Have you been to the CHaRM yet (the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials)? It’s the newest addition to our recycling programs, designed to help keep as many materials and valuable resources out of the landfill as possible. This isn’t the center for cans and bottles and other classic recyclables, this is the place for non-traditional recyclables you just can’t stand to toss in the garbage. So far the CHaRM accepts computers; TV’s; fax machines; copiers; cell phones; books; plastic grocery, dry cleaner and newspaper bags; printer cartridges; and now the latest and the funkiest: worn-out athletic shoes.

In this community full of runners, cyclists, and aerobicizers, most closets have a pair of torn tennies or busted out basketball shoes. If your closet is home to a couple of ruined athletic shoes, dig them out and take them down to the CHaRM. We’ll keep them in the athletic business by recycling them into a material used to resurface athletic fields, courts, tracks and playgrounds.

Only athletic shoes with a distinct upper, cushioned midsole, and outer sole are accepted—this means no hiking boots, dress shoes, winter boots, sandals (even if they’re athletic sandals) or slippers are acceptable. No athletic shoes with metal parts, cleats, zippers, spikes or mud, please.

If your shoes are in good, reusable shape, please donate them to a thrift store or charitable organization. Some athletic shoe stores in the area, including Fleet Feet and Runner’s Choice, collect running shoes in good shape to be donated to runners in West Africa through the Shoes for Africa program.

While there is a fee for many of the electronic items accepted at the CHaRM, there is no charge for dropping off athletic shoes.

Athletic Shoes Are Recyclable at the Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder CHaRM

NO Sandals, boots, or other types of shoes

NO Shoes with metal, cleats, spikes, zippers or mud