March 4, 2023

Yampa Valley Recycles Depot proves value, becomes year-round fixture in Steamboat

From Suzie Romig, Steamboat Pilot and Today

CAP Waste Sector Climate Win – Yampa Valley Recycles Depot keeps hard to recycle materials out of landfills and, in doing so, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reusing in lieu of mining and harvesting new materials.

A pilot program that began in December 2021 to provide a year-round location for citizens to drop off hard-to-recycle items ranging from electronics to mattresses has proven its necessity in the Yampa Valley, organizers say.

“The success of the facility has shown there is a great need for a facility like this in the Yampa Valley, and we hope to see it grow and expand in the items that we can accept,” said Winn Cowman, waste diversion director at the nonprofit Yampa Valley Sustainability Council. “There is a great need in the Yampa Valley and beyond for this service, and a long-term facility is needed.”

Conner Byrnes, the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council’s zero waste program and waste diversion technician, mans the Yampa Valley Recycles Depot on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. In 2022, 1,446 people came to the facility to recycle various items.