How do you recycle?
There are two ways to recycle in Summit County, and the rules are different for each. Follow the Single Stream rules if you get your recycling picked up at your home or HOA and the Drop Off rules if you sort your recycling at the free drop-off sites.
Single Stream
 Plastic Bottles, Jugs, and Tubs |  Aluminum and tin Cans |  Paper |
 Cardboard | ||
| #1 and #2 Plastic (Bottles, Jugs, and Tubs) | Aluminum and tin Cans | |
| Paper | Cardboard | |
Drop-Off
| #1 and #2 Plastic Bottles | Aluminum and tin Cans | Paper |
| Cardboard |  Glass |  Cartons |
 Food Waste | ||
| #1 and #2 Plastic (Bottles, Jugs, and Tubs) | Aluminum and tin Cans | |
| Paper | Cardboard | |
| Glass | Cartons | |
| Food Waste |  Scrap Metal | |
HC3 staff answers recycling questions Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 970-668-5703.Â
All materials recycled at the drop-off centers are transported to the Summit County Resource Allocation Park (SCRAP, also the landfill), where they are sorted, baled, and shipped all over the United States to be made into new products. Single stream is baled at the SCRAP, after which it is transported to Denver for further sorting and sale.
In November 2018, local voters approved the Strong Future ballot initiative, which dedicates annual funding to recycling programs in Summit County. The Silverthorne Recycling Center was opened thanks to Strong Future, and several new recycling programs became available including the drop-off Food Scrap Program, neighborhood Glass Stations, Mattress Recycling and Carton Recycling. These initiatives are all helping us move toward the community recycling goal of 40% diversion by 2035.
High Country Conservation Center’s trained staff can help you improve recycling at your business, HOA, school and more. From free labels and bins to one-on-one coaching, HC3 offers the tools you need to improve your existing recycling program or start something new. Learn more about free Recycling Resources in Summit County.Â
Local towns and Summit County government are considering changes to trash and recycling service. Summit County’s recycling rate is 20%, which means that 80% of the waste we produce is landfilled. Our landfill is slated to close in 2056 if we don’t recycle and compost more. Learn more about these two programs proven to increase recycling.
Find a Recycling Site in Summit County
Use Search and filter features below to find a location
Click on the location pin to see all the recycling options the site offers. Drop Off Recycling Centers in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Silverthorne ALL accept recycling, food scraps, glass, and scrap metal items.
Teaching Youth About Local Recycling
HC3’s Rocky’s Recyclers program educates local 3rd graders on what’s recyclable in our community. Hand-ons activities teach students why it’s important to recycle and learn how to do it right.
