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Look for this decal on the doors of local governments working toward Zero Waste. |
Local governments working toward Zero Waste
Use the map or click from the list of towns at right to learn more about how our local governments are planning toward and implementing Zero Waste.
Boulder
City of Boulder adopts Zero Waste!
In May 2006, Boulder City Council voted in favor of a resolution in which the city “hereby encourages the pursuit of Zero Waste as a long-term goal in order to eliminate waste and pollution in the manufacture, use, storage and recycling of materials.” Council members also approved a waste reduction plan to set the course toward 85% recycling and composting in the City of Boulder by 2017, up from the current rate of 35% for the commercial and residential sectors combined.
The plan includes efforts such as expanded recycling programs, curbside composting service, commercial food waste collection, construction and demolition debris recycling, future landfill bans for electronic equipment, and possible ordinances such as local take-back laws where manufacturers of specific materials, such as electronics, are required to either take back their product for recycling at the end of its useful life, or to support the infrastructure that recycles the material. The purpose of the plan is to create a model of how government leadership can take future generations into consideration by creating new rules and strategies for Zero Waste and for a sustainable economy and ecosystem. Congratulations, Boulder!
Read the City of Boulder resolution.
Boulder County
Boulder County passes Zero Waste resolution
The Boulder County Commissioners have taken a historic step forward in the war against waste by adopting Zero Waste as a guiding principle for government decision-making. This move puts Boulder County in good company with some other progressive communities, such as San Francisco and nearly all of New Zealand, that are also taking significant action to eliminate the concept of waste management and instead create systems for resource management.
The County Commissioners are adopting Zero Waste as a guiding principle for all county government operations, and for outreach activities and waste reduction strategies within the community. Boulder County is committing to “promote, facilitate, and model Zero Waste in the community.” County staff has been directed to develop a Zero Waste Plan for Boulder County that will address both Boulder County “the organization” and Boulder County “the community and geographic area.” The Plan will be designed to achieve the initial goal of increasing waste diversion from the landfill for both the Boulder County government and for the county as a whole to 50% or better by the year 2010. The ultimate goal of Boulder County’s Zero Waste Plan is to design systems that eliminate the production of waste and achieve Zero Waste or “darn near” by 2025.
Read the county resolution.
Broomfield
Lafayette
The city of Lafayette contracted for universal curbside recycling in October 2007. Read more about Lafayette's decision to bring universal curbside recycling to its residents (p.1).
Longmont
City of Longmont adopts Zero Waste resolution
The city of Longmont approved a Zero Waste resolution in October 2008. Read the Longmont resolution.
Louisville
The city of Louisville adopted universal curbside recycling and composting for its residents in early 2009. The program is expected to begin in summer 2009. Learn more.
Lyons
Nederland
Superior
Who's Onboard with Zero Waste
Look for these window clings throughout Boulder and Broomfield Counties to identify businesses, governments, schools, businesses, volunteers, and retailers on the road to Zero Waste. Click on any of the clings to learn who has partnered with Eco-Cycle to build a Zero Waste community and how you get involved.
What are other communities doing to reach Zero Waste?
All around the world, communities are making exciting progress toward Zero Waste. Learn more about innovative programs and practices from around the globe.
More about Zero Waste
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