How to Start a Recycling Program in Denver

Denver, Colorado, is a city known for its commitment to sustainability, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. As urban populations grow and waste generation increases, the need for effective, community-driven recycling programs has never been more critical. Starting a recycling program in Denver isn’t just about collecting bottles and cans—it’s about building a culture of responsibility, reducing landfill burden, conserving natural resources, and meeting the city’s ambitious climate goals. Whether you’re a neighborhood association, a business owner, a school administrator, or a resident looking to make a difference, this guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to launching a successful recycling program tailored to Denver’s unique regulations, infrastructure, and community dynamics.

Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment (DPHE) has set a target of achieving 60% waste diversion from landfills by 2030. To reach this goal, community-led initiatives play a pivotal role. Unlike cities with mandatory curbside recycling, Denver’s recycling infrastructure relies heavily on voluntary participation, public education, and local partnerships. This means that the success of any recycling program hinges on thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with city guidelines. This tutorial walks you through every phase—from initial research to long-term sustainability—equipping you with the knowledge and tools to create a program that lasts.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Scope

Before launching any initiative, determine the scale and purpose of your recycling program. Are you targeting a single apartment building? A commercial office complex? A K–12 school? A neighborhood association spanning several blocks? The scope will dictate your resources, logistics, and outreach strategy.

Begin by conducting a waste audit. Over the course of one week, collect and sort waste from your target location. Record the volume and type of materials thrown away—paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, food waste, and non-recyclable contaminants. This data will help you estimate the volume of recyclables you can realistically collect and justify your program’s potential impact to stakeholders.

For residential areas, consider population density and housing type. High-rise buildings may require centralized collection points, while single-family neighborhoods may benefit from curbside bins. For commercial entities, evaluate daily waste output and employee count. Schools might focus on cafeteria waste and classroom paper. Understanding your baseline is the foundation of an effective program.

Step 2: Research Denver’s Recycling Regulations and Services

Denver operates under a hybrid recycling model: residents and businesses can choose private haulers or use the city’s municipal services. The city provides free curbside recycling to single-family homes and some multi-family units through DPHE’s “Recycle Denver” program. However, not all properties are covered—especially older apartment complexes or commercial zones.

Visit the official Recycle Denver website to review accepted materials, collection schedules, and prohibited items. Key rules to note:

• Accepted: Clean paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastics labeled

  1–#7 (excluding plastic bags and film).

• Not accepted: Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-contaminated containers, electronics, batteries, hazardous waste, textiles, and yard waste.

If your location is not eligible for city service, you’ll need to partner with a private hauler. Companies like Waste Management, Republic Services, and local providers such as Eco-Cycle offer commercial and multi-family recycling services. Compare pricing, frequency of pickup, and reporting capabilities before committing.

Additionally, Denver enforces the “Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban” (effective 2021), which requires retailers to charge for bags or provide reusable alternatives. This regulation reinforces the need for education around proper disposal and recycling habits.

Step 3: Secure Support and Build a Team

Recycling programs fail without buy-in. Identify key stakeholders: property managers, building owners, school principals, local business owners, neighborhood council members, or city council representatives. Schedule meetings to present your findings from the waste audit and propose a clear plan.

Form a core team of 3–5 volunteers or staff members with diverse skills—logistics, communication, data tracking, and community outreach. Assign roles such as Program Coordinator, Education Lead, Collection Monitor, and Data Reporter. Consider partnering with local environmental nonprofits like Eco-Cycle or the Denver Green School Network for additional support and credibility.

For schools and workplaces, seek endorsement from leadership. A formal letter of support from a principal or CEO can help secure funding, space for bins, and employee participation. In residential settings, host a community meeting to present the plan, answer questions, and recruit “Recycling Champions” in each building or block.

Step 4: Choose the Right Collection System

The collection system you select depends on your location and resources. Here are the most common models in Denver:

Curbside Collection (Residential)

If your property is eligible for city service, ensure all units receive a city-issued blue recycling cart. If not, contract with a private hauler. Coordinate delivery dates and confirm the cart size (64-gallon or 96-gallon) matches your volume needs. Place bins in consistent, accessible locations—near trash dumpsters or at building entrances.

Centralized Drop-Off Stations

For multi-family buildings without curbside service, install labeled recycling bins in a common area—such as a lobby, garage, or courtyard. Use clear signage with pictograms to indicate acceptable materials. Add a lockable bin if theft or contamination is a concern. Schedule weekly checks to empty bins and prevent overflow.

Mobile or Event-Based Collection

For neighborhood festivals, farmers markets, or school events, set up temporary recycling stations. Use branded bins with signage and assign volunteers to monitor them. Partner with Eco-Cycle or Denver Recycles to borrow bins and receive training on proper sorting.

Specialized Collection for Hard-to-Recycle Items

Denver offers free drop-off locations for electronics, batteries, and hazardous waste. Consider organizing quarterly “E-Waste Collection Days” in partnership with the city or local retailers like Best Buy. This adds value to your program and encourages broader participation.

Step 5: Procure and Label Bins

Use standardized, clearly labeled bins to reduce contamination. Avoid generic trash bins. Instead, use bins with color-coded lids and graphics:

• Blue: Recyclables (paper, plastic, metal, glass)
• Green: Compost (if implementing food waste collection)
• Black: Landfill (only if necessary)

Label bins with Denver DPHE-approved graphics. Download free signage from the Recycle Denver Signage Library. Include simple instructions: “No Food Residue,” “Rinse Containers,” “No Plastic Bags.”

For outdoor bins, choose durable, weather-resistant materials with secure lids to deter animals and wind. For indoor use, compact, foot-pedal bins work well in kitchens and break rooms. Avoid overcomplicating the system—three bins (recycle, compost, landfill) are easier to follow than five.

Step 6: Launch an Education Campaign

Contamination is the

1 reason recycling programs fail. One dirty pizza box or plastic bag can ruin an entire load. Education is not optional—it’s the backbone of success.

Create a multi-channel campaign:

• Posters and Flyers: Place near bins, elevators, bulletin boards, and entrances. Use visuals over text.
• Email and Newsletter Updates: Send monthly tips, recycling stats, and reminders. Highlight “Recycler of the Month” to build community pride.
• Workshops and Training: Host a 15-minute “Recycling 101” session for residents, employees, or students. Include a live sorting demo.
• QR Codes: Link bin labels to a short video showing correct recycling practices. Use free tools like Bitly to track engagement.
• Social Media: Create a hashtag like

  DenverRecyclesWithUs. Share before-and-after photos, volunteer spotlights, and recycling milestones.

For schools, integrate recycling into science or civics curricula. For businesses, include recycling compliance in onboarding. The more consistent and positive the messaging, the higher the participation rate.

Step 7: Implement a Monitoring and Feedback System

Track your program’s performance to identify issues and celebrate wins. Assign a team member to conduct weekly “bin audits.” Note contamination rates, bin overflow, and participation trends. Use a simple spreadsheet to record:

• Volume of recyclables collected per week
• Types of contamination (e.g., food, plastic bags, electronics)
• Feedback from participants

Share results transparently. If contamination drops from 25% to 8% in three months, announce it. If bins are overflowing on Fridays, adjust pickup schedules. Use data to make informed decisions—not assumptions.

Encourage feedback through anonymous digital surveys (Google Forms) or comment boxes near bins. Ask: “What’s stopping you from recycling?” or “What material do you wish we could recycle here?”

Step 8: Partner with Local Organizations

Denver has a vibrant network of environmental nonprofits, schools, and businesses eager to collaborate. Reach out to:

• Eco-Cycle: Offers free training, bin loans, and educational materials for schools and neighborhoods.
• Denver Recycles: Provides free signage, outreach support, and access to citywide recycling events.
• Denver Public Schools Sustainability Office: Supports recycling education in classrooms and cafeterias.
• Local Libraries and Community Centers: Host recycling workshops or serve as drop-off points for hard-to-recycle items.
• Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations: Help promote your program to local businesses.

Partnerships reduce costs, increase credibility, and expand your reach. Offer to co-host events or share social media content to build mutual value.

Step 9: Secure Funding and Sustain Operations

Initial startup costs include bins, signage, educational materials, and possibly hauling fees. Budgeting is essential. Explore these funding options:

• City Grants: DPHE offers small grants for community recycling projects. Apply through the Recycle Denver Grant Program.
• Business Sponsorships: Local eco-friendly businesses may sponsor bins in exchange for branding.
• School or Workplace Budgets: Allocate a line item for sustainability initiatives.
• Crowdfunding: Use platforms like GoFundMe to raise funds with a compelling story.
• Cost Savings: Reduce trash hauling fees by diverting recyclables. Many haulers charge less for recycling than for trash.

For long-term sustainability, embed recycling into your organization’s operational budget. Treat it like utilities or janitorial services—not an optional perk.

Step 10: Celebrate Success and Scale Up

Recognition fuels continued participation. Announce milestones: “We diverted 5 tons of waste this quarter!” or “100% of classrooms now recycle!” Host a small celebration—free coffee for recyclers, a green badge for volunteers, or a plaque for top contributors.

Once your program is stable, consider expanding:

• Add composting for food waste (Denver allows curbside composting for residents with city service; private haulers offer it too).
• Launch a reusable container initiative (e.g., “Bring Your Own Cup” at coffee shops).
• Advocate for citywide policy changes—like mandatory recycling for multi-family buildings.
• Replicate your model in other neighborhoods or buildings.

Document your process. Create a “How We Did It” guide to help others start similar programs. Share it with the city, local media, and nonprofits.

Best Practices

Based on successful programs across Denver and similar urban centers, these best practices ensure long-term viability:

1. Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity

Use simple, visual labels. Avoid technical terms like “HDPE” or “PET.” Instead, write “Plastic Bottles” with a picture of a water bottle. When in doubt, less is more.

2. Minimize Contamination at the Source

Contamination rates above 15% can cause entire loads to be landfilled. Train users to rinse containers, remove lids, and never bag recyclables. Place “Rinse Before Recycling” signs directly above bins.

3. Make Recycling Easier Than Trash

Place recycling bins next to trash bins—never hidden or inconvenient. Ensure bins are emptied regularly. If people have to walk 100 feet to recycle but trash is right by the door, they’ll choose the easy option.

4. Engage with Positive Reinforcement

People respond better to praise than guilt. Celebrate progress. Use phrases like “Great job!” and “You’re helping Denver go green!” instead of “Don’t put that in there.”

5. Be Consistent and Patient

Behavior change takes time. It may take 6–12 months for participation to stabilize. Don’t give up after two weeks. Keep educating, monitoring, and adapting.

6. Align with City Goals

Denver’s Climate Action Plan emphasizes waste reduction. Mentioning this alignment helps gain support from city officials and funders. Frame your program as contributing to a larger mission.

7. Involve Youth and Families

Children are powerful influencers. When kids learn to recycle at school, they remind parents at home. Include family-friendly activities like recycling art contests or “Green Family” challenges.

8. Avoid Greenwashing

Don’t claim your program is “zero waste” if you still send 30% to landfills. Be honest about progress. Transparency builds trust.

9. Track Environmental Impact

Convert your recycling volume into relatable metrics: “Our program saved 12 trees, 5,000 gallons of water, and 1.2 tons of CO2 this year.” Use the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) calculator for accurate estimates.

10. Prepare for Seasonal Changes

Denver’s holidays and weather affect waste patterns. Winter brings more packaging from online orders. Summer increases plastic bottles at parks. Adjust your outreach and bin placement accordingly.

Tools and Resources

Here are essential tools and free resources to support your Denver recycling program:

Official City Resources

• Recycle Denver Website – Accepted materials, collection schedules, and bin locator.
• Recycle Denver Grant Program – Apply for up to $5,000 in funding.
• Free Signage Library – Download printable, bilingual signs.
• Recycling Events Calendar – Find e-waste drop-offs and community cleanups.

Nonprofit Partners

• Eco-Cycle – Offers free training, bin loans, and educational workshops. Contact their Zero Waste team at info@ecocycle.org.
• Denver Green School Network – Supports K–12 sustainability programs. Visit denvergreenschools.org.
• Denver Environmental Health – Provides data and reports on waste diversion. Access reports at denvergov.org/EnvironmentalHealth.

Free Tools and Apps

• Google Forms – Create feedback surveys and participation trackers.
• Canva – Design professional signage and social media graphics (free templates available).
• WARM Calculator (EPA) – Estimate environmental benefits of recycling. Visit epa.gov/warm.
• Bitly – Shorten URLs for QR codes on bins to track clicks.
• Recycle Coach App – Free app that provides personalized collection schedules based on your Denver address.