Boulder Named 'Gold Medal Community' For Recycling: Report

BOULDER, CO — Boulder was named a "gold medal community" for its municipal recycling program in a new statewide report.

The Colorado Public Interest Research Group and Eco-Cycle highlighted Boulder in their State of Recycling in Colorado report, which showcases recycling successes and opportunities for improvement in the state.

Communities across Colorado recycled and composted more than 1.2 million tons of materials in 2018, up nearly 75,000 tons compared to 2017, according to the report.

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Boulder’s state-leading diversion rate of 57 percent is significantly higher than the national average of 35 percent.

Boulder's Mayor Pro Tem Sam Weaver said the city has worked hard to achieve recycling targets with the Universal Zero Waste Ordinance.

"Our residents and businesses have really stepped up to give our waste products a new useful life in a circular economy," Weaver said in a statement. "It has made recycling and composting convenient and accessible to everyone everywhere — in schools, businesses, homes and government buildings."

Friday marks America Recycles Day and the City of Boulder has published a list of 'five things you may not know you can recycle.'