Earth In Crisis: Let’s Talk Trash
The ABC’s Of Recycling In Denver: What To Toss, What Not To Toss. Plus, When Will Our New Compost Bins Arrive?
By Tracey MacDermott
For the GPHN
In June of 2022, the Denver City Council approved the “pay as you throw” program, which charges for trash but provides recycling and compost for free. The goal is to encourage residents to focus on recycling and composting, while minimizing what goes to the landfill.
The program went into effect in January, 2023. At least it was supposed to, citywide. A year and three months later, residents have been paying for the new trash system — yet many of us still have no compost bin. The city now says the plan is to rollout services on a staggered timeline. In other words, many parts of the city should not expect to get compost bins until sometime in 2025.
Why such a long delay?
Per the city’s website, neighborhoods with lower diversion rates are now being prioritized. As part of the rollout, customers will receive a letter that their bin is coming, along with a guide on how to compost. After service is implemented, the city will follow up by auditing and further educating customers.
While it is understandable that the city wants to get it right with composting, it seems we have much to do on the recycling program as well.
Frankly we have no time to waste when it comes to the use of Earth’s resources. Between November 2022 and November 2023, the city’s diversion rate for recyclable material increased from 26 percent to 29 percent. This is a slight improvement, but not much.
Could the city be looking to registered neighborhood organizations such as Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. and community newspapers like the one you are reading to help educate residents? The answer is, Yes!
If you have ever observed overflowing carts, you have probably noticed that some people use the recycling and compost bins for their trash. Many of them likely don’t know what to put where. What this does is contaminates loads of recycling and composting — which ultimately means they end up in the dump.
The magic of recycling
So, let’s talk about what can go in both the green and purple bins and a bit about large item pickup as well.
First, never put your recyclables or compost in plastic bags. The whole bag will be discarded, and sent to the landfill.
Next, here is a simple synopsis of what can go in your recycle bin: Rigid plastic bottles, jugs, jars, tubs, cups and containers marked #1-#7. Plastic lids can be placed back on plastic containers for recycling. Steel and aerosol cans must be empty. If the plastic cap is part of the can, leave it on. Do not put plastic containers marked as compostable (or PLA) in the recycle bin.
Scrap metal is not accepted but a simple google search can help you locate recycling centers in the area (recycle your small metal lids with scrap metal). Mark Kuhl provides handy recycling tips which can be found on this page monthly. A directory of past columns is at greaterparkhill.org .
Aluminum cans, foil, trays, large metal lids and pie plates are accepted but please clean off as much food as possible and compost it. Don’t crush the cans. Flatten and cut your cardboard to pieces no bigger than 2 feet by 2 feet. Pizza boxes are OK if they are not greasy. Paperboard is allowed, but please remove any plastic on or in them.
All food and beverage cartons are OK, including hot and cold paper cups. But dump out all liquids, straws and caps. And of course, magazines, newspaper, junk mail, office paper and paper bags are acceptable. But please, no tissue paper, ribbons, bows, bubble envelopes, shredded paper, paper plates, books or paper towels and napkins.
Don’t be that neighbor
And now, for the compost bin. It’s the green bin. To put it simply, only food waste and yard debris is accepted. Do NOT put greasy pizza boxes, paper napkins and paper towels, any packaging, dryer lint or pet waste in there.
As for the bins themselves — whether they are green, purple or black, be a conscientious neighbor. Store them on your property out of public view, and roll them back after the’ve been emptied.
You may have noticed that some Denverites have adopted a really bad habit of leaving large items out all week, every week. It is frustrating to take a walk around our beautiful neighborhood and see it littered with piles of furniture, old lawn equipment, large cardboard and a variety of other items left in the city right of way.
Your cardboard can be cut down to fit in your recycle bin and many usable items can be either donated or broken down for other recycling services. If you can’t find a suitable alternative for reuse you can only place big trash out on your designated large item pickup day. Please check the city website at denvergov.org for your schedule.
Denver’s website also includes a complete list of items that can be composted and recycled. Do your part to help reduce your impact on the environment and please take efforts to help keep our neighborhood beautiful.
Tracey MacDermott is an at-large member of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign. Email her at traceymacdermott@gmail.com.