Waste Reduction

Two chefs working behind the counter at Rincon Argentino, a restaurant in the City of Boulder

Federal estimates show that 75% of solid waste can be diverted from the landfill, yet Boulder County currently diverts roughly 35%. 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.

PACE offers rebates in partnership with local municipalities and for businesses around the county. We also have a number of resources available to help all businesses within Boulder County reduce waste going into landfills and to educate employees on best practices.

Available Rebates and Incentives

PACE rebates and incentives are funded through the Boulder County Sustainability Tax, the City of Boulder’s Climate Tax, and the individual municipalities listed below. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available. Businesses are required to contact an advisor to confirm funding availability, ensure that your project meets the eligibility requirements.

City of Boulder Businesses

The City of Boulder is committed to supporting businesses transitioning from single-use items to reusable solutions. To help small businesses cover some of the costs, the City of Boulder and PACE are offering a one-time incentive toward purchasing reusable solutions (only while funds last). Incentives can cover up to 70% of total project costs and will not exceed $2,000. Complete the application form to get started.

Examples of items funded include but are not limited to:

Durables dishware
Reusable takeout containers
Dishwashers

In addition to the incentive above, the City of Boulder is offering $1,500 worth of free reusable takeout container services (like r.World) to businesses or organizations who will try them out.

City of Lafayette Businesses

The City of Lafayette is committed to supporting businesses transitioning from single-use items to reusable solutions. To help small businesses cover some of the costs, the City of Lafayette and PACE is offering a one-time incentive toward purchasing reusable solutions (only while funds last). Incentives can cover up to 50% of total project costs and will not exceed $1,000. Complete the application form to get started.

Examples of items funded include but are not limited to:

Durables dishware
Reusable takeout containers
Dishwashers

Additionally, the City of Lafayette is working with PACE to offer up to $330 towards the purchase of interior waste, recycling, and compost bins for businesses that do not already have an adequate setup. Pre-approval is required for purchase through PACE’s supplier. Email a PACE advisor or call 303-786-7223 to get started.

Recycling and Composting Incentives

Boulder County businesses that sign up for new recycling services or take the next step towards Zero Waste by committing to new composting services are eligible for a coupon worth $150 towards those services.

Recycling and composting will not only help businesses to enhance their positive public image, but can also increase savings from reduced trash disposal cost, foster employee pride through positive company initiative, divert valuable resources from the landfill, and reduce their environmental footprint!

How to Claim Your Coupon

City of Boulder
In the City of Boulder, these coupons may be used use for hard-to-recycle services, such as Eco-Cycle’s CHaRM on the Road program or Western Disposal’s Recycle Express program. Since City of Boulder property owners are required to provide composting and recycling collections already, the County’s Zero Waste Coupon for Businesses does not apply towards these services per the City of Boulder.

Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and Superior
Businesses in Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior may be eligible for additional funding. Start the process by applying for Zero Waste Business Coupons and the Resource Conservation Division will follow up with you directly with more information.

All Other Boulder County Locations
For businesses in all other locations in Boulder County, the $150 Zero Waste Business Coupons are available through your waste hauler. Please check with your hauler for availability and to sign up. You may also contact the Resource Conservation Division or call 720-564-2220 for more information.

Coupons are available on a first come, first serve basis until funds run out.

Additional Resources

Free Custom Signage

Your PACE advisor can create a set of custom recycling, compost, and trash signs to post above your indoor diversion bins. The images on the signs will be only the items that are most common in your business’s waste stream. Customized signage helps your employees and customers identify the right bin. Contact a PACE advisor to get started.

Free Training

Your expert advisor can teach your employees about composting and recycling, why it is important, and how to participate effectively. To keep diversion high, include zero waste trainings in your new employee orientation and provide refreshers at regular staff meetings.

Helpful Links

Boulder County aims to ensure all digital content and documents are accessible. While efforts have been made to maximize accessibility, some of the documents below contain types of content have inherent technical limitations. For alternate formats or accommodations, please email info@pacepartners.com or call 303-786-7223.

Boulder County Resource Conservation Division – Information about recycling, composting and other zero waste services and programs in Boulder County
Boulder County Zero Waste Service Providers for Businesses – If you are provide hauling services in Boulder County, please let us know and we will add you to the list
City of Boulder Universal Zero Waste Ordinance – Information on the Zero Waste ordinance and compliance. PACE advisors can also help with bins, signage, and training

Local Zero Waste Facilities:

Call2Recycle – nonprofit organization that collects and recycles batteries at no cost for municipalities, businesses, and consumers
Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) – recycling and reuse collection facility for unusual items such as: electronics, hard-to-recycle plastics, block styrofoam, shredded paper, textiles, scrap metal, yoga mats, bicycles and parts
Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) – recycling and re-use collection and disposal facility for hazardous waste, such as fluorescent bulbs and tubes, cleaning products, maintenance products, motor oil and antifreeze, paint, small quantities of business hazardous wastes

Tools and Templates:

Boulder County Business Guide to Reducing Food Waste – Resource for Boulder County businesses to prevent wasting food including source reduction, feeding people, feeding animals, and feeding the soil through composting – En español
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Introduction & Guidelines – Online index to calculate costs and benefits of purchasing choices
Paper Calculator – Quantify the impacts of your paper usage and compare different types of paper with varying amounts of recycled content
Sustainable Purchasing Policy template for businesses – PACE template for a sustainable purchasing policy for businesses working towards their Zero Waste Certificate

Repurposed booths and tables at the Buff Restaurant

Community Highlight

When The Buff Restaurant in Boulder moved to its new location, the restaurant reused and repurposed many of the materials that were already there: the wood from the previous restaurant’s booths was made into new booths, and some of the new wood walls were created by turning around the existing beadboard.

The Buff received PACE certification in Zero Waste and earned recognition from Western Disposal for diverting more than 95 percent of its waste into compost and recycling. Ask us how you can be next!

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