Chook Chicken restaurant leads the way in adopting reusable plastic takeout containers to combat Colorado’s low recycling rate
Colorado’s recycling rate has long been a cause for concern, with the state consistently lagging behind the national average. However, small victories like Chook Chicken’s adoption of reusable takeout containers offer hope for a more sustainable future. This article explores the efforts being made to improve Colorado’s recycling rates and highlights the potential impact of innovative solutions.
Chook Chicken’s Reusable Takeout Containers
Chook Chicken, a popular restaurant chain in metro Denver, has partnered with Deliver Zero to offer customers reusable plastic takeout containers. For an additional 99 cents, customers can opt for the reusable containers, which can be used up to 1,000 times. The containers are then picked up, washed, and returned by Deliver Zero. CEO Elizabeth Nicholson sees this initiative as a marketing tool that not only reduces waste but also attracts more customers to the restaurant.
Colorado’s Recycling Challenges
Colorado’s recycling rate has remained stagnant at 16% for the past seven years, half the national average. To address this issue, the annual State of Recycling report released by Eco-Cycle and CoPIRG highlights the need for change. Despite Colorado’s environmentally conscious reputation, the state struggles to divert materials from the waste stream. The holiday season, with its increased household and food waste, further exacerbates the problem.
Policy Changes for Improved Recycling
State and local governments have implemented several policy changes aimed at improving recycling rates in Colorado. A 2022 state law established a producer responsibility board, which can tax packaging-makers to fund universal curbside recycling. Denver voters also passed mandatory recycling for multifamily apartments, ensuring improved access for residents. Additionally, new state laws will restrict the use of plastic grocery bags and Styrofoam takeout containers, further reducing waste.
Innovations in Waste Reduction
Alongside policy changes, innovative waste reduction efforts are gaining traction. Breckenridge Grand Vacations, for example, replaced single-use shampoo bottles with refillable containers, removing half a million plastic bottles from the waste stream and lowering costs by 40%. These initiatives demonstrate that reducing waste at the source is crucial. Properly separating recyclables with commodity value from materials that contaminate compost or damage sorters is also essential for a successful circular economy.
The Path to a Circular Economy
Recycling and composting alone are not enough to address Colorado’s recycling challenges. Building a circular economy, where valuable materials are collected, sorted, and transformed into new packaging, is the ultimate goal. Colorado is set to become the first noncoastal state to ban both plastic bags and Styrofoam food containers, a significant step towards achieving this circular economy. However, greater involvement from third-party delivery services is necessary to facilitate pickups and returns, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to waste reduction.
Conclusion:
Colorado’s low recycling rate has long been a concern, but recent initiatives offer hope for improvement. Chook Chicken’s adoption of reusable takeout containers exemplifies the innovative solutions being implemented to combat waste. Policy changes, such as mandatory recycling and restrictions on single-use plastics, are also expected to have a positive impact. However, the ultimate goal is to build a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and valuable materials are reused. By embracing these changes and encouraging greater involvement from all stakeholders, Colorado can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
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