Waste reduction and circularity

Why it matters

Waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, pollution, and natural resource depletion. By changing how we make, use, and throw things away, Louisville can cut our waste, protect the environment, and build a stronger local economy.

What is a circular economy?

In a circular economy, materials are reused and repaired, and recycled (as a last resort). Essentially, the goal is to keep materials in use for as long as possible. Instead of a "take-make-dispose" model, a circular economy model reduces waste, conserves resources, and supports reuse and repair.

What we're doing

We're committed to reducing waste and advancing circular practices across our community. Here's a short-list of what we offer so far:

Curbside composting and recycling is available to all residents for food scraps, yard waste, and recyclables, which helps to divert 45% of Louisville’s waste from the landfill.
All City facilities and special events provide recycling and composting for employees and guests.
The City uses compostable plates at events and is committed to purchasing other green products and services for procurement purposes.

Louisville Hard to Recycle Voucher

Louisville residents, claim your hard-to-recycle voucher here. Please reach out to the Sustainability Division at Sustainability@LouisvilleCO.gov for any additional questions.

Claim a voucher

General Information

The City of Louisville is excited to launch the Hard-to-Recycle Voucher Program, expanding our partnership with Eco-Cycle to make recycling difficult items easier and more accessible than ever.

This year, we’ve replaced the traditional “Spring Cleaning” event with a one-time use, $25 voucher for every Louisville household. This voucher helps cover the cost of recycling hard-to-recycle materials at the Eco-Cycle Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM), located at 6400 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder. The program provides greater flexibility so you can recycle on your schedule—anytime throughout 2026.

Please note:

The voucher is only valid at the Eco-Cycle CHaRM facility.
Limited to one voucher per Louisville resident sign up
The Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF) remains free for Louisville residents.
If the total amount of the 25$ voucher is not used, any left-over amount not used will not be eligible to be used at a later time. Because of this we encourage you to bring any and all materials at one time to utilize the voucher amount to its fullest.

What Can Be Recycled with the Voucher?

Accepted Items Include:

Scrap metal, including microwaves

Electronic waste

Computer towers & servers

Laptops

CRT monitors & TVs

Keyboards, mice, cords

Cell phones & iPods

DVD/CD players, VCRs, stereo systems

Printers & speakers

Appliances (including refrigerants)

Fire extinguishers

Mattresses

And more!

For the full list of accepted materials, visit Eco-Cycle’s website: What We Accept at CHaRM – Eco-Cycle.

Note: Your voucher can be used for any item accepted at Eco-Cycle CHaRM, but the voucher might not cover the full cost.

Hazardous waste is NOT Accepted at Eco-Cycle CHaRM

For more information on what items the Eco-Cycle Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) accepts, please visit their website at this link.

How to access your voucher and what to expect

Collect your hard-to-recycle items. Make sure your items are on the accepted items list.
Register through the Eventbrite link(available on City newsletters, utility bill inserts, and social media).
When you register, you’ll receive an email confirmation—the email/Eventbrite receipt is your $25 voucher and proof of residency (printed or virtual copy of the ticket).
Bring the email (printed or digital) and your items to the Eco-Cycle CHaRM at 6400 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder.
CHaRM staff will review your items, apply your voucher, and let you know if any additional fees apply.

Your voucher is valid through December 31, 2026.

What to Expect at the Eco-Cycle CHaRM

CHaRM employees will request your voucher email (virtual or printed) as proof of residency
Staff will evaluate your materials and determine which items are covered by the voucher
Check Eco-Cycle’s website beforehand for accepted materials and pricing

Bring everything you can in one visit to make the most of your voucher!

Do your part for Louisville—and the planet.

By participating in this program, you’re helping reduce landfill waste and supporting Louisville’s sustainability goals. The City of Louisville is proud to partner with Eco-Cycle to make responsible recycling simple, affordable, and available year-round.

If you have questions as we prepare for launch, please contact the Sustainability Division.

Waste and recycling resources

Republic Services Resources and Information

Find out more about all that Republic Services offers in Louisville

The State of Recycling and Compost in Colorado

Explore more about recycling and compost throughout the state of Colorado.

A-Z Recycling Guide

Can't figure out what can be recycled? Check out Eco-Cycle's A-Z Recycling Guide.

Why it matters

What is a circular economy?

What we're doing

What to Expect at the Eco-Cycle CHaRM

Waste and recycling resources

Related