Here’s how to make recycling part of your routine
If you’re new to recycling, congratulations! You’ve taken a meaningful step toward protecting the environment and preserving Colorado’s natural beauty. The good news is that getting started is easier than you might think. It begins with a simple shift in mindset: asking yourself, “Is this trash, or can it be recycled?”
Many everyday items that once went straight to the landfill are now recyclable. Think food containers, paper, glass, aluminum cans and cardboard. Setting up a dedicated recycling bin in a convenient spot like your kitchen or garage can help make recycling second nature.
Recycling isn’t the only option. Reusing and repurposing items is just as impactful. Before tossing something in the bin, consider if it could serve another purpose. Could that glass jar become a storage container? Could old clothes be donated or turned into cleaning rags? Every creative reuse helps reduce waste.
To recycle effectively, it’s important to understand your local program. Most towns and counties in Colorado offer curbside pickup or drop-off facilities. If you’re unsure what’s available in your area, a quick visit to your city’s website or a call to your waste management provider can point you in the right direction. Be sure to check which items are accepted and in what condition. Clean, dry recyclables are typically acceptable.
Surprising items you can often recycle
- Plastic clamshell containers (like berry boxes)
- Aluminum foil (if clean and free of food)
- Empty aerosol cans
- Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
- Junk mail and envelopes with plastic windows
Understanding recycling symbols
Look for the triangle with a number inside, this is the resin identification code. It tells you what type of plastic the item is made from:
- #1 (PET): Water bottles, soda bottles – widely recyclable
- #2 (HDPE): Milk jugs, detergent bottles – widely recyclable
- #3 to #7: Less commonly accepted – check with your local program
For harder-to-recycle items like batteries, electronics, lightbulbs, and textiles, look for community events or specialized drop-off locations. Many Colorado communities host seasonal recycling drives or maintain permanent facilities for these materials.
Recycling is a journey, and every step counts. By making small changes at home, you’re contributing to a larger movement that protects our environment and strengthens our communities. Alpine Bank is proud to support sustainability efforts across Colorado and we encourage you to join us in making a difference.
For more information about Alpine Bank’s sustainability and conservation efforts, please visit our Green Initiatives webpage.
