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Resource Recovery
Help Reach Our Zero Waste Goal
Telluride is working hard to divert waste from the local landfill by reducing, reusing, and recycling.
We encourage you to help us by joining our efforts.
Annual Spring Clean-up Event
- Spring Clean-Up usually takes place in May in the Telluride Carhenge parking lot.
- Please join us for a chance to dispose of large items, appliances, scrap metal, vehicle batteries, tires, and more.
- Details for the next event are coming soon!
- This event typically runs concurrently with the electronics recycling hosted by EcoAction Partners and the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal hosted by San Miguel County.
- EcoAction Partners also hosts an electronic waste recycling event in the fall.
- When is my pickup day? If you are renting a home, ask your Property Manager. Each home is likely to have different days and times.
- What goes into the blue recycling bin? View our Recycling Tips for detailed information.
- Grocery Bags – To help reduce waste, Telluride has banned plastic grocery bags and placed a 10-cent fee on each recycled-content paper bag that you can buy at the store. If you did not bring a re-usable grocery bag with you or your host has not left some for you to use during your stay, reusable bags are available for purchase at local stores.
- The Free Box – The Free Box is a great place to find and leave gently used items that can be used again. It is maintained by the Public Works Department. Please respect the Free Box rules. Do not leave anything on the sidewalk next to the Free Box and please do not leave electronics, furniture or heavily used or soiled items at the Free Box.
- Reusable To-Go Cups – We all love to get a coffee or tea to go! Bring a reusable coffee mug and some coffee purveyors will give you a discount.
- Save Electricity – Turn off lights that are not needed, especially in unoccupied rooms or when you are not at home. Do not leave cell phones or computers plugged in unless they are in active use or are being recharged. (You might also consider carrying a head lamp as a handy tool for potential electrical outages.)
- Save Water – Turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. In homes, only run full dishwasher and laundry loads.
- Save Fuel – Telluride has a “no idling” law. Please turn off your vehicle if you will be in place for 30 seconds or more (i.e., most times). Idling a car for 30 seconds or more uses more gasoline than stopping and restarting.
Telluride Plastics Ordinance
- In 2011, the Town of Telluride banned disposable plastic bags while mandating certain standards and a fee for using permitted paper bags. Learn more by reviewing the Telluride Municipal Code, Chapter 7, Article 7 here.
- In 2022, the Town of Telluride passed a prohibition and ban on the use or sale of certain plastic materials and products. Learn more by reviewing the Telluride Municipal Code, Chapter 7, Article 8 here.
Telluride's Planet Over Plastic Initiative
In alignment with the Town of Telluride’s ordinance, local businesses are asked to support the prohibition and ban of single-use plastics in our community.
In establishments displaying the Planet Over Plastic emblem, plastic food containers, straws, cutlery, and condiment packages are not readily available. Instead, these businesses follow best practices by using paper and compostable packaging.
We're grateful for the support of our businesses, residents, and visitors alike to keep our community and planet healthy for future generations!
Scroll below or click here to download the Planet Over Plastic Fact Sheet to learn more about the ordinance and plastic alternatives.