Tee Cee’s Tip

Dear Tee Cee,

It’s spring cleaning time and I’m mentally preparing for all the things I’m going to have to dispose of, like old mattresses, TVS, and books. Are there facilities or events that collect these random items?

Thanks! Luis

Dear Luis, Spring cleaning is hard enough, so let me simplify the mental prep for you. Yes, two local places accept “hardto-recycle” items year-round, as well as a few more local resources I think you will find helpful.

The Eco-cycle Center for Hard-to-recycle Materials (nicknamed the CHARM) is Boulder County’s largest hub for hard-to-recycle collection (and it’s not limited to the county — anyone can come!). The CHARM diverts all the items you listed, as well as over 20 other items ranging from smoke detectors to refrigerators. There is a $3 facility fee for entry, plus some additional item fees, depending on the item. The full list of items accepted can be found at ecocycle. org/charm.

The Longmont Waste Diversion Center, located at 140 Martin St, accepts white block foam, plastic bags, scrap metal, rechargeable batteries, and yard waste. We’re lucky to have this local resource, and spring cleaning is a great time to get to know it. Please be sure to bring a current city of Longmont utility bill and identification to show that you are a City resident.

Don’t forget your local thrift stores. Before recycling, it’s always best to reuse, so if your materials are lightly loved, always explore donation before disposal. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm your donation.

Lastly, as you’re going through your array of items, all the answers are at your fingertips. Download Longmont’s Waste Wizard app or Eco-cycle’s A—Z Recycling Guide app to learn where to recycle, reuse, or compost hundreds of different materials, or check them out online at longmontcolorado. gov or ecocycle.org.

Here’s an extra benefit: Most items recycled through the Eco-cycle CHARM use a market that also acts as a social enterprise — doing good for our environment and fellow community members. For example, when you recycle your mattress with the CHARM, it goes to Spring Back Colorado, giving employment opportunities specifically to people who are disenfranchised or have barriers to employment. Books are reused and redistributed whenever possible and recycled when they aren’t. Children’s books are separated and donated to local schools through Ecocycle’s Green Star Schools program, as well as to different charities and programs in the area that serve children and families. Your TV will be recycled by Blue Star Recyclers, which specifically employs people with disabilities and has the highest e-waste recycling stewardship certification available.

Spring cleaning is a daunting task, but armed with these many resources (and maybe a great playlist), you are ready to declutter your space while benefiting local programs and saving valuable resources from the landfill!

Happy tidying, Tee Cee