What happens to your CHaRM materials?
IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS NOTICE:
CLOSED: Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) and Eco-Cycle offices will be CLOSED to the general public until further notice in compliance with the City of Boulder's local emergency declaration and efforts to avoid the spread of COVID-19. No residential materials will be accepted at the CHaRM facility. Businesses in need of 1-time drop-off of CHaRM materials can leave a message at 303-444-6634 ext. 101 to make a drop-off appointment.
FOR NOW, STILL OPERATING BUT CLOSED TO PUBLIC TOURS: Eco-Cycle will continue to operate the Boulder County Recycling Center, so please keep recycling single-stream materials in your curbside recycling cart!
QUESTIONS: Eco-Cycle staff is working remotely, so you can still get the answers to your questions by calling 303-444-6634 or emailing recycle@ecocycle.org
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.
Children and Charities: Books are shared with more than 40 local charities to promote literacy in at-risk populations. The books are made available for children to take home at locations including 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 34 schools that participate in Eco-Cycle's Green Star Schools program.
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.
Bike Tires & Tubes
Bike tires and tubes are sent to Green Guru, a Boulder-based company that uses them to make upcycled bags and other gear.
Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is used by a local manufacturer, Sustainable Oil Service, to create biodiesel.
Electronics
As of Nov. 15, 2016, electronics and plastic appliances are recycled on-site through a new program from Eco-Cycle and Blue Star Recyclers that employs people with autism and other disAbilities. Trained as recycling technicians, these workers disassemble electronics at the CHaRM Facility in our newly retrofitted warehouse. Learn more at www.ecocycle.org/charm.
Because electronics are being disassembled on-site, we can now guarantee chain of custody and data security on-site. The CHaRM is in progress to be certified to the e-Steward standard, the strictest environmental standard in the industry.
Fire Extinguishers
After the retardant is safely discharged, the metal cylinders are recycled.
Ink Jet and Laser Jet Cartridges
Plastic Bags and Plastic Bubble Wrap
Small Plastic Appliances
Textiles and Paired Reusable Shoes
Toilets, Sinks and Urinals
Yoga Mats
#6 White Block Foam
Here’s the list of our local recycling and reuse partners
Atlas Metals • 303-825-7166
Diversified Imaging Systems • 303-817-9303
Rocky Mountain Sustainable Enterprises
Star Industrial Supplies • 303-295-7737
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 contact us.
