Waste ReductionWaste Icon

Federal estimates show that 75 percent of solid waste can be diverted from the landfill, yet Boulder County currently diverts roughly 35 percent. 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. Our business sustainability advisors assist you to:

  1. Assess and identify waste reduction opportunities
  2. Work toward “zero waste” output
  3. Formulate waste diversion and reduction strategies
  4. Explore sustainable purchasing policies and employee engagement opportunities
  5. Strategize manufacturing and supply chain management efficiencies
  6. Identify ways to divert material from the landfill through reuse, recycling, and composting programs
  7. Engage employees to help reduce waste through simple, daily practices

Do you wonder what incentives you can get? Just ask us!

Available Rebates and Incentives

PACE incentives are available on a first come, first serve basis. Businesses are required to contact an advisor to confirm funding availability, ensure that your project meets the eligibility requirements.

Up To $1,000 Incentive Towards Reusable Solutions (City of Lafayette Only)

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. Fill in the application form here. Examples of items funded include but are not limited to:

  • Durables dishware
  • Reusable takeout containers
  • Dishwashers

If you have questions, contact a PACE advisor at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223

Up To $2,000 Incentive Towards Reusable Solutions (City of Boulder Only)

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. Fill in the application form here. Examples of items funded include but are not limited to:

  • Durables dishware
  • Reusable takeout containers
  • Dishwashers

If you have questions, contact a PACE advisor at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223

Subsidized Reusable Takeout Container Program (City of Boulder Only)

The City of Boulder is committed to supporting businesses transitioning from single-use items to reusable solutions. The City of Boulder has partnered with DeliverZero, a company that provides reusable and returnable food containers for restaurants. Containers cost significantly less than the least expensive disposable containers on the market, in part due to the City of Boulder’s support. Contact a PACE advisor at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223 to learn more.

Up To $1,000 Incentive Towards Reusable Cups for Venues (City of Boulder Only)

The City of Boulder is committed to supporting businesses transitioning from single-use items to reusable solutions. The City of Boulder has partnered with r.Cup, a company that provides an end-to-end reusable cup system for venues and events. If you are an event venue in the City of Boulder, you may be eligible for a $1,000 incentive to help you get started with r.Cup. Contact a PACE advisor today at info@PACEpartners.com or 303-786-7223 to learn more.

*While this incentive is for City of Boulder venues only, r.Cup provides services for event venues throughout Boulder County.

$300 for Indoor Recycling, Compost, and Trash Bins (For Businesses Outside the City of Boulder)

PACE offers up to $300 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. Contact your PACE advisor for more information.

Stay tuned for new incentives to increase waste diversion beyond recycling and composting.

$150 for Starting Recycling or Compost Pickups

$150 coupons are available to Boulder County businesses that sign up for new recycling services or take the next step towards Zero Waste by committing to new composting 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!

As City of Boulder businesses move closer to compliance with required composting and recycling services, please know that these coupons can also be used for adopting hard-to-recycle services like Eco-Cycle’s CHaRM on the Road program.

Zero Waste Business Coupons are provided by the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division and 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 at 720-564-2220 or email Conservation for more information. Coupons are available on a first come, first serve basis until funds run out.

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 your 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.

Other Resources

Find out what other support organizations are here to help you.

Simple Actions

There are many simple ways you can use energy efficiently, conserve water, reduce waste, and encourage wise transportation choices at your business. What’s more, doing so will inspire your employees and boost your bottom line by reducing operating costs while improving competitiveness and environmental performance. Below are several no-cost and low-cost actions you can take right now to generate value for your business.

Need help? For one-on-one assistance with these simple actions and more, contact a business sustainability advisor who can support your efforts and connect you with incentives, rebates, and financing.

Join PACE or contact a business sustainability advisor at 303-786-7223 or info@PACEpartners.com.

Energy

  • Schedule a free PACE energy assessment.
  • Turn off lights when you leave the room or building.
  • Upgrade to ENERGY STAR rated light bulbs, appliances and equipment.
  • Perform routine (i.e. quarterly) maintenance on HVAC equipment.
  • Upgrade to programmable thermostats.
  • Turn off computers every night and unplug equipment that is used infrequently.

Waste

  • Schedule a free PACE waste assessment.
  • Optimize bin placement and ensure recycle, compost and landfill signs are clear and visible.
  • Train staff on waste diversion efforts and conduct routine checkups.
  • Verify that cleaning staff properly dispose of recyclables and waste materials.
  • Collect and deliver used electronics, appliances, scrap metal, block foam, textiles, large durable plastics and other applicable materials to the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM)
  • Collect and deliver paints, solvents, batteries, cleaners and other chemicals to Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility
  • Switch purchasing to bulk, nonhazardous, recyclable and recycled-content options.

Water

  • Schedule a free PACE water assessment.
  • Upgrade toilets, urinals and showerheads to WaterSense models.
  • Upgrade to high efficiency aerators in kitchen and restroom faucets.
  • Upgrade dishwashers and ice machines to ENERGY STAR models.
  • Conduct regular visual inspections of fixtures and look and listen for leaks.
  • Reduce water used for irrigation – visit Resource Central and sign up for a free assessment of your existing sprinkler system.

Transportation

  • Schedule a free PACE transportation assessment.
  • Consider adding bike racks and EV charging stations for employees.
  • Set up a transit program by providing “pool” bikes, B-Cycle memberships, or Eco-Passes for employees to travel to and from work and meetings.
  • Offer employees flexible work schedules, including compressed work weeks and telework options.
  • Participate as a company in summer and winter Bike-to-Work Day

Additional Resources

Below, you’ll find links to programs and services that can help support your work with Partners for a Clean Environment in energy, waste, water and transportation. Our PACE expert business sustainability advisors are available to assist you in navigating these resources.

Energy

Resource Sheets:

Waste

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:

Water & Stormwater

Water:

Water Resource Sheets:

Stormwater:

  • Business Stormwater Program – Stormwater compliance assistance program for businesses.
  • Keep It Clean Partnership – A partnership of communities sharing, coordinating, and developing resources to reduce stormwater pollution within the Boulder Creek and St. Vrain Creek watersheds. Boulder County, Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, and Superior contract with PACE to provide business and municipal outreach to reduce the impacts of stormwater. A PACE Business Sustainability Advisor can visit and provide a free stormwater consultation, one-on-one pollution prevention education, and outreach materials.
  • Municipal Stormwater Program – Stormwater compliance assistance program for municipal operations.

Transportation

  • 36 Commuting Solutions – A regional organization enhancing the mobility of commuters along the U.S. 36 corridor
  • B-Cycle – A non-profit bike-share program with member bikes in Boulder, Denver, and other U.S. cities
  • Best Workplaces for Commuters Program – A membership program that provides qualified employers with national recognition for offering outstanding commuter benefits
  • Boulder Transportation Connections – Helps create or improve upon transportation programs at your business, and provides a variety of resources for transportation and commute planning, alternative modes of transportation, and other transportation choices
  • Charge Ahead Colorado – Electrical Vehicle charging station grant program information and application
  • Community Cycles – A non-profit organization that offers a full bike shop with new and used parts and bicycles
  • eGO CarShare – A non-profit pay-as-you-drive car usage system in Boulder and Denver
  • GoBoulder – A program through the city of Boulder that provides bus, bike, walk information
  • The League of American Bicyclists – How to become a bike friendly business and program details
  • Way to Go – A program promoting alternative commuting options for employers and individuals in the Denver metro area

Resource Sheets:

Want to find out if you qualify for rebates? Just ask us!

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. In 2014, 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 recycle. The Buff hopes that its waste consciousness extends far beyond its doors and compostable containers.