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Frequently Asked Questions on Hard-to-Recycle Items
Where do I take my plastic grocery bags for recycling?
A. Plastic grocery bags can be taken to the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) if they are clean, dry and empty—no receipts, food residues, moisture, etc. The CHaRM accepts #2 and #4 plastic bags, such as dry cleaner bags, newspaper bags, and produce bags.
Can I recycle Ziploc bags? 
A. Yes, if they are clean, dry and empty and the zip part is removed with scissors (and discarded). Plastic bags can only be recycled at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM). (See above.)
Can I recycle tennis shoes?
A. Yes, tennis shoes can be recycled at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials. The CHaRM cannot accept shoes with cleats, spikes, or mud, or shoes with metal eyelets. The CHaRM also accepts all other types of shoes, such as dress shoes and hiking boots. These shoes must be in complete pairs, preferably bound together with rubber bands (provided on site).
Can I recycle computers?
A. Computers, monitors, and other peripheral electronics can be recycled at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials. There is a fee to drop-off equipment. Please call Eco-Cycle for details or click here.
Why is there a fee to recycle electronics?
A. There is a fee for recycling most electronic equipment (cell phones and printer cartridges are free). These funds are used to offset the cost of collection, storage, and marketing of the materials. In most cases, items must be disassembled before they can be recycled, a labor-intensive process that often requires handling toxic substances. Eco-Cycle works only with certified, domestic electronic recyclers.
Why should I recycle my TV?
A. Televisions and computers each contain 3-8 pounds of lead, and like most electronics, can contain a host of other toxic substances such as cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These toxic substances could contaminate groundwater when landfilled.
Can I recycle the white foam blocks used in packaging?
 A. Yes, but only at the Eco-Cycle/City of Boulder Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM). The CHaRM accepts clean, white block foam typically used for packaging computers and other electronics, wine, etc. (as seen in photo to left). The CHaRM also accepts rigid white foam insulation typically found around building foundations.
Eco-Cycle DOES NOT accept food grade foam packaging (to-go containers, meat trays, disposable cups, etc.), packing peanuts, bubble wrap, any foam other than #6, or foam with tape or moisture.
Are there recycling options for other kinds of foam packaging like the packing peanuts and coffee cups?
A. Foam peanuts can be reused. Take these to any packaging store or shipping place and they will reuse them in their packaging efforts. Always call first.
There are no recycling options for food grade foam packaging such as to-go boxes, coffee cups, or meat trays. Avoid these products when possible by carrying a reusable coffee mug, buying meat packaged in butcher paper, or bringing a Tupperware out to eat to hold leftovers. Find more tips for reducing your use of foam packaging.
I see a lot of things in the scrap metal bin like microwaves that have non-metal parts. Does that mean the things I drop off don't have to be completely metal? 
A. Yes, with a few exceptions. As long as the items contain mostly metal parts, the non-metal parts can be separated out. This includes microwaves, dishwashers, old bicycles, etc.
Computers, TVs, and other electronic equipment are the exception to this rule. Call Eco-Cycle for electronic equipment recycling or click here. Also, any appliance containing Freon or CFCs—such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners—must have the CFCs removed by a certified CFC remover before being recycled. Do not leave these materials in the scrap metal bin. Lastly, we cannot accept pressurized containers such as propane tanks. Use our Hard-to-Recycle Guide to find an authorized handler.
Additional Questions
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