Public Works Resource Conservation Division Winter 2024 Newsletter

In November, the Resource Conservation Division hosted a “Lunch and Learn” for folks on city councils, town boards, and sustainability boards in Boulder County and surrounding areas. This event was a vision Hazardous Materials Manager Shelly Fuller had, and we made it happen.

Attendees toured the Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) and the Boulder County Recycling Center followed by a presentation on producer responsibility during lunch. Shelly and I (Chandra, Community Outreach Manager 😊) discussed how HB22-1355 will affect the recycling center and the possibility of battery producer responsibility in 2025.

Shelly and her HMMF staff process almost 100,000 pounds of batteries each year. They have a wealth of information about how improper battery disposal causes injuries and fires, and the impacts of battery disposal on our health and the environment. Shelly proposes a few solutions to this problem - battery producer responsibility, more convenient drop-off locations throughout the state, and more robust education to the public so people know not to throw batteries in their trash and recycling bins.

Feedback from attendees was so great that we’d like to do something similar in 2025. Here’s what people had to say:

• “I appreciate you and the team’s time today! The tour was incredibly interesting (I took so many notes and pictures!) and I definitely plan to share what I learned with our community.”
  • Stephanie Miller, Town Trustee for the Town of Superior
• “It was a highly informative tour and presentation. I plan on having an all-staff meeting at my office to present on the topic of recycling, and I'll incorporate the resources I took from it.”
  • Karen Winkler, Town of Erie Sustainability Advisory Board member

To learn more about Producer Responsibility being implemented in 2026, check out the Circular Action Alliance webpage, reach out to me, or contact your city’s sustainability manager. If you want to learn more about proper battery disposal in Boulder County, check out the hazardous materials webpage.

‘Tis the season for gifting! And, for wrapping paper. Traditional wrapping paper is difficult to recycle as it is more clay and ash than it is paper fiber. Please avoid the glittery, super flimsy wrapping paper when possible. If you cannot reuse your wrapping paper, please put it in the trash.

Check out the EcoCycle Holiday Guide for a great visual on the Best, Good, and Avoid categories regarding gift wrapping.

I promise I tried to find a holiday-centered educational resource for you, I really did, but I just watched this episode of Bill Nye with my 6-year-old and I must share it. Overall, the content has stood the test of time. If you’re looking for an indoor activity, since it gets dark at 4:30 p.m., check it out. Here are some questions and activities you can do afterward to prompt conversation.

1. What can we recycle here at home?

Look around the house and list five items you think can be recycled. Refer to the recycling guidelines if you need a reminder about what can be recycled.

2. What are examples of “natural waste” in your home or neighborhood?
3. Trash Timeline

Research how long it takes for various things to break down. How long does it take for a banana peel, plastic bottle, aluminum can or clothing to break down in a landfill? What surprised you in your research?

4. Trash to Treasure

What is one piece of trash or recycling in your home that you could reuse instead?

5. Be a Waste Detective

Track your waste for one day. What items did you throw in the trash, recycling, and compost? How could you reduce the amount of trash you make?

6. Pick up trash on your next walk.
7. The video mentions a fourth “R,” “Rethink.” What other “R’s” can you think of when it comes to waste?

I’ll get you started – repurpose, refuse, reimagine.

7. What is the future of waste?

Imagine what trash is like in the year 2050. How do you think people will deal with garbage? Write or draw your ideas about futuristic waste management systems or new ways to recycle.

Please take notice of the variety of holiday closures and schedules for our different facilities.

• Hazardous Materials Management Facility closures:
  • Closed Wednesday, Dec. 25
  • Closed Wednesday, Jan. 1

• Nederland Transfer Station schedule:
  • Open half-day on Tuesday, Dec. 24
  • Closed Wednesday, Dec. 25
  • Open half-day on Tuesday, Dec. 31
  • Closed Wednesday, Jan. 1

• Allenspark Transfer Station schedule:
  • Open half-day on Monday, Dec. 23
  • Closed Wednesday, Dec. 25
  • Open half-day on Monday, Dec. 30

• Recycling Center Self-Guided Tours Schedule:
  • Closed Tuesday, Dec 24 and Thursday, Dec. 26
  • Open 9 a.m. - noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31
  • Open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2

Something fun is starting Thursday, January 2 - Refreshments and Recycling every First Thursday!

Since we’re now open for self-guided tours on Thursdays, we thought it’d be nice to treat folks to some refreshments every first Thursday of the month. Stop by anytime we’re open on Thursdays (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) for coffee, tea, bubbly waters, and whatever food items we feel like putting out that day. Big bonus points if you bring your own cup for coffee or tea!

We’re located at 1901 63^rd Street in Boulder.

Thanks for reading. If this resonated with you in any way, I’d love to hear from you. You can email cvalenza@bouldercounty.org.