Eco-Cycle’s Recycling Guide

Last Updated on Sunday, 19 June 2011 16:43 Written by Board Member Sunday, 19 June 2011 16:38

Here are a few recycling tips from Eco-Cycle. If you have questions or are looking for more information, call Eco-Cycle at 303-444-6634 or visit www.ecocycle.org, where you can find drop-off center locations and hours and view photos or short video clips demonstrating what can and cannot be recycled.

Bubble Wrap: Bring bubble wrap to a mail service store for reuse. See Eco-Cycle’s online Guide to Hard-to-Recycle Materials (www.ecocycle.org/htrg) for locations.

Corrugated Cardboard: Corrugated boxes can be recycled even if they have large staples or shiny graphics on them. All the drop-off centers throughout Boulder County (except Erie and Superior) accept corrugated cardboard.

Envelopes: Dark-colored envelopes, such as the reds and greens typically used around the holidays, cannot be recycled. “Kraft” envelopes (yellow/orange 8.5” x 11” office envelopes) also cannot be recycled. All other envelopes can be recycled with office paper and opened junk mail.

Greeting Cards: Holiday cards are recyclable with office paper and opened junk mail, except for those made from or embossed with foil. As a better option, reuse cards as next year’s gift tags or place-setting cards.

Packing (“Styrofoam”) Peanuts: Bring peanuts to a mail service store for reuse. See Eco-Cycle’s online Guide to Hard-to-Recycle Materials (www.ecocycle.org/htrg) for locations.

Paper Shopping Bags: These are great for reuse or for use as gift bags, but if they’re too worn, they can be recycled with your corrugated cardboard (including white, colored, glossy, or non-glossy bags). Remove all non-paper handles (string, tape etc.).

Plastic Bags: Recycle your #2 and #4 plastic bags free of charge at Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM), located at 5030 “old” Pearl Street, open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This includes grocery bags, newspaper bags, and dry-cleaner bags. Bags must be completely clean, dry, and empty.

#6 White Block Foam (“Styrofoam”): The Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder CHaRM accepts clean #6 white block foam, typically used to package computers, TVs, wine, and other fragile items. (No food-grade foam, tape, bubble wrap, foam other than #6, color other than white, moisture, or packing peanuts.)