Waste & Material Flows

St. Vrain has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship that manifests through trailblazing initiatives, comprehensive recycling programs, and strong student participation. We strive to reduce our ecological footprint and be mindful of the waste we create, ultimately working to curate a culture of conservation among our school communities. This is the direct result of not only our Energy & Sustainability team, but our passionate students and teachers, amazing custodial staff, and wonderful kitchen managers who help everything run smoothly.

The chart below shows our 2023 diversion rate percentages across all of our schools and buildings. In the 2023 calendar year, the school district sent 2.0% to compost, 32.4% to recycling, and 65.6% to trash.

Thanks to Eco-Cycle’s Schools Programs, our district has access to presentations, activities, events, recycling tips, and more: 

Recycling is so easy through our “SINGLE STREAM” recycling program which allows for the following items to be mixed together in the same recycle containers:

1. Paper:  Accounting ledgers, blueprint paper, booklets/pamphlets, business and index cards, calendars, catalogs (stapled & glued catalogs up to ½”), computer printouts, envelopes (white or pastel colored, windows), file folders, magazines, NCR (carbonless paper), newspaper, newspaper inserts, office paper (white or light colored), paper ream wrappers (white only), phone books, Post-Its, posters, scratch paper, slick/glossy paper.  Note: Stamps/mailing labels and staples are OK
2. Paperboard:  Light cardboard-like boxes, i.e. cracker boxes, tissue boxes, etc.
3. Cardboard:  Please flatten, and take larger ones to the white collection bin located outside the school.
4. Commingle Containers: Cans and bottles: glass, plastic bottles, and tubs (#1 thru 7)

Please use your recycle box or other recycle containers located inside the building to collect recyclable materials.  Staff or students may also empty all recyclables into the collection bin marked recycling located outside the building.

The following items MAY NOT be recycled through our Single Stream program:  Any bright (neon) or deep, dark-colored office paper/butcher paper/construction paper, hanging file folders, overhead transparencies, paper towels, photographs, plastics (including laminates), sticker, tissues, Tyvek envelopes (FedEx-type), unopened mail (please open first, then recycle).

Located in Boulder, The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) collects a wide array of items including cables & wires, mattresses, books, ceramics, bikes, glassware, printers, electronics, appliances, and more!