Boulder County Recycling Center Tour — Boulder, Colorado

Discover the Boulder Recycling Center Tour in Colorado

Get a close-up look at what happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb at the Boulder County Recycling Center, one of Colorado’s most advanced materials recovery facilities (MRFs). This fascinating behind-the-scenes tour shows how paper, plastic, glass, and metals are sorted, processed, and prepared for reuse.
Why it’s special:
The facility features state-of-the-art sorting technology, including optical scanners, eddy-current separators, and high-speed conveyor systems—all operating in real time.

History/Story of the Boulder County Recycling Center

Opened in 2001 and significantly upgraded in 2010, the Boulder Recycling Center was built to support Boulder County’s strong environmental goals. Operated through the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division, the center handles tens of thousands of tons of recyclables annually and plays a major role in the region’s zero-waste initiatives. Its public education program is one of the most active in the state.

What You’ll See & Do at the Boulder Recycling Center

• Watch massive conveyor belts carry recyclables through the sorting process

• See high-tech optical scanners identify plastics by shape and resin type

• Learn how magnets and eddy-current separators capture metals

• Watch glass being crushed and processed into cullet

• See balers compress materials into large cubes ready for shipping

• Walk through elevated viewing areas overlooking the active sorting floor

• Learn about waste reduction, contamination issues, and zero-waste goals

Hands-On Elements: Recycling education boards, material displays, interactive zero-waste exhibits.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed from designated viewing areas; no flash or video on sorting floor.
Souvenirs & Extras: Educational materials, recycling guides, classroom resources (free).

Pricing of the Boulder Recycling Center Tour

• Public Tours: Free

• School & Group Tours: Free with reservation

• All tours must be scheduled in advance

Practical Info for Visiting the Recycling Center

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided tour via elevated observation walkways
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered Monday–Friday
Working Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Audience: Families, students, sustainability groups, local residents
Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps and indoor viewing areas
Safety & Restrictions:

• Closed-toe shoes recommended

• Visitors remain in designated viewing corridors

• No access to the active sorting floor
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Popular for schools, scouts, and environmental clubs
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing; curiosity about sustainability
  Facilities: Education center, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Sorting lines may pause during maintenance or shift changes

Nearby

• Valmont City Park

• Boulder Creek Path

• University of Colorado Boulder

• Boulder Farmers Market

FAQs About Visiting the Boulder Recycling Center

Will I see the sorting equipment running?
Most likely—weekday mornings and afternoons are the busiest times for live sorting.

Is the tour smelly?
Surprisingly, no—materials are cleaned and processed quickly, and viewing areas are enclosed.

Can kids participate?
Yes—tours are family-friendly and ideal for school-age children.

Do I get to walk on the sorting floor?
No—for safety, viewing is from elevated, enclosed walkways above the machinery.

What materials does Boulder accept?
Guides explain the full single-stream list, including plastics, metals, paper, cardboard, and glass.