Boulder Businesses
Looking for resources to help with compliance? Check out our Resources page or view our Guidebook .
By 2025, the average Boulder business recycles and composts 85 percent of its waste.
Why Zero Waste?
You play a key role in Boulder’s zero waste future.
In making sustainable resource and disposal choices, your business can cut costs on supplies and raw materials, enhance overall efficiency, lessen your impact on the environment, and convert waste into a valuable product.
what are the requirements?
Boulder’s Universal Zero Waste Ordinance requires your business to recycle and compost, provide zero waste signs and educate employees on what items go where.
And we're here to help you do it.
See the Universal Zero Waste OrdinanceZero Waste Ordinance
How can you comply with zero waste requirements?
Follow the links below to learn more about zero waste requirements and how to comply.
zero waste resources
Advising, Rebates and Incentives
We’re here to help you. All businesses in the city of Boulder have access to FREE zero waste technical assistance through the City of Boulder and Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE).
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Assistance
Need to comply with zero waste requirements? We've designed a step-by-step guidebook and training video to help you get started.
Ready to take the next step? Through Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE)*, all businesses in the city of Boulder have access to free technical assistance. PACE will help you achieve your waste reduction goals, connect you with financing tools and incentives, provide personalized guidance and help you gain recognition for your efforts. PACE Business Sustainability Advisors can help you:
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Measure your business’s zero waste efforts and help you figure out how to do more;
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Explore sustainable purchasing policies and engage employees in your efforts;
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Identify opportunities to minimize waste through reuse, recycling and composting programs; and
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Identify and apply for rebates and incentives.
Schedule a free advising session today by calling 303-786-7223 or emailing [email protected].
*PACE services are provided to Boulder businesses through the city’s Trash Tax and CAP Tax .
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Current Rebates and Incentives
The City of Boulder is offering a FREE six months’ supply of compostable bag liners through its Green Bag Giveaway program, paid for by the Disposable Bag Fee. To qualify, Boulder businesses of all types simply need to fill out a Compliance Reporting Form which shows they are composting and recycling. Businesses should be prepared to submit photographic evidence of their waste stations demonstrating ordinance compliance.
Note: funding is limited and applications will be approved on a first come first serve basis.
Visit our Green Bag Giveaway page for more information.
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Free Signs
Stock Signs
Clear, visible signs are an important tool to show your employees and customers what materials go where, and achieve your business’s zero waste goals. Click on the links below to download and print as many stock signs as you need.
Your business can also request laminated signs and bin labels at no charge by emailing [email protected]. Include your contact info, mailing address and the number and types of signs you would like.
Custom SignsCustom signs are made just for you, and show materials used at your business. Contact [email protected] for instructions on how to submit photographs and get custom signs created for free.
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What Goes Where?
Great question! The following resources should help your business to properly dispose of most general waste items. Visit our What Goes Where page for a full list of Boulder’s zero waste facilities, services and helpful tips and tricks.
A-Z recycling guide – find out what materials can be composted and recycled
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Training Videos
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Contact us
Questions about zero waste?
Contact the city at 303-441-1931 or [email protected].