Solid Waste/Recycling Services

Waste Reduction

According to the EPA, in 2005, U.S. residents, businesses, and institutions produced more than 245 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), which is approximately 4.5 pounds of waste per person per day.

Several MSW management practices, such as source reduction, recycling, and composting, prevent or divert materials from the waste stream.

Source Reduction

Involves altering the design, manufacture, or use of products and materials to reduce the amount and toxicity of what gets thrown away. You can decrease the amount of waste your household generates by selective shopping known as "precycling."

• Buy items packaged in materials recyclable in Durango's program.
• Look for products with the least amount of packaging and those that contain recycled materials.
• Buy items you regularly use in bulk quantities, rather than single use sizes.
• Purchase durable goods that can be reused instead of disposables.
• Instead of throwing away things you no longer want, consider giving usable items away, or donating them to a thrift store. Another option is selling them in a consignment shop or to a pawn shop.

Recycling

Diverts items, such as paper, glass, plastic, and metals, from the waste stream. These materials are sorted, collected, and processed and then manufactured, sold, and bought as new products.

Composting

Decomposes organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, with microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi), producing a humus-like substance. If you have space in your backyard, you can further reduce your "waste line" by composting leaves, grass cuttings, and even some food waste, instead of leaving it all for the trash collector.

Composting, part of the natural decay process that creates fertile soil, has been used by farmers for thousands of years.

Other Yard Waste

Spring and Fall Cleanups occur at set times of the year within the City. Please separate all limbs, leaves, brush, and bare wood construction waste from other refuse for these collections. Limbs and brush may also be taken to the Bayfield Convenience Center during the summer. These yard wastes, together with Christmas trees, are shredded into mulch and are available to area residents, rather than being landfilled.