Zero Waste Denver
This push is part of our Zero Waste Colorado campaign.
Denver's waste diversion rate is only 26%! Join our campaign to turn Denver into a Zero Waste Leader.
SUPPORT A NEW WASTE SYSTEM IN DENVER
When it comes to recycling, Denver is one of the most wasteful cities in the nation with a low recycling and composting rate of only 26%. In comparison, peer cities are doing much better, including Seattle (54%), Fresno (70%), Austin (42%) and Salt Lake City (40%). It is estimated that up to 75% of Denver’s waste could be recycled or composted!
Recycling and Composting are Climate Solutions
Denver residents have requested for many years weekly recycling services, which would capture more recyclables that would have ended up in the landfill due to overflowing carts and make those materials available for remanufacturing, reducing demand on natural resources. Additionally, weekly compost collection would help keep organic material out of landfills, reducing methane emissions that contribute to climate change.
Incentivize recycling and composting for Denver residents.
Denver residents currently all pay the same rate for trash service, regardless of whether a household puts out five bags of trash per week or only one bag per month. However, residents must pay a monthly fee for curbside compost service, which creates a barrier to participation instead of a financial incentive to compost.
THE SOLUTION? AN EXPANDED WASTE POLICY FOR DENVER
A better solution is for Denver to implement an Expanded Waste Services system. Denver City Council is considering an overhaul of the way the city handles trash, recycling, and compost by adopting an Expanded Waste Services policy that will:- Provide weekly compost collection for those who want it at no additional cost
- Provide weekly recycling collection
- Create a “volume-based pricing” or “pay-as-you-throw” model for trash collection
- Create an instant rebate program to help low-income households pay for trash service
TAKE ACTION to Support a NEW Waste system for Denver!
City Council needs to hear from residents like YOU before they vote on this new system in June! There are three ways that you can lend your support:- Write to your City Council Member (it takes just a few minutes!). Use our form letter and talking points to contact your city council member. The most impactful emails are personalized and say why YOU are advocating for a more equitable and sustainable waste management system.
Write To Your City Council Member!
- Sign up for City Council’s General Public comment, which occurs every Monday starting at 5:00 p.m. The sign-up period opens up every Friday right at noon, and spots fill up quickly. You can deliver a comment virtually or in person.
- Do you represent an organization? Sign our Supportive Organization letter.
Learn more about Denver’s proposed Expanded Waste System
- City and County of Denver’s Expanded Waste Services Webpage
- Eco-Cycle's two-page handout on why we should support the Expanded Waste Services policy.
- Eco-Cycle's Expanded Waste Services FAQs
Get the facts on why Denver lags behind on recycling and how to transform the city into a Zero Waste leader
Recycling in Denver—How to Make the City a Sustainability Leader
Composting: How Denver Can Achieve Sustainability from the Ground Up
Denver's Sustainable Resource Management Plan
What Residents Can Do to Increase Recycling in Denver
Become a Denver Eco-Leader!
Stay in touch about the latest Zero Waste Denver updates and learn how you can make a difference where you live, work, and play in the city.
Sign Up!
Sign up for recycling and composting services
Make sure you have your purple recycling cart, then enroll in Denver’s compost program to get your green cart. For less than $10/month, you will be making a huge, positive impact on our future. Call Denver Recycles at (720) 913-1311 to get your carts.
Demand Services
If you live in an apartment building that does not have recycling or composting, talk to your landlord and ask for the service. In addition, contact your City Council member so they know how many of their constituents are being left behind.
Recycle Right
While recycling is a feel-good activity, it also operates as a business. The better job you do putting materials in the correct bin, the better materials can be recycled, making more money for the city and improving the programs the City can deliver to residents. Review these guidelines to make sure you only recycle what the city accepts and know the most important materials to keep out of your bin. See Figure 4 in this document.
Reduce and Reuse
To get started reducing your waste, check out this guide for the top five single-use, disposable items to avoid.
Check these sites for information about local thrift stores, donation sites, and tool libraries:
