ALLENSPARK - On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Boulder County hosted another “Trash Talk” event at The Old Gallery in Allenspark. Recycling systems in Boulder County and recycling guidelines were discussed with the community.

With so many rules and regulations, it can be challenging to remember what belongs in the recycling bin. Is the greasy pizza box too greasy for recycling? Do plastic clamshells or Styrofoam cups belong in the trash, or are they recyclable?

It seems nowadays that everything has a recycling symbol, but did you know that the recycling symbol is unregulated? This allows companies to place the symbol on anything they want to market as “recyclable,” creating confusion and frustration.

One of the things that makes an item recyclable is its destination. If an item has nowhere to go or a way to be reused, it isn’t recyclable.

For example: mattresses and box springs. In the past, these items were placed in landfills. Then, thanks to places like A Bedder World, a nationwide mattress recycling and disposal company, it became possible to recycle most mattresses.

(It’s important to know that soiled mattresses, like other items that are a human-health concern, are not recyclable.)

At the Allenspark Transfer Station, residents can recycle mattresses and box springs for $30. Why pay to recycle a mattress when commingled recycling is free? Because Boulder County has to pay a fee to recycle them on your behalf.

Recycling mattresses is a convenient service Boulder County offers residents. Another service the Allenspark Transfer Station provides is the drop-off for gently used clothing, shoes, household textiles, and small accessories—things that have not been ruined.

The staff at the transfer stations ask that residents wanting to donate any of the above items meet with them at the office first, before placing them in the provided bins. These items need to be approved.

A major safety issue at the Allenspark Transfer Station is the commingled recycling. Scott Touminen, one of the employees at the station, has removed items from the recycling bin that were mistakenly placed in it.

In the past month, Touminen has removed dirty diapers, dog hair, facial tissues, and dryer sheets, to name a few. The concern is the health of the people who have to physically remove these items as recyclables are being processed.

Not only are Boulder County Eco Cycle employees having to remove unsafe items by hand, but the machines are also being jammed and ruined. Because of this, the Allenspark Transfer Station has implemented a three-strike rule.

The rule applies to those intentionally breaking regulations. After a third warning, a resident may be banned from using the facility for one year. Thus far, only one resident has been asked to take their trash and recycling elsewhere.

Boulder County reminds residents, “When in doubt, throw it out.” All commingled recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry. They should also be at least two inches in diameter to be recycled.

Why does size matter? Because the machines used to recycle items are programmed to recycle a specific size. Items less than two inches in diameter can be lost in the machines or can cross-contaminate recycling efforts in the process.

During the “Trash Talk” event, residents also learned that compostable items are not recyclable, and not all paper products are recyclable either.

There are many rules for properly disposing of recyclable and hazardous items. Residents’ efforts are helping create a cleaner and safer environment.

If you need reasons to take recycling seriously here are a few:

Recycling just one aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for three hours.

Aluminum cans can be recycled endlessly.

Cardboard boxes can be recycled up to seven times.

The Allenspark Transfer Station also hosted its annual Cleanup Day on Saturday, August 9. The event was strictly for residents of Allenspark. Business waste is never accepted at this event.

Cleanup Day exists to help residents maintain clean properties. Accepted materials include everything from mattresses and box springs to electronic waste and scrap metal, as well as the typical trash and recyclables.

Flammables are not accepted, but several household hazardous materials, including CFC/Freon-containing appliances, oil and latex paint, motor oil, antifreeze, and batteries are accepted on Cleanup Day.

Allenspark residents are invited to call the staff at the transfer station with any questions. The Allenspark Transfer Station is at 14857 Highway 7. You can call them at 303-747-2107.

To learn more, Boulder County encourages residents to visit the following websites:

https://bouldercounty.gov/environment/recycle/resource-conservation/videos/ and

https://bouldercounty.gov/environment/recycle/.

https://ecocycle.org/services-and-facilities/charm/.

https://bouldercounty.gov/environment/hazardous-waste/management-facility/.

https://bouldercounty.gov/environment/trash/allenspark-transfer-and-recycle/.

https://www.abedderworld.com/