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Longmont may host "hard to recycle" event

Event could cost $45,000
recycling
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Longmont appears ready to spend $45,000 for an event that will let residents bring in household and other items that can’t be recycled by conventional means.

A city-wide “hard to recycle” gathering will likely occur in November and probably last several days, Bob Allen, operations director for Longmont’s public works and natural resource department, told the city council Tuesday night.

Allen asked the council to provide $45,000 for the event, which would allow Longmonters to drop off items that can’t be placed in the city’s recycle containers and are not accepted at the Waste Diversion Center, 140 Martin St.

Council members were supportive of the “hard to recycle” initiative and it will be put on an upcoming agenda item for formal approval.

Items not accepted for general recycling include: computers and electronics, mattresses and box springs, plate glass, porcelain/toilets and sinks, textiles, hard bound books, fire extinguishers and furniture. Concrete, asphalt, lumber, pallets and drywall are also not accepted, according to a city staff report.

A separate city staff report states the city is working on four major Waste Services program areas including: universal recycling concepts and alternatives, updates on the city’s proposed zero waste resolution, mid-and-long term alternatives for hard to recycle items and enhancements to solid waste education and outreach.

Allen said the city is particularly focused on developing the Green Star program, a recycling education initiative between Longmont and the St. Vrain Valley School District.