How to Reduce Plastic Use in Denver

Denver, Colorado—a city celebrated for its sweeping mountain vistas, vibrant urban culture, and deep commitment to sustainability—is at a critical crossroads in its fight against plastic pollution. While the city has made strides in recycling programs and green infrastructure, single-use plastics continue to clog landfills, pollute waterways, and harm wildlife. From plastic straws littering Cherry Creek to microplastics infiltrating the South Platte River, the environmental cost is undeniable. Reducing plastic use in Denver isn’t just an ecological imperative—it’s a civic responsibility. This guide offers a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for residents, businesses, and community leaders to significantly cut plastic consumption, foster sustainable habits, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier city. Whether you’re a homeowner, a student, a restaurant owner, or a city advocate, these strategies are designed to be practical, scalable, and deeply rooted in Denver’s unique environmental context.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Audit Your Personal Plastic Consumption

Before making changes, you must understand where plastic enters your life. For one week, document every plastic item you use and discard: grocery bags, water bottles, food packaging, takeout containers, coffee cup lids, and even toothbrushes. Keep a small notebook or use a digital app like “My Plastic Footprint” to track patterns. You’ll likely discover that 70% or more of your plastic waste comes from food and beverage packaging. In Denver, where farmers markets and local breweries thrive, many residents overlook the plastic packaging that accompanies otherwise “eco-friendly” products. Once you identify your top three plastic culprits, you can target them with specific replacements.

2. Replace Single-Use Bags with Reusables

Denver passed a citywide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2020, but many residents still rely on them out of habit or convenience. The solution is simple: always carry reusable bags. Keep them in your car, backpack, or by the front door. Invest in durable, foldable totes made from recycled materials—brands like Baggu and Baggu’s Denver-made partners offer stylish, washable options. For produce, use mesh bags instead of thin plastic ones. Denver’s City Market, 303 Farmers Market, and other local vendors now offer discounts for bringing your own bags. Over time, this habit saves money and eliminates hundreds of plastic bags from entering the waste stream annually.

3. Ditch Plastic Water Bottles

Denver’s tap water is among the cleanest in the nation, sourced from snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains. Yet, bottled water sales remain high, fueled by misinformation and marketing. Install a high-quality home filtration system—such as a countertop pitcher with activated carbon or a faucet-mounted filter—to ensure great-tasting, safe water. Carry a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle. Brands like Klean Kanteen and S’well are widely available in local stores like REI, City Market, and The Common Table. Denver has over 100 public water refill stations, including locations at Denver International Airport, City and County Building, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and numerous parks. Download the “Refill” app to locate the nearest station. By switching to tap water, a single person can eliminate over 150 plastic bottles per year.

4. Choose Bulk and Package-Free Shopping

Denver’s growing network of zero-waste and bulk stores makes it easier than ever to avoid plastic packaging. Visit The Refillery in the RiNo Arts District, which offers everything from shampoo and cleaning supplies to grains and spices in reusable containers. You bring your own jars or buy theirs, fill them, and pay by weight. Other options include The Fresh Market in North Denver, Boulder’s Natural Grocers (with a Denver location), and the Denver Co-op. Even grocery chains like King Soopers and Safeway now have bulk bins for nuts, dried fruit, and cereal—just bring your own containers. Avoid pre-packaged produce; select loose items and place them directly into your cloth bags. This approach reduces plastic waste at the source and often saves money.

5. Avoid Plastic Cutlery and Takeout Containers

Denver’s thriving food scene means takeout is a daily reality for many. But most food delivery and dine-in services still use plastic utensils, stirrers, and clamshell containers. When ordering, always select “no utensils” or “no napkins” on delivery apps. Bring your own bamboo or stainless steel cutlery set in a compact case. For coffee, carry a reusable cup—many Denver cafes, including Sweet Bloom Coffee, Huckleberry Roasters, and Corvus Coffee, offer discounts (typically $0.50–$1.00) for bringing your own mug. If you must use takeout containers, choose restaurants that use compostable alternatives (look for BPI-certified packaging) and return them to a commercial composting facility. Avoid Styrofoam at all costs—it never biodegrades and is banned in Denver.

6. Switch to Plastic-Free Personal Care Products

Toothbrushes, razors, shampoo bottles, and cotton swabs are major plastic offenders. Replace plastic toothbrushes with bamboo ones from brands like The Humble Co. or Brush with Bamboo, available at Denver’s Zero Waste Market. Use bar soap and shampoo bars instead of bottled products—Lush and local makers like Denver’s Melt Soap Co. offer plastic-free options. For menstrual care, consider reusable menstrual cups or cloth pads. Dental floss can be swapped for silk or bamboo-based floss in refillable glass containers. These changes reduce not only plastic waste but also exposure to microplastics and chemical additives found in conventional products.

7. Opt for Sustainable Packaging in Household Goods

Household cleaning supplies are often sold in plastic bottles filled with toxic chemicals. Make the switch to concentrated refills or DIY solutions. Vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap can clean nearly every surface in your home. Purchase concentrated cleaners from Denver-based companies like Eco-Me or Blueland, which ship tablets in paper packaging that you dissolve in water. For laundry, use soap nuts or plastic-free detergent strips. Paper towels can be replaced with reusable cloths made from old t-shirts. Even toilet paper is available in plastic-free, compostable packaging from brands like Who Gives A Crap, which delivers directly to Denver homes.

8. Advocate for Plastic Reduction in Your Workplace or School

Change doesn’t stop at home. Initiate a plastic reduction initiative at your office, school, or community center. Propose replacing plastic water bottles with filtered water stations. Encourage the use of ceramic mugs instead of disposable cups. Work with cafeteria staff to eliminate plastic straws and utensils. Suggest bulk purchasing of snacks and supplies to reduce packaging waste. In Denver, schools like Denver Public Schools and the University of Denver have already begun transitioning to compostable serveware and eliminating single-use plastics. You can join or start a Green Team to lead these efforts. Present data on waste reduction and cost savings to gain leadership buy-in.

9. Participate in Local Cleanup Efforts

Even with the best intentions, plastic waste still finds its way into Denver’s parks, trails, and rivers. Join organized cleanups through organizations like Denver Parks & Recreation, the South Platte River Cleanup Initiative, or the nonprofit Clean Up Denver. These events occur monthly and are open to all ages. Volunteers have removed over 12 tons of plastic waste from the South Platte River corridor since 2020. Bring your own gloves and reusable water bottle to the event. Document your findings using the Litterati app to help identify the most common plastic items in your neighborhood. This data can be used to lobby for better waste management policies.

10. Support Legislation and Local Policy

Denver has enacted several ordinances to reduce plastic waste, including bans on plastic bags, Styrofoam, and straws. But more can be done. Support the proposed “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) bill, which would require manufacturers to pay for the recycling or disposal of their packaging. Attend City Council meetings and speak in favor of plastic reduction policies. Join advocacy groups like Colorado Public Interest Research Group (COPIRG) or the Plastic Pollution Coalition’s Denver chapter. Write letters to local representatives urging them to support bottle deposit return systems and mandatory composting laws. Your voice as a Denver resident matters—policy change is often driven by public pressure.

Best Practices

1. Embrace the “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Hierarchy

Recycling is not the solution—it’s the last resort. The most effective strategy is to refuse single-use plastics entirely, then reduce what you must use, reuse items as often as possible, and only recycle what’s truly unavoidable. In Denver, less than 20% of plastic waste is successfully recycled; the rest ends up in landfills or the environment. Prioritize refusal: say no to plastic straws, promotional giveaways, and unnecessary packaging. Every item you refuse is one less piece of plastic that must be processed, transported, or incinerated.

2. Prioritize Local and Seasonal Products

Locally sourced food and goods travel shorter distances and require less packaging. Shop at Denver’s farmers markets—such as the Denver City Market, Berkeley Farmers Market, or the Highlands Farmers Market—to buy directly from growers who use minimal or no plastic. Seasonal produce doesn’t need to be shipped from thousands of miles away, reducing both emissions and packaging waste. Local honey, bread, cheese, and meats are often sold in paper or glass containers. Supporting local also strengthens the regional economy and builds community resilience.

3. Educate and Inspire Others

Change is contagious. Share your journey on social media, host a “Plastic-Free July” challenge with friends, or host a neighborhood swap event where people exchange reusable items. Talk to your kids about why plastic harms animals and oceans. Denver Public Library offers free sustainability workshops and children’s books on environmental stewardship. When others see you using a metal straw or carrying a cloth bag, they’re more likely to follow. Lead by example—your actions speak louder than any lecture.

4. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion, cheap electronics, and disposable home goods are often wrapped in plastic and designed to break. Invest in durable, long-lasting items—even if they cost more upfront. A well-made stainless steel water bottle lasts decades. A wooden cutting board outlasts plastic. A wool coat doesn’t shed microplastics like synthetic fabrics. In Denver’s climate, where outdoor gear is essential, choose gear from companies like Patagonia or Cotopaxi that use recycled materials and offer repair services. Quality reduces consumption, which reduces plastic waste.

5. Compost Organic Waste to Reduce Plastic Bag Use

Denver’s municipal composting program accepts food scraps, so you don’t need plastic trash bags for kitchen waste. Use compostable paper bags or line your bin with newspaper. Avoid compostable plastic bags unless they’re BPI-certified—many “biodegradable” plastics don’t break down in municipal compost facilities and contaminate the process. Composting reduces methane emissions and turns waste into nutrient-rich soil for Denver’s community gardens, like the ones in Five Points or Westwood.

6. Avoid “Greenwashing”

Not all “eco-friendly” products are truly sustainable. Some companies label plastic as “recyclable” even when local facilities can’t process it. Others use “plant-based” plastics that still pollute if not industrially composted. Always check certifications: BPI for compostable, Recyclable

1 or #2 for true recyclables, and Fair Trade or Cradle to Cradle for ethical production. Denver’s Office of Environmental Health and Sustainability provides a guide to identifying legitimate eco-labels on their website.

7. Plan Ahead to Avoid Impulse Plastic Purchases

Many plastic items are bought on the spur of the moment: snacks in plastic wrappers, bottled drinks, disposable razors. Combat this by planning meals, packing lunches, and keeping a “plastic-free kit” in your bag: reusable utensils, a cloth napkin, a foldable bag, and a refillable water bottle. When you’re prepared, you’re less likely to rely on convenience packaging. This simple habit can eliminate dozens of plastic items per month.

8. Support Businesses Leading the Way

Choose to spend your money with businesses actively reducing plastic. In Denver, restaurants like Root Down, The Populist, and Sushi Den have eliminated plastic straws and packaging. Retailers like The Refillery, Zero Waste Market, and Boulder’s Natural Grocers (with Denver locations) operate entirely without plastic. Look for the “Plastic-Free Business” sticker displayed in windows. When you support these businesses, you send a market signal that sustainability drives sales.

9. Monitor Your Progress

Track your plastic reduction over time. Keep a monthly log: “This month, I used 12 plastic bags instead of 45 last month.” Celebrate milestones. Share your wins with your community. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Even reducing your plastic use by 50% makes a measurable difference when multiplied across Denver’s 700,000+ residents.

10. Think Long-Term: Build Systems, Not Habits

Habits fade. Systems endure. Make plastic reduction part of your daily routine: store reusable bags in your car door, keep a bamboo toothbrush in your travel bag, set a monthly reminder to refill your cleaning supplies. Install a water filter at home. Subscribe to a bulk delivery service. Once systems are in place, you don’t have to think about it—you just do it. That’s how lasting change happens.

Tools and Resources

Denver-Specific Apps and Websites

Refill – A free mobile app that locates public water refill stations across Denver, including at DIA, Denver Botanic Gardens, and Denver Public Library branches.

Litterati – A citizen science app that lets you photograph and tag litter you find during cleanups. Data is mapped and used to influence city policy.

Denver Recycles – The official website of Denver’s waste management program. Offers guides on recycling rules, composting, and hazardous waste drop-off locations.

Zero Waste Denver – A community-driven blog and resource hub with local tips, product reviews, and event listings for plastic-free living.

Local Retailers and Bulk Stores

The Refillery – RiNo location offering shampoo, detergent, vinegar, and more in refillable containers. Accepts your own jars.

Zero Waste Market – Located in the Berkeley neighborhood, this store sells everything from bulk grains to plastic-free personal care items.

City Market – Denver’s historic farmers market with dozens of vendors offering package-free produce and goods.

The Fresh Market – Offers bulk bins and reusable bag discounts at its Denver location.

Workshops and Community Groups

Denver Environmental Health – Hosts free monthly workshops on sustainable living, waste reduction, and composting.

COPIRG – Colorado Public Interest Research Group runs campus and community campaigns to reduce plastic pollution and advocate for policy change.

Plastic Free July Denver – A citywide challenge in July where residents pledge to avoid single-use plastics. Join thousands of locals and receive weekly tips.

Educational Materials

“Plastic-Free Denver” PDF Guide – Available for free download from the City of Denver’s Sustainability Office. Includes maps of refill stations, compost drop-offs, and zero-waste businesses.

Denver Public Library’s Sustainability Collection – Check out books like “Zero Waste Home” by Bea Johnson and “The Story of Plastic” documentary on library tablets.

Donations and Recycling Centers

Denver Recycling Center – Accepts hard-to-recycle plastics like

3–#7, including clean plastic film and bags (drop off at participating King Soopers locations).

Goodwill Denver – Accepts clean, unwanted plastic containers for reuse in art programs and community projects.

Denver Botanic Gardens – Hosts seasonal workshops on composting and sustainable gardening, often using repurposed containers.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Coffee Shop That Eliminated Plastic

Corvus Coffee, a Denver-based roaster with multiple locations, made headlines in 2022 when it eliminated all single-use plastic from its operations. Staff now use stainless steel tongs for sugar, ceramic mugs for in-house customers, and compostable paper sleeves for to-go drinks. They partnered with a local supplier to create a reusable cup program: customers pay a $5 deposit for a durable, insulated cup and receive $1 off every drink when they bring it back. Within a year, Corvus reduced its plastic waste by 92% and saw a 15% increase in customer loyalty. Their success inspired other local cafes to follow suit.

Example 2: A Family’s Plastic-Free Journey

The Martinez family of Lakewood, Denver’s western suburb, decided to go plastic-free after their 7-year-old daughter learned about ocean pollution in school. Over six months, they replaced plastic food storage with glass jars, switched to bar soap and shampoo, started composting, and began shopping at The Refillery. They stopped buying bottled water and installed a filter. They now make their own cleaning solutions with vinegar and essential oils. Their monthly trash output dropped from two full bags to one small bin every six weeks. Their story was featured in the Denver Post and inspired their neighborhood to start a “Plastic-Free Block” initiative.

Example 3: The University’s Zero-Waste Dining Program

The University of Denver launched its “Green Plate” initiative in 2021, eliminating plastic utensils, straws, and to-go containers from all campus dining halls. Students now use reusable trays and utensils stored in lockers. Food waste is composted, and leftovers are donated. The program saved the university over $120,000 in plastic procurement costs in its first year. Student volunteers lead awareness campaigns, and the dining hall now features a “Plastic-Free Day” each month with themed meals and educational displays. The model has been adopted by other Colorado universities.

Example 4: The Grocery Chain That Went Package-Free

King Soopers, a major grocery chain in Colorado, piloted a “No Plastic Produce” program at its Denver Central location. Instead of plastic bags for fruits and vegetables, they introduced mesh bags made from recycled ocean plastic and encouraged customers to bring their own. They removed plastic-wrapped pre-cut produce and replaced it with loose items. Signage educates shoppers on the environmental impact of plastic packaging. Within nine months, the store reduced plastic bag use by 80% and saw a 22% increase in customers using reusable bags. The success led to the rollout of the program across 12 additional Denver-area locations.

Example 5: A Nonprofit’s Plastic-Free Festival

Denver Arts & Venues partnered with local nonprofits to host the “Plastic-Free Music Fest” at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2023. All vendors were required to use compostable or reusable serving ware. Attendees received a free reusable cup upon entry and could refill it at water stations. No plastic bottles were sold on-site. The event generated zero landfill waste and collected over 2,000 plastic bottles from attendees who had brought them in. The festival’s success led to a permanent “Plastic-Free Events” policy for all city-sponsored outdoor gatherings.

FAQs

Is it really possible to live plastic-free in Denver?

While absolute zero plastic may be unrealistic for most people, drastically reducing plastic use is not only possible—it’s already happening in Denver. Many residents use refill stations, shop at zero-waste stores, and avoid single-use items daily. The goal isn’t perfection but progress. Even reducing plastic by 70% has a massive collective impact.

What happens to recycled plastic in Denver?

Denver’s recycling facility accepts

1 and #2 plastics (bottles and jugs), but contamination from food residue or mixed plastics often renders loads unusable. Much of the plastic collected is shipped out of state or exported overseas, where regulations may be weaker. The most effective strategy is to avoid plastic altogether rather than rely on recycling.

Are compostable plastics a good alternative?

Only if they’re BPI-certified and processed in an industrial composting facility. Most compostable plastics won’t break down in home compost bins or landfills. In Denver, only a few facilities accept them. When in doubt, choose paper, glass, or metal instead.

How can I encourage my landlord to install a water filter?

Present data on cost savings and health benefits. A high-quality filter costs less than $100 and eliminates the need for bottled water. Many landlords are open to upgrades that reduce waste and appeal to eco-conscious tenants. Offer to split the cost or provide a list of Denver-approved models.

What should I do with plastic I can’t avoid?

Clean it thoroughly and take it to a designated drop-off location like King Soopers for plastic film or the Denver Recycling Center for hard-to-recycle items. Never put plastic bags or film in curbside recycling—they jam machinery.

Are there any Denver businesses that offer plastic-free delivery?

Yes. Companies like Freshly and local meal prep services like The Plant-Based Pantry deliver meals in reusable glass containers. Customers return the containers via mail or drop-off. Look for “returnable packaging” labels on delivery apps.

Why doesn’t Denver have a bottle deposit law like Oregon or Michigan?

Denver has not yet implemented a bottle deposit system, though advocacy groups are pushing for it. A deposit law would incentivize return and recycling of beverage containers, reducing litter and landfill waste. Residents can support HB24-1287, a proposed state bill to establish a deposit system in Colorado.

Can I recycle plastic toys or containers from kids’ meals?

No. Most plastic toys and food containers are made from mixed or low-grade plastics (

6 or #7) that Denver’s recycling facilities cannot process. Donate intact toys to local thrift stores or children’s centers. Otherwise, dispose of them in the trash—avoid sending them to recycling bins.

How can I teach my kids about reducing plastic?

Use hands-on activities: make a “plastic-free jar” where you collect all the plastic your family uses in a week. Let them help sort items into “need,” “replace,” and “avoid.” Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s “Plastic in Our Oceans” exhibit. Read books like “The Lorax” or “A Plastic Ocean.” Kids are powerful advocates—they’ll remind you to bring your bags!

What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to reduce plastic?

Believing recycling is enough. Recycling is broken. The real solution is refusing plastic at the source. Don’t buy it. Don’t accept it. Don’t use it. That’s where real change begins.

Conclusion

Reducing plastic use in Denver isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. Every plastic bottle refused, every reusable bag carried, every bulk purchase made, and every policy supported adds up to a cleaner, healthier city. Denver’s natural beauty, from the Rocky Mountains to the South Platte River, deserves protection. The tools, resources, and community support are already here. What’s missing is consistent, collective action.

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with one change: carry a water bottle. Say no to a plastic straw. Visit The Refillery. Join a cleanup. Talk to a neighbor. Small actions, multiplied by thousands of residents, create seismic shifts.

Denver has the spirit, the innovation, and the community to lead the nation in plastic reduction. The mountains watch. The rivers flow. The future is in your hands. Choose to reduce. Choose to refuse. Choose to act—for Denver, for the planet, and for generations to come.