Columbus Zoo Earth Day Celebration and Recycling Drives

The Columbus Zoo celebrates Mother Earth with an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25-26, 2026, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn about little things that you can do in your daily life that will add up to make a big difference for all living creatures.

Earth Day Celebration at the Columbus Zoo

There will be lots of Earth Day activities focusing on conservation, including games, crafts, Animal Enrichment, Character Ambassadors and Meet & Greets, and more!

Watch the animals receive special Earth Day treats and enrichment throughout the day.

Conservation Activity Stations

In the Zoo’s Entry Village, visit with environmentally-focused local organizations and learn more about protecting the environment in a fun, interactive way.

Other fun activities for the Earth Day Celebration

• Party for the Planet: Party Times: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Character Ambassador Meet and Greets
• Character Ambassador Rolling Celebrations
• Keeper Talks

The Party for the Planet celebration is included in the price of Zoo admission or membership. Check out the website for details.

Parking is $10 per car for non-members.

Recycling and Donation Drives 

Throughout the week, guests can bring recyclable or reusable items to the Zoo’s designated drop-off areas—even if they are not visiting the Zoo itself.

Let the parking booth attendant know you are dropping something off for the donation drive, and you’ll get parking lot access at no charge. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., but admission or membership is required.

Handheld Electronics Recycling Drive (April 20 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Accepted items include phones, smart watches, MP3 players, tablets, and other small devices. Recycling efforts during Earth Week build on the Zoo’s year-round commitment to this initiative benefitting gorillas. Since 2019, the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club, The Wilds have donated over 2,400 devices through this program. Upon arrival, collection will be located near the Zoo’s main entrance. Guests can also recycle phones year-round outside the Guest Relations office located just inside the Zoo’s main entrance.

Battery Donation Drive (April 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Drop off single-use alkaline batteries for proper recycling and keep toxic materials out of landfills. (Rechargeable and lead batteries not accepted.) Upon arrival, collection will be located near the Zoo’s main entrance.

Recycling Drive (April 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Accepted items include glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, pizza boxes, carboard, and more. (Items that cannot be accepted are also included on the Zoo’s website). Signage and cones within the lot will direct guests to the collection container.

Electronic Recycling Drive (April 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Recycle old electronics with Accurate IT Services. Some fees apply for specific items like TVs. See the event page for details. 

Clothing Recycling Drive (April 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
In collaboration with Dress for Success, the Zoo invites the community to give gently used professional clothing a second life by donating items that help women prepare for job interviews work, and career advancement. For a list of accepted items, please visit the Zoo’s website. 

Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

Find more Earth Day Celebrations