Boulder Property Owners
Looking for resources to help with compliance? Check out our Resources page or view our Guidebook.
Boulder apartments and condos recycle and compost 85 percent of their waste.
The Law
Boulder’s Universal Zero Waste Ordinance
Property owners (commercial and residential, including multi-family complexes and HOAs) are required to provide recycling and compost collection services and educate tenants on what items go where.
Learn more about the ordinance and how to comply.
The Steps
How can you achieve zero waste at your property?
Get Service
Contact a local waste hauler to sign up for recycling and compost collection services in addition to trash service.
Hang Signs
Obtain signs from the city or your waste hauler to clearly identify each container and what goes in it.
If the three separated waste stream collections (compost, recycling, landfill) are not co-located in the same area, directional signs guiding residents where to find the missing collection(s) are required.
See the step-by-step guidebook for details.
Note: Waste haulers in the City of Boulder are required to affix stickers to the containers they provide with at least the title of the waste stream being collected.
Educate Tenants and Employees
Educate your tenants and employees about the services and requirements that apply to them, including separating materials correctly and displaying appropriate signs.
To satisfy the initial educational requirement as a property owner or manager, you can include this editable new resident welcome letter 
and printable sorting guidlines 
in move-in packets.
Videos can be used to help train your employees and to get a quick overview of the requirements. They are available in English and Spanish.
Recycle More
Identify hard-to-recycle materials generated in your business (electronics, printer toner, etc.), set up a hard-to-recycle collection with signage, and dispose of materials at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) .
Reuse and Purchase Wisely
Consider additional ways to reuse products in your business and update your purchasing policies to buy environmentally preferable products. Host zero-waste meetings and events.
We’re Here to Help.
We've designed a step-by-step guidebook and training video to help you get started.
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Assistance
There are partner programs available to assist with one-on-one advising and
face-to-face education. Contact the city at 303-441-1931 or [email protected] for details.
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Free Signs
Clear, visible signs are an important tool to show your tenants and customers what materials go where, and achieve your property's zero waste goals. Click on the links below to download and print as many stock signs as you need.
You can also request laminated versions of the free signs and larger, horizontally oriented signs designed for multi-family complex waste enclosures at no charge.
Email [email protected] to request signs. Include your contact info, mailing address and the number and types of signs you would like. Or, click on the PDFs below to print your own.
Note: As we are working remotely and temporarily barred from our offices, we are unable to access our laminated stock sign supply until futher notice. Please print (and laminate, if possible) your own signs until we are allowed to return.
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What Goes Where?
The following resources should help you and your tenants properly dispose of most general waste items. Direct your tenants to our What Goes Where page for a full list of Boulder’s zero waste facilities, services and helpful tips and tricks.
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Bear Protection Ordinance
Own property west of Broadway and south of Sumac? All waste carts at your property must be secured from bears. Learn more about the ordinance and how to comply .
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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 us at [email protected].