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What happens to your CHaRM materials?

Books

The CHaRM collects books for recycling and reuse. Reused books support a whole network of good in our community through our CHaRM Book Reuse Program.

Charities: Books are shared with more than 40 local charities that serve families in need and promote literacy efforts, such as Attention Homes, Boulder County Headstart, Casa de la Esperanza, Samaritan House, People’s Clinic and Emergency Family Assistance Association.

Local Schools: Books are given to preschools and 26 schools that participate in Eco-Cycle's Green Star Schools program.

Kids Programs: Hardback covers are reused to make creative picture frames and other crafts in schools and through Eco-Cycle’s Party with the Planet Birthday Parties for Kids.

A Local Book Reuse Company: An expert sorts through the books for valuable text and reference books to sell.

Eco-Cycle: The book reuse company splits the book sale profits with Eco-Cycle to help support the CHaRM.

Big Durable #2 Plastics

Big durable #2 plastics are responsibly recycled in the U.S. and made into recycled plastic railroad ties. This very durable, long-lasting product can be used in place of virgin hardwood lumber railroad ties injected with creosote. Hardwood lumber takes a very long time to regrow, and creosote contains several toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, which can leach into the environment through contact with soil or water.

Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is used by a local manufacturer, Sustainable Oil Service, to create biodiesel.

Electronics

All electronics, like TVs, computers, printers, etc., are sent to our certified e-Stewards recycler for processing into raw materials for new manufacturing. Hard drives are shredded for data destruction by our processor and recycled locally as scrap metal. No local electronics reuse options currently meet the e-Stewards standards, but we continue to evaluate the reuse potential of the equipment we receive for possible future projects.

Fire Extinguishers

After the retardant is safely discharged, the metal cylinders are recycled.

Ink Jet and Laser Jet Cartridges

Ink jet and laser printer cartridges are sent to a company that is able to refurbish and refill most brands. Those that are not reusable are recycled when possible.

Plastic Bags and Plastic Bubble Wrap

Plastic bags are being processed and marketed to Trex, a company that produces a leading alternative to lumber and wood decks by creating lumber from recycled plastic bags, bubble wrap, stretch wrap from businesses, and wood waste such as wood chips, shavings, and sawdust.

Small Plastic Appliances

Small appliances are separated by material (plastic and metal). They are then ground up and used as raw materials for manufacturing new materials.

Textiles and Paired Reusable Shoes

Textiles brought to the CHaRM are reused and sent to communities in need in Africa. Materials that can’t be reused will be reused as industrial rags.

Toilets, Sinks and Urinals

These porcelain materials will be sent to a company that grinds up old concrete into a material that can be used in place of gravel road base in road construction projects.

Yoga Mats

The yoga mats we collect will be used as “textile” material for local companies like BolderPath to make new products like messenger bags, laptop covers, and totes.

#6 White Block Foam

Block foam packaging is sent to a polystyrene recycler who uses it to make products like CD cases, light switches and cover plates, and other household items made from polystyrene. Rigid foam insulation is turned into new rigid foam insulation for building foundations.

Here’s the list of our local recycling and reuse partners

Atlas Metals • 303-825-7166

BolderPath

Community Cycles

Diversified Imaging Systems • 303-817-9303

Green Guru

Magnum D’Or Resources

Metech Recycling

Recycled Materials Company

Rocky Mountain Sustainable Enterprises

Star Industrial Supplies • 303-295-7737

Sustainable Oil Service

The Wireless Alliance

The CHaRM depends upon partnerships with innovative local companies to expand the list of materials we can accept for reuse or recycling. If you have an idea for a recycled product to make out of a new or existing category of materials, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .