How to Reduce Waste in Denver: Zero Waste Tips for Sustainable Living

Denver, Colorado, is a city known for its stunning mountain views, vibrant cultural scene, and growing commitment to environmental sustainability. As urban populations expand and consumption patterns intensify, waste generation has become one of the most pressing challenges facing modern cities. In Denver, residents generate over 700,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually—much of it ending up in landfills despite the city’s ambitious goals to achieve zero waste by 2040. But what does “zero waste” really mean? It’s not about producing no waste at all. It’s about rethinking how we consume, reuse, recycle, and compost to drastically reduce what ends up in landfills. This guide offers a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for Denver residents looking to reduce their waste footprint and embrace a more circular, sustainable lifestyle.

Reducing waste isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for your wallet, your community, and your quality of life. By minimizing single-use items, embracing reusable alternatives, and participating in local recycling and composting programs, every Denverite can contribute to a cleaner, healthier city. This tutorial breaks down exactly how to do it, step by step, with practical tips, proven best practices, essential tools, real-life examples from Denver neighborhoods, and answers to the most common questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Audit Your Current Waste Habits

Before you can reduce waste, you need to understand what you’re throwing away. Spend one week collecting all your household trash in a single bin. At the end of the week, sort it into categories: plastic packaging, food scraps, paper, glass, metal, electronics, textiles, and other. Take notes on what appears most frequently. This audit will reveal your personal waste hotspots. In Denver, common culprits include takeout containers, coffee cups, plastic bags, and single-use water bottles. Once you identify your top three waste sources, you can target them with specific solutions.

2. Switch to Reusable Containers and Bags

Denver’s plastic bag ban, enacted in 2021, was a major step forward—but many residents still rely on disposable bags for groceries, produce, and other items. Start by keeping a set of reusable shopping bags in your car, by the door, or in your purse. Choose durable cotton, jute, or recycled polyester bags that can last for years. For produce, use lightweight mesh bags instead of plastic ones. At home, replace plastic wrap and sandwich bags with beeswax wraps, silicone lids, and glass or stainless-steel containers. These small changes eliminate hundreds of disposable items per year.

3. Eliminate Single-Use Coffee Cups and Bottles

Denver’s coffee culture is thriving, but so is the waste from disposable cups. Most paper coffee cups are lined with plastic and cannot be recycled in standard municipal streams. Carry a reusable coffee mug—many local cafés, including Bluebird Coffee Roasters, Ferg’s, and City O’ City, offer discounts of 10–25 cents when you bring your own. Similarly, replace bottled water with a refillable stainless-steel or glass bottle. Denver’s tap water is among the cleanest in the nation, rated highly by the Environmental Working Group. Install a simple carbon filter on your faucet if you prefer improved taste. Public refill stations are available at Denver Union Station, the Denver Public Library, and numerous parks and recreation centers.

4. Shop in Bulk and Avoid Over-Packaged Goods

Buying in bulk reduces packaging waste significantly. Denver has several bulk food stores where you can bring your own containers to fill with grains, nuts, spices, oils, and cleaning products. Popular locations include The Bulk Barn in the Highlands, The Refill Station in North Denver, and The Source’s Zero Waste Market. When shopping at conventional grocery stores, choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging—opt for cardboard boxes over plastic clamshells, glass jars over plastic tubs, and loose produce over pre-packaged bundles. Avoid individually wrapped snacks and single-serving items; instead, buy in larger quantities and portion them out at home.

5. Start Composting at Home

Food waste makes up nearly 30% of Denver’s landfill content. The good news? It’s fully compostable. Denver offers a curbside food scrap collection program through Denver Public Works, available to all residents. Sign up for free at denvergov.org/compost. You’ll receive a countertop bin and a larger outdoor cart. Acceptable items include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, bread, and even small amounts of grease and paper towels. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods if using a home compost pile, but these are acceptable in the city’s commercial composting system. If you don’t have curbside service, consider a countertop compost bin with a carbon filter or join a community drop-off program like Compost Crew’s neighborhood collection points.

6. Repair, Reuse, and Upcycle Before You Replace

Instead of tossing broken appliances, worn-out clothing, or outdated furniture, explore repair options. Denver has a growing network of repair cafes and makerspaces. Visit Repair Café Denver, held monthly at the Denver Central Library, where volunteers help fix electronics, clothing, and small appliances for free. For clothing, try mending tears with a needle and thread or learning basic sewing at workshops offered by The Sewing Studio in RiNo. Upcycle old jars into storage containers, turn worn-out T-shirts into cleaning rags, or transform wooden pallets into garden planters. These practices not only reduce waste but also foster creativity and self-sufficiency.

7. Choose Digital Over Paper

Denver residents receive an average of 200 pounds of paper waste per year—including bills, catalogs, flyers, and receipts. Switch to paperless billing with your bank, utility providers, and subscription services. Use apps like Google Keep or Evernote to store digital copies of important documents. When you must receive paper, opt for recycled content and recycle it properly. Many Denver libraries and community centers offer free shredding events to help you securely dispose of sensitive documents without landfilling them.

8. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items

Before throwing something away, ask: “Can someone else use this?” Denver has a strong culture of reuse. Donate gently used clothing, books, toys, and household goods to organizations like Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Denver Rescue Mission. For higher-value items, list them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Buy Nothing Denver groups. These hyper-local networks connect neighbors who give and receive items for free—no money exchanged. You’ll clear clutter, reduce waste, and strengthen community bonds.

9. Plan Meals and Store Food Properly

Food waste is one of the easiest areas to improve. Plan your weekly meals ahead of time and make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys. Store food correctly: keep herbs in water like flowers, store potatoes and onions in cool, dark places, and use glass containers with airtight lids to extend freshness. Freeze leftovers or excess produce before it spoils. Apps like “Too Good To Go” connect users with local restaurants and grocers selling surplus food at deep discounts—available in Denver’s urban core.

10. Participate in Community Cleanups and Advocacy

Waste reduction isn’t just a personal responsibility—it’s a collective one. Join Denver’s annual Clean Up Day, hosted by the City and County of Denver, or volunteer with organizations like Keep Denver Beautiful. These events remove litter from streets, parks, and riverbanks, preventing waste from entering waterways and ecosystems. Attend city council meetings to support policies that expand recycling access, ban single-use plastics, or fund compost infrastructure. Your voice helps shape a zero-waste future.

Best Practices

Adopt the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot

The 5 R’s provide a clear hierarchy for waste reduction. Refuse what you don’t need—free samples, plastic straws, promotional junk mail. Reduce what you do use—buy less, choose quality over quantity. Reuse items as much as possible—opt for durable, repairable goods. Recycle only what cannot be reused, and do it correctly. Rot (compost) organic matter. Following this order ensures you’re tackling waste at its source, not just managing it after the fact.

Know Denver’s Recycling Rules

Denver’s recycling program accepts clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and certain plastics (

1 and #2). But contamination is the biggest problem—food residue, plastic bags, and non-recyclable items can ruin entire batches. Always rinse containers, remove lids, and flatten cardboard. Never bag recyclables in plastic—put them loose in the bin. Visit denvergov.org/recycling for the most up-to-date guidelines. When in doubt, leave it out. Contamination costs the city millions annually and reduces recycling efficiency.

Support Zero-Waste Businesses

Denver is home to dozens of businesses committed to sustainable practices. Choose restaurants that use compostable packaging, shops that offer refill stations, and retailers that prioritize minimal packaging. Businesses like The Refill Station, Zero Waste Denver, and The Green Spot in Berkeley actively eliminate single-use items. Supporting them sends a market signal that sustainability matters—and encourages others to follow suit.

Make It a Family or Household Habit

Waste reduction is most effective when it becomes routine. Involve children in sorting recyclables, teach them to bring reusable containers to school, and turn composting into a fun science project. Create a “waste challenge” for your household—track how much trash you produce each week and aim to reduce it by 10% monthly. Celebrate milestones with zero-waste rewards: a picnic in City Park, a movie night with homemade popcorn, or a visit to a local farmers market.

Plan Ahead for Events and Travel

Denver hosts hundreds of festivals, sporting events, and outdoor gatherings each year. Bring your own water bottle, utensils, napkins, and food containers to events. Avoid buying souvenirs wrapped in plastic. When traveling, pack a zero-waste kit: cloth bag, reusable straw, bamboo toothbrush, and solid shampoo bars. Many Denver hotels now offer refillable toiletries—ask before accepting single-use amenities.

Use Seasonal and Local Products

Buying local reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste. Shop at Denver’s farmers markets—such as the Denver Central Market, South Broadway Farmers Market, and the Denver Botanic Gardens market—where produce is sold loose and often in reusable containers. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, which require less energy to grow and transport. Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to receive weekly boxes of fresh, unpackaged food directly from local farms.

Minimize Online Shopping Waste

Online orders often come with excessive packaging—bubble wrap, plastic air pillows, cardboard boxes, and stickers. Consolidate orders when possible. Choose retailers that use minimal, compostable, or recycled packaging. Leave a note at checkout requesting “no plastic” or “eco-packaging.” Return items using the original box instead of buying new shipping materials. Denver-based companies like EcoEnclose and Package Free Shop are leading the way in sustainable e-commerce packaging.

Track Your Progress

Measuring your impact keeps you motivated. Use a simple journal or app like “Zero Waste Home” or “MyZeroWaste” to log your weekly waste output. Note how much you’ve diverted from landfills through recycling, composting, and reuse. Set quarterly goals—e.g., “Reduce trash by 50% in 3 months.” Celebrate progress, even small wins. Over time, you’ll notice how much easier and more natural zero-waste living becomes.

Tools and Resources

Denver Public Works – Waste and Recycling Services

Denver Public Works offers free curbside recycling and compost collection to all residents. Sign up, schedule pickups, and access educational materials at denvergov.org/recycling. The website includes a searchable guide to what can and cannot be recycled, plus a calendar of hazardous waste drop-off events for batteries, electronics, and paint.

Compost Crew

Compost Crew provides residential and commercial compost pickup services across the Denver metro area. They offer flexible plans, educational workshops, and free starter kits. Visit compostcrew.com to learn how to join their network.

Denver Recycling and Composting Map

Use the interactive map at denvergov.org/recycling/map to find the nearest recycling drop-off center, compost drop-off location, or hazardous waste facility. This tool is especially helpful for apartment dwellers without curbside service.

Buy Nothing Denver (Facebook Group)

With over 30,000 members, this hyper-local network allows residents to give and receive items for free—from furniture to books to baby clothes. Search “Buy Nothing Denver” on Facebook and join your neighborhood group. It’s a powerful tool for reusing goods and building community.

Repair Café Denver

Hosted by the Denver Public Library and local volunteers, Repair Café Denver offers free repair services for electronics, clothing, bicycles, and small appliances. Held on the second Saturday of each month. Visit denverlibrary.org/events/repair-cafe for dates and locations.

Zero Waste Denver (Nonprofit)

This grassroots organization provides educational resources, hosts workshops, and advocates for policy change. Their website, zerowastedenver.org, offers downloadable guides on composting, zero-waste shopping, and plastic-free living.

Denver Farmers Markets

Denver’s network of over 20 farmers markets connects residents with local food producers. Most vendors use reusable or compostable packaging. Find a market near you at denvergov.org/farmersmarkets.

App Recommendations

• Too Good To Go – Save surplus food from restaurants and grocers at discounted prices.
• Recycle Coach – Get personalized waste collection schedules and reminders for Denver.
• Goodwill Donation Finder – Locate the nearest drop-off point for clothing and household items.
• Earth911 – Search for recycling centers for hard-to-recycle items like electronics, batteries, and light bulbs.

Free Educational Materials

Denver Public Library offers free workshops on composting, sustainable living, and waste reduction. Check their calendar at denverlibrary.org. The library also lends out compost bins, reusable shopping bags, and water filters to cardholders.

Real Examples

The Baker Neighborhood: From Landfill to Compost Hub

In 2020, a group of residents in the Baker neighborhood launched a community composting initiative after realizing their apartment complex had no curbside compost service. They partnered with Compost Crew to set up a shared outdoor bin and organized weekly drop-offs. Within a year, they diverted over 1,200 pounds of food waste from landfills. They now host monthly “Compost & Coffee” gatherings where neighbors share tips, recipes for using compost, and even grow herbs in shared garden beds using their finished compost.

Denver Public Schools’ Zero-Waste Lunch Program

Several Denver Public Schools, including East High and Montbello High, have eliminated plastic utensils, disposable trays, and single-use milk cartons. Students now use reusable trays, metal utensils, and refillable water stations. Lunch staff serve food in bulk containers, and leftover food is composted. The program has reduced lunchtime waste by 80% and saved the district over $15,000 annually in disposal fees.

Renovating a Historic Home: A Zero-Waste Approach

When a Denver homeowner renovated their 1920s bungalow, they diverted 92% of construction debris from landfills. Reclaimed wood from old floors was repurposed into countertops. Salvaged doors and windows were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Drywall and concrete were crushed and reused as fill material. Even paint cans were returned to the manufacturer through a take-back program. The project won a City of Denver Sustainability Award in 2022.

Zero-Waste Wedding in Capitol Hill

A couple in Capitol Hill planned a wedding with zero single-use plastics. Invitations were printed on seed paper that guests could plant. Food was served on rented ceramic plates and glassware. Decorations were made from potted plants and fabric banners. Leftover food was donated to a local shelter. The event generated less than two bags of trash—compared to the average wedding’s 50+ bags.

Local Business Spotlight: The Refill Station

Founded in 2021, The Refill Station in North Denver is a zero-waste grocery store where customers bring their own containers to fill with everything from laundry detergent to olive oil. They offer bulk spices, cleaning supplies, personal care items, and even pet food—all without packaging. The store has eliminated over 100,000 plastic containers since opening and has inspired three similar shops to open in nearby suburbs.

FAQs

Can I compost meat and dairy in Denver’s curbside program?

Yes. Denver’s municipal composting facility uses industrial-scale composting that can handle meat, dairy, bones, and greasy food scraps—unlike backyard compost piles. Just place them in your green cart. Do not put them in your home compost bin unless you’re using a specialized system like a Bokashi bucket.

What if I live in an apartment without curbside compost?

Many Denver apartments are eligible for compost collection—even if your building doesn’t offer it. Contact Compost Crew or the City of Denver to see if you can sign up individually. You can also drop off food scraps at one of the city’s 30+ public drop-off locations, including Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Zoo.

Are bioplastics and “compostable” plastics recyclable in Denver?

No. Most “compostable” plastics require industrial facilities and cannot be processed in standard recycling streams. They often contaminate recycling batches. Unless the item is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and you’re certain it will go to a commercial composter, treat it as trash. Stick to reusable containers instead.

How do I dispose of electronics and batteries safely?

Denver hosts free e-waste collection events monthly. You can also drop off electronics at the Denver Recycling and Transfer Station (11100 W. 36th Ave) or at Best Buy locations. Batteries can be dropped at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or the City’s hazardous waste facility. Never put them in regular trash or recycling.

Is it cheaper to live zero waste in Denver?

Yes, over time. While some reusable items require an upfront cost, they save money long-term. A $20 reusable water bottle replaces hundreds of bottled water purchases. A $15 set of beeswax wraps replaces hundreds of plastic wrap rolls. Buying in bulk, cooking at home, and repairing items instead of replacing them all lead to significant savings.

What if my neighbors aren’t interested in zero waste?

Lead by example. Share your progress, offer to help them start composting, or gift them a reusable bag or bottle. You don’t need everyone to join—just a few committed individuals can create ripple effects. Community change often starts with small, consistent actions.

Can I recycle pizza boxes in Denver?

Yes—if they’re not heavily greased. Tear off the greasy bottom and compost it, then recycle the clean top. If the entire box is soaked in grease, compost it instead. The grease contaminates paper recycling.

Where can I find refill stations for cleaning products?

Several Denver stores offer refill stations: The Refill Station, The Source’s Zero Waste Market, and Boulder-based Zero Waste Collective (with a Denver drop-off point). You can also find refill options at select Whole Foods and King Soopers locations.

Conclusion

Reducing waste in Denver isn’t a distant ideal—it’s a practical, achievable reality for every resident. From composting your coffee grounds to repairing your favorite jacket, every action adds up. The city’s infrastructure, community networks, and growing culture of sustainability provide the foundation. But the real change happens in your kitchen, your shopping cart, your car, and your conversations with neighbors.

Zero waste is not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about choosing a reusable cup over a disposable one, donating an old book instead of trashing it, or learning to compost your apple cores. These small, consistent choices create a culture of responsibility and care that extends far beyond your own doorstep.

As Denver continues to grow, so must our commitment to protecting its air, soil, and water. By reducing waste, we conserve resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create a cleaner, more resilient city for future generations. Start today. Audit your trash. Buy less. Reuse more. Compost everything you can. Support local businesses that share your values. And remember—you’re not alone. Thousands of Denverites are on the same journey. Together, we can turn the city’s zero-waste vision into a lived reality.