Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Celebrates Earth Day With Weeklong Activities and Donation Drives

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POWELL, OH – As Earth Day approaches, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting guests and community members to take part in a week of eco-friendly activities and donation drives that extend the impact beyond a single day. From Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26, 2026, these efforts are designed to support wildlife, protect natural resources, and benefit the broader community.

With events taking place throughout the week, individuals are encouraged to refresh their spaces, set aside items for reuse or recycling, and join the Zoo in taking simple steps that contribute to a healthier planet.
To explore daily activities, recycling drive guidelines, and ways to participate, please visit the Zoo’s Events page.

Earth Day Celebration Weekend

Saturday and Sunday, April 25–26, 2026

Join us this weekend for a family-friendly celebration filled with interactive activities and entertainment that highlight how we can all make a difference for our planet.

Conservation Activity Stations. Hands-on activity stations just inside the entrance, hosted by local environmentally-focused organizations, including the Columbus Bonsai Society, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education and Engagement Department, Delaware County Master Gardeners, Franklin Park Conservatory, Keep Delaware County Beautiful, Ohio EPA, and The Wilds.
Party for the Planet – Presented by Columbia Gas of Ohio and OHIO811. A high-energy, family-friendly party with dancing and other activities held near Conservation Courtyard at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Character Ambassador Meet and Greets and Rolling Celebrations. Catch your favorite characters for fun photos and musical train parades around the Zoo.
Keeper Talks – Presented by Fifth Third Bank. Learn directly from the Animal Care team at select habitats throughout the day.

Earth Day Celebration Weekend activities are included with Zoo admission.

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. When guests let the parking booth attendant know they are participating in a drive, they will receive parking lot access at no charge. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for guests who wish to visit!

Handheld Electronics Recycling Drive (April 20 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.). The Columbus Zoo is proud to support the Gorillas on the Line campaign—part of a nationwide effort to protect gorilla habitats in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by recycling small handheld electronics containing coltan. 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.). In collaboration with Rumpke, the Zoo is collecting items to help keep neighborhoods clean and green! 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 and Rumpke’s websites. Upon arrival, guests participating in the recycling drive should notify the parking booth attendant. 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. Upon arrival, guests participating in the recycling drive should notify the parking booth attendant. Signage and cones within the lot will direct guests to the collection container.
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. Upon arrival, guests participating in the recycling drive should notify the parking booth attendant. Signage and cones within the lot will direct guests to the collection container.

From Action to Impact

Efforts like these are part of a broader commitment to sustainability across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Most recently, the Zoo achieved Zero-Waste status, reaching a 93% diversion rate—surpassing its goal 15 years ahead of schedule.

This milestone reflects the collective efforts of Zoo team members, community partners, and guests who support conservation through everyday actions, including those encouraged throughout Earth Day week. This year’s Earth Week actions are made possible by our corporate partners Columbia Gas/NiSource Charitable Foundation and OHIO811, and in collaboration with Accurate IT Services, Dress for Success, Eco-Cell, and Rumpke.

More information about the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability can be found on the Zoo’s website. For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s conservation initiatives, events, educational programs, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.

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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 23-acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a nearly 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national, and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.