City of Arvada, CO Rolls Out New Waste Recycling Program

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The City of Arvada has begun rolling out new recycling carts for residents as it officially launches its residential waste and recycling collection service in early July 2021. The City of Arvada’s Waste and Recycling Program provides low cost recycling to residents who are participating in the City’s new waste hauling service. Reduction of trash and diversion of waste were important factors for City Council when approving the City’s new program.

With this new recycling program, sorting recyclable items is not necessary. Residents will be able to place all recyclable items directly into a new, large recycling cart. The 95-gallon carts, which are equipped with wheels for easy movement and lids to keep recyclables contained and dry, will begin arriving at residents’ homes in June 2021 with the new service starting the week of July 5, 2021. The first week of recycling service will be July 12, 2021. “The City’s program provides low-cost curbside recycling to residents. I am excited that we have this opportunity to increase our community’s recycling rate,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dot Miller.

The City applied for and received a grant from The Recycling Partnership, a nonprofit organization that works with city governments nationwide to transform their recycling programs, to help the City and our residents reduce the cost of launching this recycling service. The City of Arvada was selected to receive grant support because of its dedication to advancing recycling in the community. The grant from The Recycling Partnership will help support more than 18,000 new recycling carts and includes funding for related education and outreach materials, as well as technical assistance for education efforts. “The City team is grateful for the grant from The Recycling Partnership,” said Councilmember At Large Bob Fifer. “Their support through funding and recycling education resources will make a big impact on our community.”

The City asks that residents do their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts, including glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products (including newspapers and flattened cardboard), and empty plastic bottles and containers. To help limit contamination, give food and drink containers a quick rinse and then place them directly into the recycling cart—no sorting needed.

“My family has for years been able to recycle far more than we put into the trash, to the point of an overflowing cart! We’ve chosen to downsize our trash cart and add a second recycling cart, and best of all my bill will drop from $35 a month to $18. I love that households can now customize to their needs and still save money!”  said Lauren Simpson, Councilmember District 2.

Some items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, paper towels, pizza boxes, electrical equipment, batteries, and clothing. These items often get mixed into recycling carts because of “wishcycling,” or the hope that they can be recycled. While well-intentioned, non-recyclable items cause serious issues. Residents can begin using their new waste carts the week of July 5, 2021. Biweekly recycling collection begins the week of July 12, 2021.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com