargeable batteries (NOT single-use alkaline) at every US store entrance recycling station:
- Lithium-ion (laptop, phone, power tool): YES
- NiMH (rechargeable AA, AAA): YES
- NiCad (older rechargeable): YES
- Sealed lead-acid (UPS, alarm system, small): YES
- Power tool battery packs: YES
- Single-use alkaline (AAA, AA, 9V): NO at most Lowe's locations
- Car batteries (12V): NO - take to AutoZone, O'Reilly, scrap yard
Lowe's appliance haul-away
When buying a new appliance from Lowe's + delivery service:
- Free haul-away of one old appliance per new purchased
- Includes: refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, microwaves
- Old appliance is routed to recyclers - mostly scrap metal + ITAD partners for any electronics
- Refrigerant recovery is included (EPA Clean Air Act Section 608 compliance)
For appliances without new Lowe's purchase: ScrapRunners or LoadUp free pickup over 500 lbs, or county bulky waste pickup ($0-$25).
Lowe's plastic film + bag recycling
Every US Lowe's has a plastic film + bag collection bin at the entrance:
- Plastic shopping bags
- Plastic film (around bulk items)
- Bubble wrap + air pillows
- Plastic strapping bands (sometimes - call ahead)
The bins are emptied weekly + sent to plastic-film recyclers (Trex composite lumber + closed-loop bag production).
Lowe's Paint Take-Back program (limited)
Some Lowe's stores participate in PaintCare or local paint take-back programs (varies by state + store). Where available:
- Latex paint: free drop-off
- Oil-based paint: free drop-off
- Half-empty cans: accepted
- Closed sealed cans only: NO (use County HHW)
Call your local Lowe's before transporting paint. For reliable paint recycling: take to PaintCare drop-offs (10 US states + DC participate) or County HHW.
Lowe's power tool battery recycling
Lowe's accepts most major brand power tool battery packs at the rechargeable battery bin:
- DeWalt 18V + 20V + 60V FLEXVOLT
- Milwaukee M12 + M18
- Makita LXT 18V
- Ryobi One+ 18V
- Black & Decker
- Craftsman 20V V20
Confirm at store - some have brand-specific arrangements where only certain brands are accepted.
How Lowe's recycling compares to Home Depot
Lowe's and Home Depot have nearly identical recycling programs - both accept:
- CFL + LED bulbs (free, max 10 per visit)
- Rechargeable batteries (free)
- Plastic film + bags (free)
- Appliance haul-away with new purchase
Differences:
- Lowe's: more flexible on paint take-back (some stores)
- Home Depot: slightly more consistent rechargeable battery acceptance
- Lowe's: smaller US store footprint (1,800 vs 2,000 stores)
Where to take items Lowe's doesn't accept
| Item | Take to |
|---|
| Single-use alkaline batteries | Staples, Best Buy, County HHW |
| TVs (any kind) | Best Buy ($25-$50 CRT fee), County HHW |
| Laptops + computers | Best Buy, Staples, Apple Store, County HHW |
| Linear fluorescent tubes | Batteries Plus, IKEA, County HHW |
| Cell phones (trade-in) | Apple Trade In, Samsung, BackMarket |
| Cell phones (donation) | Cell Phones for Soldiers, local non-profits |
| Paint (any) | PaintCare (10 US states + DC) or County HHW |
| Car batteries | AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, scrap yard |
| Used motor oil | AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA |
Cost benchmarks (USA, May 2026)
- Lowe's bulb recycling: free
- Lowe's battery recycling: free
- Lowe's plastic bag recycling: free
- Lowe's appliance haul-away (with new purchase): free
- Standalone appliance disposal: $30-$80 (without new Lowe's purchase)
- Replacement appliance (washer + dryer): $400-$2,500
Sources
- Lowe's Sustainability Report 2024 (corporate.lowes.com/sustainability)
- Call2Recycle program data
- PaintCare paint recycling program
- US EPA Sustainable Materials Management non-durable goods data
Last verified: 2026-05-23. Lowe's accepted items + paint take-back programs vary by store. Confirm with your local Lowe's before high-volume drop-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lowe's recycle light bulbs?
Yes - every US Lowe's store has a CFL + LED bulb recycling bin in the entrance recycling station. Free, max 10 bulbs per visit, no purchase required, open to all. Does NOT accept linear fluorescent tubes (take to Batteries Plus, IKEA, or County HHW).
Does Lowe's take old batteries?
Yes for rechargeable batteries only (Li-ion, NiMH, NiCad, sealed lead-acid small). Lowe's does NOT accept single-use alkaline (AAA, AA, 9V) at most stores - take those to Staples or Best Buy. Car batteries: NO - take to AutoZone, O'Reilly, or scrap yard ($5-$15 BUYBACK).
Will Lowe's haul away my old appliance?
Yes for free when buying a new appliance from Lowe's + delivery service. One old appliance per new purchased. Includes refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, microwaves. Old appliance is routed to recyclers - includes EPA Clean Air Act refrigerant recovery for refrigerators + AC units.
Does Lowe's recycle plastic bags?
Yes - every US Lowe's has a plastic film + bag collection bin at the entrance. Accepts: plastic shopping bags, plastic film, bubble wrap, air pillows. Free, no purchase required. The bins go to plastic-film recyclers (Trex composite lumber + closed-loop bag production).
Can I take paint to Lowe's?
Some Lowe's stores participate in PaintCare or local paint take-back programs - varies by state + store. Where available: free latex + oil-based paint drop-off, half-empty cans accepted. Call your local Lowe's before transporting paint. For reliable paint recycling: PaintCare drop-offs (10 US states + DC) or County HHW.
What's the difference between Lowe's and Home Depot recycling?
Nearly identical programs - both accept CFL + LED bulbs, rechargeable batteries, plastic film + bags, appliance haul-away with new purchase. Differences: Lowe's slightly more flexible on paint take-back, Home Depot slightly more consistent rechargeable battery acceptance. Lowe's: 1,800 US stores; Home Depot: 2,000 US stores.
Does Lowe's take power tool batteries?
Yes - Lowe's accepts most major brand power tool battery packs at the rechargeable battery bin: DeWalt 18V/20V/60V FLEXVOLT, Milwaukee M12/M18, Makita LXT 18V, Ryobi One+ 18V, Black & Decker, Craftsman 20V V20. Some stores have brand-specific arrangements - call ahead if unsure.
Can I drop off electronics like laptops at Lowe's?
No - Lowe's does NOT accept laptops, computers, TVs, or general electronics. Lowe's recycling program focuses on items they sell (bulbs, batteries, plastic packaging, appliances). For electronics: Best Buy (most consumer electronics, max 3 per day), Staples (all consumer + business), Apple Store (any electronics), County HHW (anything, monthly events).
Does Lowe's recycle ink cartridges?
No - Lowe's does NOT have a general ink + toner cartridge recycling program. Take cartridges to Staples (best - pays Easy Rewards points for HP/Canon/Brother), Office Depot ($2 per cartridge in Rewards), Best Buy (most brands free), or manufacturer mail-back (HP Planet Partners, Canon Cartridge Return).
How does Lowe's recycle CFL bulbs?
Through partnership with Call2Recycle - the largest US battery + bulb recycling non-profit. Recycled CFL bulbs go to mercury recovery (3-5 mg per bulb) + refurbished bulb manufacturing. The closed loop captures the mercury for industrial reuse and recovers the glass + metal components for new manufacturing.