By Linda Smith

Unlike many states in the US, Colorado does not financially support nor legislatively mandate recycling. Furthermore, the cost to dump a whole ton (2,000 pounds) of material in a Colorado landfill is merely $12, one of the lowest “tip fees” in the nation. This means that the successes we’ve seen here in Boulder County are the result of purely voluntary efforts against some pretty big barriers – something to be proud of. Below are highlights of significant efforts being made locally to prevent waste and to recycle it.

Superior…small town that is thinking big
The Town of Superior is aiming for a waste diversion rate of 50% by 2004. The Waste Diversion Advisory Committee (WDAC) of Superior has undertaken a number of projects to help the city reach its goal. In addition to general educational efforts, the committee has targeted the commercial sector and yard waste. To address the commercial sector they will create a commercial audit and certification program designed to support and educate businesses in the area of waste management. The WDAC has contracted with Partners for A Clean Environment (PACE) and the Center for ReSource Conservation (formerly the Boulder Energy Conservation Center) to help them get this program established. To address yard waste, a local consulting firm, Gracestone, has been selected to identify possibilities for yard waste programs in Superior. Yard waste is a large component of the waste stream, and nationwide studies indicate that successful yard waste diversion programs can result in an increase of 12% to 25% in a community’s overall waste diversion rate.

Louisville…hard-working volunteers see mixed results
For over a year, the Louisville Resource Conservation Advisory Board (LRCAB) has been working to bring city-wide curbside recycling and a Pay-As-You-Throw program (which provides financial rewards to recyclers) to Louisville – two initiatives that would significantly increase recycling rates in this community. However, the Louisville City Council recently brought an end to the process without implementing either initiative, turning instead to the voluntary efforts of trash collectors to promote recycling – a disappointing outcome for those of us who know what a significant impact Pay-As-You-Throw can have on waste diversion.

On a brighter note, LRCAB was successful in securing funds from the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division for ten recycling containers to encourage recycling in city parks and open space.

Lafayette…waste reduction can be fun!
The City of Lafayette hosts four major outdoor community events every year and has received funding from the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division for recycling bins to be used at these events. Each has an attendance of 5,000-10,000 people, so there’s lots of waste diversion potential. Be sure to use those bins when you attend the Oatmeal Festival, the Wine Fest, the Peach Festival or the Celebrate Lafayette Street Fair!

Boulder…success is in the air
November of 2002 marked the first anniversary of the City of Boulder’s new Pay-As-You-Throw program (which rewards recyclers with lower trash collection bills) and the addition of more materials collected curbside. The impact of these programs on recycling has been significant. Trash tons are down and recycling tons are up. 49% of all residential waste is being diverted from the landfill. 90% of single-family households participate in recycling programs, and 54% of households use just one 32-gallon trash can or less per week, compared to 26% prior to the ordinance change. This means that the number of homes that have reduced their trash to one can per week has doubled. Congratulations, Boulder, you’ll soon be a one-can town!

Many items not accepted at the curb are now recyclable at the Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM): computers and other electronics, books, plastic bags, and now athletic shoes. The CHaRM, supported by City of Boulder Trash Tax dollars, has surpassed all expectations. Now in its second year of operation, collections at the CHaRM continue to increase. The number of monitors collected is 13% higher than the number collected by this time last year, computers are up 23%, printers and copiers are up 45%, and TVs are up 38%.

Also noteworthy are the new recycling guidelines every event planner must follow to obtain a City of Boulder permit for their event. Now, if you’re holding an event on city property, you have to be green about it – no more trash cans overflowing with recyclable cans and bottles. The guidelines call for the provision of clearly labeled recycling bins for the collection of commingled containers (glass, plastic bottles, cans, and milk and juice cartons) next to at least 70% of the trash cans at the event, and for the removal of the recyclables at the end of the event. Call Eco-Cycle at 303-444-6634 for bins or for help making your event a Zero Waste Event.

Longmont…gearing up for more good stuff
The City of Longmont is preparing for a total upgrade and relocation of the Drop-Off Center. Improved convenience and safety as well as the collection of more materials are being planned.

The City also hosted Fiesta de Las Culturas, the first ever county-wide celebration in honor of Cinco de Mayo. As a first year Zero Waste event, an impressive 42% of the waste stream was diverted from the landfill. Look out, Rhythm on the River! Your top ranking with an 87% diversion rate may soon be challenged.