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Waste

Reducing waste, increasing circularity

Our Goal

Increase regional recycling, composting, and waste reduction, and support circular economy development in Northwest Colorado.

A smiling person wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a reflective vest stands outdoors under a tent, holding a blue recycling bin next to a landfill bin labeled "Landfill Basura.

Why It Matters

Waste is a powerful climate lever — especially methane. Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and accounts for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It’s responsible for nearly half of the global temperature increase since the pre-industrial era. Reducing what we send to the landfill is one of the most immediate and local ways to cut emissions.

Our Role in the Region

Colorado has set ambitious waste diversion goals:

  • 35% by 2026
  • 45% by 2036

Locally, Routt County needs to quadruple its current diversion rate to meet the 2030 goal of 46%, as outlined in the Routt County Climate Action Plan.

Western Resilience Center works with local governments, institutions, and private partners to expand access to recycling and composting, reduce waste at the source, and build out circular systems that benefit both people and place.

 

Two women stand outdoors in front of mulch piles, smiling and holding a black compost bin together. One holds a shovel. It is a sunny day with blue sky and greenery in the background.

Our Work in Waste

Zero Waste Event Rentals

Water Monsters:

  • Price: $150 each. Events may rent two Water Monsters at a time.
  • Water Monsters are geared toward larger events to promote the use of reusable water bottles.

Zero Waste Stations

  • Price: $25 each + $1 per bag – trash, recycling and compost in one unit

Book a rental:
Email Caitlin Farkas at caitlin.farkas@westernresilience.org to book your rental. Please reach out at least two weeks ahead of your event. Event hosts coordinate pickup/drop off and arrange their own hauling services.

The City of Steamboat Springs offers additional Zero Waste event support and incentives. For more information, Contact Alicia Archibald (aarchibald@steamboatsprings.net) or visit the City’s webpage.

Two people stand under a tent at an outdoor event with recycling and trash bins. One person wears a yellow safety vest. Signs on bins indicate landfill and recyclable items. Sunny weather and booths are visible in the background.
A woman stands near a whiteboard, speaking to a group of children seated on a colorful rug in a school hallway. There is a staircase, bulletin boards, and a large clock in the background.

Recycling & Composting Education

Navigating recycling and composting in Northwest Colorado can be confusing. We’re working with regional partners to develop consistent and accurate information on where and how to recycle and compost.

Need help with a specific item? View our Northwest Colorado Guide to Recycling. Still have questions? Reach out to Caitlin Farkas, Waste Diversion Coordinator.

Waste Reduction

The most effective way to divert waste is to reduce waste.

We support local programs that reduce waste at the source, including:

  • Opt-in policies at restaurants for straws, utensils, and condiments.
  • Reusable container programs at schools and institutions.
  • Repair initiatives that extend product life.
  • Reuse programs like LiftUp that keep goods in circulation.
Six smiling restaurant staff members stand together indoors, one holding a framed certificate. Behind them is a large yellow paddleboard mounted on the wall, along with surf-themed décor.
A man in a yellow shirt and cap stands next to three waste bins labeled Compostables, Recyclables, and Trash Only at an outdoor event. People and bicycles are visible in the background.

Circular Economy Development

Circular economy development focuses on turning “end-of-life” materials into new goods and local opportunities.

We partner with:

  • Local governments and economic development groups.
  • The Circular Economy Development Center.
  • Statewide recycling and market development organizations.

Together, we support planning and projects that bring circular economy models to life across Northwest Colorado.