| Plastic Bags - These choke recycling equipment and lead to costly repairs. |
Clean, dry, empty plastic film bags are recyclable at the CHaRM Facility and at participating stores. Reduce plastic bag use by carrying cloth shopping bags. |
| Shredded Paper - This is too small to be sorted by recycling equipment. |
Shredded paper can be composted. It can also be dropped into the Paperboard bin at the Boulder Recycling Center. Be choosy about what you shred. If the information isn't sensitive, don't shred the paper. |
| Scrap Metal - This like coat hangers and other items containing heavier metal can damage recycling equipment and is not sent to the same markets as metal cans. |
Take scrap metal items to CHaRM. |
| Lids Left on Containers - Lids left on containers trap moisture inside. Besides trapping liquids, lids aren't made of the same substance as the containers. |
Remove all caps and lids. Throw plastic lids and caps away. Recycle metal lids. |
| Not All Glass is Recyclable - This is due to differences in melting points and composition. |
Recycle only glass bottles and jars. Other glass (mirrors, light bulbs, table ware, windows, etc.) is not recyclable through your curbside service. If items are not broken, find a way to reuse them or give them away. |
| Disposable Diapers - These, together with other sanitary products and medical waste is not recyclable or compostable. |
Use cloth diapers. Dispose of medical waste properly. Mail-in containers for disposal of sharps are available from some waste disposal services. Check with your doctor or pharmacy. |
| Hazardous Waste - This does not belong in the recycling bin, the trash bin, down the gutter, or down the drain. |
Please buy only what you need and dispose of any extra at the Boulder County Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Call 303-665-5588 for more information. The City of Lafayette is a proud supporter of this program. |
| Frozen Food Boxes - These boxes don't break down in your freezer and they don't break down during the recycling process. They are coated in plastic to protect foods from freezer burn. |
These boxes can only be thrown away, but changing your buying habits can eliminate freezer boxes from your trash. |
| Non-Recyclable Plastics - Chemical composition determines the recyclability of plastics. Only #1-#7 plastic bottles, tubs, and screw-top jars can be recycled in your curbside bin. |
#7 PLA compostables can be composted, but not recycled. #6 Styrofoam is accepted at the CHaRM Facility. Be careful when shopping and try to avoid bringing home plastics that can't be recycled. |
