My office, in cooperation with Mayor Hickenlooper’s Greenprint Denver Office in conjunction with a $5,000 grant from Waste Management of Colorado’s Recycle America Division, launched a pilot multifamily housing recycling program in District 10.  The pilot program, entitled “Recycle 8+ in 10,” is intended to test recycling opportunities for apartment complexes and condominiums.  The program will monitor participation levels and user experience, while ironing out logistics and exploring long-term feasibility.  Currently, Public Works Solid Waste Management service parameters don't permit the collection of garbage or recycling from properties with more than 7 residential units.  Many folks who live in these buildings have contacted me about getting recycling.  Providing recycling for high-rises, condominiums and apartment buildings is a huge challenge, and I view this program as the first step toward addressing this issue.  Denver is a very conscientious community, and Recycling 8+ in 10 supports our efforts to divert more waste from Denver’s landfill.

Over 40 buildings applied to take part in Recycling 8+ in 10.  The number of applicants and the quality of the applications made the selection process extremely competitive.  The outpouring of interest clearly demonstrated the importance of multi-unit recycling to Capitol Hill residents.  We selected buildings of varying sizes so that the data can provide a better picture of the needs of District 10 constituents.  The selected buildings include:

• Washington Irving, 1029 Pennsylvania Street
• Cheesman Condo North, 1436 Gilpin Street
• East of East, 1666 Detroit Street
• The Mentone, 125 East 11^th Avenue
• The Elaine Apartments, 1424 Pennsylvania Street
• Stevens School, 1140 Columbine Street
• The Parkville, 1175 Vine Street
• Cheesman Park Condominiums, 1223 Race Street

Even if you are unable to participate in Recycling 8+ in 10, I would encourage you to collect your recyclables or recyclables for your building and then take them to a drop-off location.  Here are some recycling drop-off locations:

• Waste Management Recycle America, 5395 Franklin St., Denver, CO
• Waste Management Recycle America, 3780 East 48^th Ave., Denver CO
• Waste Management Recycle America, 2400 West Union Ave., Englewood, CO
• Whole Foods Market, 900 East 11^th Ave., Denver, CO
• King Soopers, 1155 East 9^th Ave., Denver CO (aluminum cans and plastic bags)
• King Soopers, 1331 North Speer Blvd., Denver, CO (aluminum cans and plastic bags)