Zero Waste, Infinite Impact: Local Volunteer Opportunities with Eco-Cycle 

Zero Waste, Infinite Impact: Local Volunteer Opportunities with Eco-Cycle 

Did you know that Eco-Cycle was founded by local activists who helped start the recycling revolution? In 1976, Eco-Cycle volunteers organized one of the very first curbside recycling programs in the nation by educating residents about the value of recycling and using old school buses to collect materials from sidewalks across Boulder.

Over the decades, Eco-Cycle volunteers have joined together to create even bigger impacts at the local and state level, such as engaging the public in Zero Waste education, advocating for ordinances that support the expansion of recycling and composting, and championing statewide policy to reduce plastic pollution.

Today, our “Eco-Leader” network continues to thrive with over 1,000 volunteers. There are many ways YOU can get involved to help our community and planet! Below are some upcoming volunteer opportunities to engage with your community and help divert valuable materials from the landfill. If you’re eager to jump in and make a real impact, join us!

Volunteer to Table for Earth Month

April 22 is Earth Day, but we’re busy celebrating all month long! We’d love to work with volunteers that can help represent Eco-Cycle at fun Earth Month events. As a tabler, you’ll get an Eco-Cycle shirt and a tabling partner, and spend your time distributing resources and playing a recycling sorting game with event attendees!

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Volunteer at the CHaRM or help bring CHaRM on the Road!

Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) located in Boulder is the first facility of its kind in the nation! At the CHaRM, residents and businesses can drop off over two dozen “hard-to-recycle” materials—items that can be recycled, but not in your curbside recycling bin—including electronics, block foam, mattresses, small household appliances, and so much more!

There are two types of volunteer experiences with the CHaRM. You can 1) Become a CHaRM Lane Volunteer, helping customers who are dropping off items at our hard-to-recycle facility (located at 6400 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder), or 2) You can hit the road with Eco-Cycle staff as we team up with local municipalities to bring CHaRM to communities, collecting materials across Boulder County and beyond!

To learn more about becoming a CHaRM Lane Volunteer at our Boulder facility, sign up for one of our upcoming orientations!

To volunteer at one of our CHaRM on the Road community events, choose a date/location and sign up here!

• Saturday, April 13, Superior: Eldorado K–8, 8:00 am–1:30 pm
• Saturday, April 20, Lafayette: Near 287 & South Boulder Rd, 8:00 am–1:30 pm
• Saturday, April 27, Louisville: Ascent Community Church, 8:00 am–1:30 pm

Volunteers will be trained and then will help sort recyclables (mostly e-waste) alongside Eco-Cycle staff during these outdoor events. You do not need to be available for the entire shift to sign up, so don’t be shy! 

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¿Hablas español? We Need Your Input to Create Bilingual Recycling Signs!

If you’re passionate about education and sustainability and are fluent in Spanish, we need your input! Currently, the educational displays at the Boulder County Recycling Center, operated by Eco-Cycle, are in English only. This year, we’re partnering with Boulder County to make all educational signage bilingual in English and Spanish!

If you are bilingual, be a part of our focus group and help shape the equitability of these displays!

Focus groups will be held at the Boulder County Recycling Center, located at 1901 63rd Street, Boulder, on the following dates: 

• Tuesday, April 2, from 6:00–7:30 pm
• Wednesday, April 3, from noon–1:30 pm

Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP or direct your questions to Chandra Valenza, Community Outreach Manager for Boulder County, at [email protected].

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Earth Month is a whirlwind of climate action, community building, and absolute fun! If you’re looking for a way to dedicate some time to conserve resources, engage with your community, and protect the planet, join us for one of these impactful volunteer opportunities. We appreciate your commitment to your community and the environment, and are grateful for any time you can spend with us!