Businesses can divert up to 75% of their waste from the landfill. But Boulder County only diverts about 30% today.
Making smart choices about waste can reduce your impact on the environment. Smart waste choices can also help your business lower costs on supplies and materials.
One easy place to start: single-use products. They’re easy to grab and easy to toss, but they add up fast. PACE has grants of up to $2,000 to help businesses in Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont. These grants help businesses switch to reusable options like dishware, containers, and more. And we’re here to help you meet local zero waste rules.
PACE also offer coupons for recycling and composting, plus free signage and staff training.
Waste reduction grants are funded by the Boulder County Sustainability Tax and the City of Boulder’s Climate Tax. The Cities of Lafayette and Longmont also provide funding. Grants are first-come, first-served while funding lasts. Contact a PACE advisor to check if funding is available and confirm your project meets the requirements.
Ditch disposables – switch to reusables
Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont each offer a one-time incentive to help you swap single use items that end up in the landfill with reusables. Your business can use this incentive to buy things like dishware, containers, and dishwashers. Each of these cities offers additional support to help businesses comply with local zero waste ordinances. Find more information below the table.
| City | Incentive covers | Max amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | Up to 70% of project costs | $2,000 |
| Lafayette | Up to 50% of project costs | $1,000 |
| Longmont | Up to 70% of project costs | $1,500 |
City of Boulder Businesses
In addition to the reusables incentive, 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.
Businesses can also get free 5-gallon buckets with lids to help manage back-of-house composting. PACE advisors can also help with bins, signage, and training to make sure your business is in compliance with the City of Boulder Universal Zero Waste Ordinance.
City of Lafayette Businesses
The City of Lafayette is working with PACE to help businesses comply with the local commercial recycling ordinance.
Resources include:
- Free recycling bins
- Waste signage
- Staff training
- $1,150 coupon towards starting a new recycling service
Pre-approval is required for purchase through PACE’s supplier.
City of Longmont Businesses
PACE works with the City of Longmont to provide businesses with compost and recycling bins (valued at $330). Businesses can also get 5-gallon buckets with lids to help manage back-of-house composting.
PACE advisors can also help with signage and training to make sure your business is in compliance with the Longmont Universal Recycling Ordinance.
Recycling and Composting Incentives
Boulder County businesses that sign up for new recycling or composting services are eligible for a coupon worth $150 towards those services.
Recycling and composting services can help keep resources out of the landfill. These services can also lower your trash costs. Additionally, they can boost your public image and build employee pride.
How to Claim Your Coupon
Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and Superior
Businesses in these cities may qualify for extra funding. First, apply for the Zero Waste Business Coupon. Then the Resource Conservation Division will follow up with you and provide more information.
All Other Boulder County Locations
Businesses in other parts of Boulder County can get the $150 coupon through their waste hauler. Check with your hauler to learn more and sign up. You can also contact the Resource Conservation Division at resourceconservation@bouldercounty.gov or call 720-564-2220.
Coupons are available on a first come, first serve basis until funds run out.
Additional Resources
Your PACE advisor can make custom signs to post above your recycling, compost, and trash bins. The signs show pictures of the items your business throws away most. Clear signs help staff and customers use the right bin. Contact a PACE advisor (info@pacepartners.com) to get started.
Your PACE advisor can train your staff on composting and recycling. They’ll cover why these services matter and how to do them well.
We recommend you teach new employees about waste reduction as part of onboarding. Then offer refresher training at staff meetings, too.
- Boulder County Resource Conservation Division – Find information on recycling, composting, and other zero waste programs.
- Boulder County Zero Waste Service Providers for Businesses – Haulers can contact us to be added to this list.
Local Zero Waste Facilities:
- The Battery Network – A nonprofit that recycles batteries for free.
- Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) – Recycles unusual items like electronics, hard-to-recycle plastics, and bicycles.
- Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) – Handles hazardous waste like light bulbs, paint, and motor oil.
Tools:
- Boulder County Business Guide to Reducing Food Waste – Tips to prevent food waste (also available en español).
- Guide to Sustainable Serviceware – Help choosing eco-friendly food service items (also available en español).
Boulder County aims to ensure all digital content and documents are accessible. While efforts have been made to maximize accessibility, some of these documents contain types of content have inherent technical limitations. For alternate formats or accommodations, please email info@pacepartners.com or call 303-786-7223.
