Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Compost

Reduce and Reuse

• Find ways to reducing consumption and waste in the first place before recycling and composting.
• Use reusable options instead of disposables for everyday items like coffee mugs, shopping bags, food containers, and utensils.  
• Donate and sell gently used goods.
• Utilize bulk and re-fill options for food items

Recycle Correctly!

• Focus on the everyday basics: paper and cardboard, hard plastic containers, aluminum, and steel cans.
• Make sure you're items are relatively free of food and liquid residue.
• Don't "wish-cycle" and throw things away that aren't actually recyclable - this increases costs and clogs up the recycling systems.
• Utilize online or mail-in programs for even harder to recycle items like clothing fabric or plastic wrappers.
• Take a moment to research how to recycle additional items like electronics, automotive materials, appliances, and household hazardous waste.
• Visit the City of Durango Recycling pages for more information.

Compost Organic Waste

• The City of Durango Compost page has information on at-home composting and the city's partnership with Table to Farm Compost.

Food Matters

• The Food Matters page can help you consider issues around food waste and ways to access more healthy local food.

Be a Conscious Consumer

• Guide your purchases with trustworthy labels and certifications that reflect your values as a consumer.
• Buy locally-produced products and from locally-owned retailers to support our local economy and vibrant downtown.