8 Steps You Can Take Today to Support a Zero Waste Leadville
A more sustainable Leadville isn’t just a distant vision or someone else’s responsibility. It’s something we can build right here and now through small, concrete steps.
It’s compost buckets on kitchen counters. Tools borrowed instead of bought. Secondhand gear that gets one more life. Neighbors showing up to shape policy. Small systems working together.
Here are tangible, local ways to get started today:
♻️ 1. Compost Your Food Scraps
Food scraps make up a huge portion of what goes to the landfill. Turn your waste into soil instead!
Compost with C4: Join our residential food scrap compost program today c4leadville.org/compost
🔄 2. Recycle Smarter
Not sure if it’s worth recycling in Lake County? Learn more about local operations and drop materials directly at the recycling center (1500 Co Rte 6, Leadville, CO 80461)
🛍 3. Shop Secondhand First
Donating or consigning + buying used keeps items in circulation and reduces demand for new production.
Community Threads consignment, shopping, and gear repairs: facebook.com/CommThreads/
Leadville Exchange now offers pickup “concierge” consigning: leadvilleexchange.com/book-to-consign
Matchless Treasures Thrift: matchlesstreasuresthrift.com/
🧰 4. Borrow Instead of Buy
Tools and equipment are often used only a few times a year. Sharing them saves money, space, and resources.
Check out the Lake County Tool Library & attend an orientation: lakecountypubliclibrary.org/tool-library
Explore the Library of Things for equipment and specialty items, from cameras and crafts to ukuleles and ski wax kits: lakecountypubliclibrary.org/library-of-things
🫙 5. Refill, Reuse, Repair
Support local refill options and creative reuse.
Melanzana NoSo repair patches extend the life of your gear: melanzana.com/products/noso-patches
Good Neighbors Mercantile pop-up this Sunday (2/22) from 11–3 at Tenderfoot Market. Featuring accessories to repurpose mason jars, bulk cleaning product refills, and other low-waste products to simplify your home and take care of our planet: goodneighborsmercantile.com/
🚲 6. Rethink Transportation
Drive less when you can. Walk, bike, or try local transit.
Check out public transit routes: leadville.downtownerapp.com/routes
⚡ 7. Reduce Energy Waste at Home
Cut emissions and save money at the same time.
Sign up for a free Home Energy Audit: c4leadville.org/home-energy-assessment
Take advantage of new electrification incentives:
Mountain Energy Project—up to $7,500/ton for heat pumps, or $22,500 for an average 3-ton system
HEAR rebates— up to $14,000 in upgrades for income-qualified households
Contact C4 Energy Director Richie Moutoux to learn more: 719-256-0291 / richie@c4leadville.org
🏛 8. Use Your Voice
Zero waste requires policy change, not just personal habits.
Submit feedback on the One Community Project comprehensive plan
Attend the BOCC work session presenting Lake County’s first Climate Action Plan (Feb 24, 11am–1pm)