February 2026 Resource Conservation Division Newsletter

Hello and welcome to the Public Works Resource Conservation Division Newsletter, February 2026 Edition.

I’m so happy to be in your inbox.  

This quarterly newsletter will keep you up-to-date with Resource Conservation Division (RCD) news and provide fun and helpful information and resources

RCD Highlight

The Boulder County Recycling Center (BCRC) turns 25 this year! 

A note from our Deputy Director, Cody Lillstrom:

It’s easy after 25 years of successful operation to take an asset like the BCRC for granted. 

“Of course, we recycle in Boulder County! Of course, we have a local facility to process our recyclables!”, one might exclaim as if it were so matter-of-fact, it was ridiculous to even verbalize.  

But let there be no mistake, the BCRC is a special place.  

It was revolutionary at the time of its conception for a local government to build such a facility. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to get state-of-the-art technology for efficient sorting and processing. And, it is the only educational recycling center in the state; something we are very proud of around here. Our staff and partners lead tours for people ages 5-95, raising awareness about recycling’s positive impacts and giving them a chance to see how it all works. Do yourself a favor and come to the BCRC to tour the facility yourself. We’re sure once you see it you won’t be the same again…  

Why does 25 years of recycling matter for the community? 

Celebrating 25 years of recycling is a testament to our community’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, localized service, and engagement. The BCRC has helped divert tons of waste from landfills, conserve valuable resources, reduce pollution, and create local jobs. More than a recycling center, it stands as a model of sustainability and community collaboration—an inspiring example of what’s possible when we work together.  

Because of voter support for establishing the center and the continued support of community members through their dedicated recycling efforts, the BCRC is going strong and will continue to thrive for years to come. 

What is ahead for the BCRC? 

With Extended Producer Responsibility coming online in Colorado this year, things are only going to get better for the people of Boulder County, the BCRC, and for recycling throughout the state. 

Here’s to 25 more years of conserving our planet's natural resources through recycling at the Boulder County Recycling Center!  

J. Cody Lillstrom

Resource Conservation Division Deputy Director

Resource  Highlight

Let’s talk about contamination in your recycling bin.

The Boulder County Recycling Center has a 12% residue rate, meaning 12% of what comes through the facility ends up in the landfill. Yes, that is super low and great, but, honestly, it could be lower. Let’s look at a few of the big contaminants and their effect on our operations.

• Shredded Paper
  • Shredded paper is small and has a hard time making it to the proper paper area in the facility so it will not be recycled. Instead, it falls into the glass line as the glass is processed. The facility does its best to get the paper out with vacuums above the conveyor belt, but we find quite a bit of it in the glass at the end.
  • There are three options for shredded paper:
    • Take your documents to the EcoCycle CHaRM or Western Disposal to get shredded. They can collect shredded paper without contaminating other material streams.
    • Use a permanent marker to black out any confidential information on your documents and then recycle the paper whole.
    • Take shredded paper to the drop-off center at 1901 63^rd There is a dedicated shredded paper roll-off.
• Plastic Bags
  • Plastic bags are a contaminant in single-stream recycling because they can easily get tangled in various parts of the operation.
  • Please don’t bag your recyclables. Recyclables should be loose in your recycling bin.
  • Options for plastic bag disposal:
    • Clean plastic bags can go to the EcoCycle CHaRM facility or to participating King Soopers.
    • These places collect clean plastic bags. They will be sent to be made into products such as decking and Adirondack chairs.
•  Batteries
  • Batteries are a fire hazard in the BCRC. They can ignite if they are crushed, punctured, or compacted during our operations.
  • This is not only hazardous for the facility itself but also for the people who are sorting through recyclables.
  • Please take all batteries to the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility.
• Compostable bowls, plates, cups, utensils
  • Compostable is not the same thing as recyclable.
  • The paper fibers or the plant-based plastic that these items are made of is not desirable to our end markets.
  • All compostable items go in the trash in Boulder County.
  • The best option for these things is reusables!

Odds and Ends

• RCD is hosting an open houseat the recycling center. We'll be celebrating the recycling center, The Lorax, and all he stands for. 
  • This Free event will be on Tuesday, March 17, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Boulder County Recycling Center.
  • What you can expect:
    • Self-guided tours of the recycling center with staff on site to answer questions  
    • Informational tables hosted by local sustainability partners like Wildfire Partners, Keep It Clean Partnership, and the Louisville Public Library
    • The Lorax (PG, 2012) will be playing in the Education Room starting at 10:30 a.m. 
    • The Rush Coffee truck for coffee and hot chocolate on us!  

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