Recycling Requirements: Boulder vs Longmont
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder has fewer restrictions than Longmont.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder requires residential recycling of accepted materials. Contamination with non-recyclables may cause entire bins to be rejected at the curb.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
HB22-1355 created the Colorado Producer Responsibility Program under CRS 25-17-701 requiring producers of packaging and paper to fund universal curbside recycling access for residents statewide by 2026.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted | Paper, glass, aluminum, plastics | - |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, food waste | - |
| Enforcement | Contaminated bins skipped | - |
| Topic | Recycling Requirements | - |
| Statute | - | CRS 25-17-701 (HB22-1355) |
| Implementation | - | Service begins 2026 |
| PRO | - | Circular Action Alliance |
| Cost to residents | - | Free curbside recycling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
What can I recycle curbside?
Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastics #1-#5. No plastic bags or food-soiled items.
What if my recycling bin is skipped?
Likely contaminated. Remove non-recyclables and set out on next collection day.
Longmont FAQ
Will all Colorado residents get free curbside recycling?
Yes by 2026. The Producer Responsibility Program funds free recycling collection for residents, public schools, and small businesses statewide under the statewide minimum recyclable list.
Who pays for Colorado's recycling expansion?
Producers of packaging and printed paper sold in Colorado pay annual dues to the Producer Responsibility Organization, which then funds local recycling programs and infrastructure across the state.
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