In 2023, 1.5 to 1.8 billion fewer bags were used in Colorado. That's according to an estimate by Eco-Cycle, a nonprofit recycling center that focuses on zero waste.

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"Last October, the ordinance went into effect to ensure all businesses within Aspen city limits with retail food licenses have been composting, donating, or disposing of organic waste instead of placing it within regular trash cans as had previously been accepted. And according to Waste Diversion and Recycling Administrator Ainsley Brosnan-Smith, since the program’s inception, it’s been nothing short of a complete success."

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Sustainability Interns gain new skills in environmental sustainability while providing education and outreach in the Eagle Valley community. Interns will learn hands-on skills in fostering sustainable behaviors while also gaining valuable experience in how mountain communities, governments, and businesses are taking action and monitoring their environmental impacts.

Last week, the City of Boulder's Emily Freeman was awarded the 2023 Green Champion award from the Colorado Green Building Guild for her work in deconstruction and outreach. Emily oversees the success of the City of Boulder’s deconstruction ordinance to keep carbon intensive building materials available for reuse and recycling. Since ordinance implementation, Boulder has diverted 77% of building materials from the landfill. Emily is leading efforts to identify opportunities for improvement, engage with the deconstruction community, and drive progress towards the city’s goals.

The Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling is accepting applications for a vacancy on the Producer Responsibility Advisory Board. This individual will represent the hauler of recyclable materials seat and continue in a three-year term that ends in December of 2025. We are accepting applications until January 26 or until the seat is filled.

Mini Contribution Grant RFA Now Available!

The Front Range Waste Diversion (FRWD) board of directors is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through a Request for Applications (RFA) process. The RFA offers mini contribution grants through a simplified application process for small-scale projects that are easy to implement and support the strategic goals of the FRWD program. Grant funds are exclusively available for equipment and supplies purchases that contribute to Front Range waste diversion efforts.

2023 Council & Committee Archive

Feel free to browse the previous meetings notes, recordings, and resources to see what each council and committee worked on in 2023. 

Denver, Colorado – 5280 Waste Solutions is pleased to announce it has formed a strategic partnership with the City and County of Denver to provide solid waste collection services at all City-owned facilities.

THE DENVER SERIES AIMS TO INCREASE GLASS RECYCLING RATES THROUGH A CITY-WIDE CHALLENGE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADING GLASS BOTTLE MANUFACTURER AND COMMUNITY PARTNER

Anna Perks
Perks Deconstruction
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Anna Perks founded and operates Perks Deconstruction, where she serves as an industry pioneer and subject matter expert in the construction and demolition material reuse sector. With an extensive 13-year background in waste management, business sustainability, environmental education, and business development, Anna's expertise extends beyond the operational aspects of her successful deconstruction business. She has dedicated substantial effort to research and analyze deconstruction and reuse policies across the United States. This deep understanding of policy terrain empowers her to offer the recycling industry invaluable insights and thought leadership. Anna is a practitioner and mentor, actively helping others develop and implement programs rooted in best practices. Her ability to synthesize complex policy and operational considerations enables her to guide organizations and individuals toward sustainable solutions. Anna's affiliations within various local and national reuse and deconstruction groups further underscore her commitment to driving positive change in the construction and demolition industry through a multifaceted approach.

Americans generate 23% more waste in December than other months of the year. Want to celebrate the holidays more sustainably? Check out Eco-Cycle's Zero Waste Holiday Guide, with new tips to help you find sustainable alternatives to traditional gift wrapping paper, reduce food waste, host Zero Waste gatherings, and more! 

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to fund projects, sustainable beyond the grant period, which will enhance the financial viability of recycling, composting, reuse, repurposing, and waste reduction in Colorado and will create new jobs in the state. Preventing waste before it is created is the most effective reduction method (reduce), followed by reuse, and recycle. 

Attention retail food establishments! Denver’s new Reuse Denver program can help your small business save money, reduce waste and create a better customer experience!

Attention retail food establishments! Denver’s new Reuse Denver program can help your small business save money, reduce waste and create a better customer experience!

In 2020, Governor Polis declared the third week of November “Colorado Recycles Week,” and in celebration, Eco-Cycle and CoPIRG just released our 7th annual State of Recycling and Composting in Colorado Report that examines the progress made by the state and Colorado communities in recycling and composting. Despite a low recycling rate, Colorado is poised for significant breakthroughs in reducing waste!

The City of Boulder’s first deconstruction project since its 2020 sustainability ordinance has single-handedly kept 60.8 million pounds out of the landfill. The deconstruction of the ex-hospital is the first of its kind in the United States. We are proud of the work by our member in the Construction & Deconstruction field. Read the article to learn more on how deconstruction and reuse can be possible even for large commercial buildings and projects! 

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Boulder County Public Works Department is seeking to hire a Zero Waste Program Manager.  A main objective for Boulder County is to reach Zero Waste, or darn near, by 2025. We are looking for an experienced individual to take the lead as a Zero Waste Program Manager. In this role, the Program Manager will direct activities and oversee the Public Works Resource Conservation Divisions programs related to sustainability, including composting, recycling, and zero waste. 

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Wompost, which stands for Woman-Owned Composting, is a for-profit social enterprise. It is the only compost collection and delivery service based in Aurora, Colorado and services surrounding areas. Wompost provides a simple way to recycle biodegradable waste into compost. Just like curbside trash pickup, they collect food scraps, BPI certified compostable products, and yard waste from customers’ homes and businesses and bring back finished compost soil. They also provide easy and affordable drop-off sites throughout their service area and sell compost soil in bulk.