Minimizing Forward - The Laramie Edition

the laramie edition—help repair the world

Think before you throw:

the Laramie edition

Rethink – your choices

Refuse – single-use

Reduce – consumption

Refurbish – old stuff

Repair – before you replace

Repurpose – be creative, reinvent

Recycle – last option

My Recycling Journey:

In art and life

I repurpose old jewelry and found objects into jewelry and sculpture. I do what I do because I care about the environment. I hope my views, hopes, and dreams for a better future are contagious. Art is such a part of me, I don’t know where myself and my art end, just like how we all interact with the environment and nature. Where does one begin and end?

After I settled my moms estate, not long after my dad died, I complied this ongoing list. If you are ever in charge of settling an estate, I highly recommend finding a helper in such times. One tip I learned is to offer items to your friends, neighbors and community members. They might enjoy having something to keep in memory of the person missing from their daily life. Learn more below on how you can minimize your impact in Laramie, Wyoming and across the front range.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Laramie Resources

QUICK TIPS: Don’t bag your recycling! The bags clog the machines. Things in bags just get taken to the dump. Pizza boxes are recyclable according to the Sierra Club, but you should check with your local recycling center first. And, you can always tear off the greasy areas and recycle the rest.

Many of the listings below are places to purchase used items as well. There are also numerous antique shops, flea markets, UW surplus and Facebook groups to check out as well!

To navigate this guide, use CTRL+F to search for a specific word.

AAA Recycling and Salvage

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 742-6971
Address: 1359 N 9th St, Laramie, WY

Accepts aluminum, steel, copper and brass scrap, cords/wires, plumbing, etc.

Ace Hardware

Contact Information

Phone: 307-755-0781
Address: 611 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY

Recycle rechargeable batteries, cell phones, and CFL bulbs.

Ace Salvage

Contact Information

Website: http://www.acerecyclinglaramie.com/
Phone: 307-745-8068
Address: 2724 Fort Sanders Road, Laramie, WY

Recycle your old appliances easily with services from Ace Salvage Enterprises. They also provide hassle-free demolition services.

Car Parts Welcome: Bring us your old car or just the old parts so we can recycle them into something new. Batteries, Catalytic converters, Electrical wires, Radiators. Recycling old goods is better for the planet than simply throwing them away. Make a choice to help the environment by bringing us your old household goods, including items made from a variety of different metals: Copper, Brass, Stainless steel, Aluminum.

ACRES Student Farms

Website: http://www.uwyo.edu/uwacres

Donate your own kitchen scraps to ACRES at their two community compost drop-off sites: one along the fence of the West side of the parking lot to UW’s Agricultural Experiment Station (on the corner of 30th and Harney) and in the alley behind the Haub School of ENR (the Bim Kendall House is located at 804 E Fremont – the alley is in between 8th and 9th).

Donations should consist only of pre-prepared fruit and veggie scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Please don’t include any dairy or meat products! For specific questions about what can and can’t be included, or if you would like to volunteer to help with compost collection, please email uwstudentfarm@gmail.com.

Albany County Public Library

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 721-2580
Website: https://www.acplwy.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acpls/

The public library welcomes donations of books, CDs, magazines, no matter the age as they recycle what they can’t use, donate some, and sell others in their book sales and year-round in their book nook.

They also have wi-fi, computers, and printers for use by the public.

Bikes

Pedal House Laramie: https://www.pedalhouse.com/

All Terrain Sports: https://allterrainsportswy.com

City of Laramie

Contact Information

Website: https://www.cityoflaramie.org/267/Landfill
Address: 162 Roger Canyon Rd, Laramie, WY
Phone: (307) 721-5279

The landfill takes rechargeable batteries, CFL bulbs, and some e-waste, as well as other household hazardous waste, none of which should go in the regular trash. Appointments may be required: 307-721-5279

E-waste: City of Laramie E-Waste

What to do with your old CRT type televisions and computer monitors:

(Maybe you know someone in a different city or state where it could be recycled?)

Recycling the old CRT type televisions and monitors has become cost-prohibitive. They are now going to the lined landfill. If a screen is 13 inches or less it may be placed in your trash cart so long as it does not overfill the container.

Please contact the Solid Waste Division at (307)721-5279 if you have any questions regarding e-waste disposal.

The Clothing Cottage

The Clothing Cottage Website

The Clothing Cottage Facebook Page

Contact Info: 310 University Ave, 307.745.0625

Recycles clothing, fabrics/rags, old shoes, old purses, old toys. Non-profit, encouraging the sharing of quality used items in the community. Items are offered for sale or for free to individuals & organizations that express a need. FREE area 24/7 behind the Cottage helps hundreds of individuals/month. Money generated after expenses is given back to other community organizations such as Interfaith Good Samaritan, the Laramie Soup Kitchen, Heart-to-Heart Pregnancy Center, Safe Project, & the Downtown Clinic.

Dry Cleaner Bags

Donate to a ceramic artist/studio or art teacher if the dry cleaner doesn’t reuse them.

Facebook Donations

There are many options on Facebook (Laramie Classifieds Group, Laramie for Sale, Laramie Garage Sale) for giving things away. People will take almost anything if it’s free. I’ve given away beer bottle caps, half-empty bottles of shampoo, kitchen cabinets…

Feeding Laramie Valley

Website: https://www.feedinglaramievalley.org/

Please drop off food donations in the cooler on our front porch at the building. The cooler will be at the building 24 hours, 7 days a week. They also have a booth at the farmers markets when you can buy food to donate, or donate things from your own gardens.

Feeding Laramie Valley encourages you to donate: fruit and vegetables, eggs, rice, beans, dry legumes.

They cannot accept any donations of homemade goods.

I also donated a freezer once, but not sure how often they need big items; it’s worth a call!

For questions about food donations, please email shares@feedinglaramievalley.org.

Floral Shops

Most local floral shops generally accept clean vases in perfect condition for re-use.

Furniture

A friend donated tons of furniture to this program: https://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/local_news/woman-s-club-fundraiser-to-support-district-program/article_d806f7ff-e709-5023-b937-905e32342a58.html

Goodwill

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 460-9566
Address: 1575 N 4th, Laramie, WY 82072

I prefer to support the Clothing Cottage, but Goodwill is worth mentioning as it takes larger furniture and other household items that The Clothing Cottage cannot.

Green Waste Curbside Collection

Residents that would like to sign up for Curbside Green Waste Collection or would like more information should contact McBride’s Yard Waste Collection Service at (307) 399-2028 or www.mcbridesyardwaste.com

Green Waste Drop-Off

Drop-off of Green Waste is FREE at the Laramie Landfill. Any green waste that can be diverted from the landfill will not only help in producing compost but will extend the life of the landfill.

*Note: Stumps and branches over eighteen inches in diameter and/or more than eight feet long may be charged a special handling fee at the landfill. Any green waste coming into the landfill that is contaminated with garbage will be charged at the trash disposal rate.

Compost can also be purchased.

Call the Solid Waste Division at (307) 721-5279 for more information.

The High Plains Seed Library

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 721-2580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highplainsseedlibrary/

This program is located at the Albany County Public Library. It provides the community with seed resources, promotes sustainability, and cultivates a culture of sharing.

Laramie Animal Welfare Society

Contact Information

Address: 1104 S. 2nd St
Phone: (307) 745-4586
Email: laramieanimalwelfaresociety1@gmail.com
Website: https://www.laramieanimals.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaramieAnimalWelfareSociety/

The Laramie Animal Welfare Society is a no-kill organization that takes donations of new/used pet items and other things.

Here are some things that are always needed. Please visit their website for a more complete list as well as their Amazon Wishlist:

cat/dog/kitten/puppy food/treats
cat litter
jars of baby food (meat)
blankets
cleaning supplies
Dawn Dish Soap
trash bags
dishwashing gloves
new toothbrushes
catnip
batteries

Laramie Interfaith

Contact Information

Website: www.laramieinterfaith.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laramieinterfaith.org/
Phone: (307) 742-4240
Address: 712 Canby St., Laramie, WY

Laramie Interfaith accepts donations during all business hours. Consider cleaning out your pantry and donating to those in need are always in need of the following items:

Canned Soup
Canned Meat (Spam, Tuna, Ham, Chili, Ravioli)
Canned Vegetables and Fruits
Boxed Meals
Beans and Rice
Shelf-stable and Powdered Milk
Peanut Butter
Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels)
Diapers (especially sizes 3-6)
Dog and Cat Food
Flour and Sugar

If you can’t get here during our open hours, feel free to leave donations in the blue box outside of their building at 712 Canby St. or in the blue boxes at Safeway or Ridley’s. Thank you!

The Laramie Soup Kitchen

Contact Information

Address: 104 S 4th Street, Suite 101, Laramie, WY 82070
Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.laramiesoupkitchen.org/ways-to-give

Please stop by! They accept donations online, in person, or via amazon.

Metal Recycling Bins

Green metal recycling bins around Laramie for random metal things like hangers, stoves, broken shelves, etc. I save glass jar lids and drop them off here. I have a bucket by my back door that I save all my random metal bits for. I know of 4 dumpsters:

South 3rd and Russel on the east side of the street
On Garfield behind the plumbing shop, across the street from the rec center
Near True Value on the east side of of 3rd street
In west Laramie on the north side of the street, just before the turnoff to go to Centennial

Medical Equipment

Hospice or the Epson Center might take this type of item, but I’m not sure. Call to verify.

The Nest Toy Library

The Nest Toy Library is a toy lending library located in Laramie, Wyoming. Its mission is to provide families with eco-friendly and affordable access to quality toys, while also providing parents with guidance in engaging their children in play.

Contact Information

Website: www.thenesttoylibrary.com
Facebook and Instagram: @thenestlaramie
Email: thenestlaramie@gmail.com

Night Heron Books & Coffeehouse

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 742-9028
Email: nightheronbooks@gmail.com
Website: http://nightheronbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightheronbooks/

Accepts books for donation and resale. They work closely with the public library too.

Note Cards

Give your birthday and holiday greeting cards a second life. You can take these to The Epson Center in Laramie. They have a program where they cut and paste the cards into new ones.

NU2U

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 742-3979
Address: 320 S 5th St, Laramie, WY
Website: https://www.nu2uwyo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NU2U.Laramie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nu2uwy/

They consign and accept donations of clothing for all ages, sizes, eras, and styles. As well as accessories, western wear, formal wear, and technical outdoor clothing and shoes. Additionally, they consign all sizes of children’s clothing, footwear, and maternity clothes.

CONSIGNMENT DAYS: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

You are allowed to bring a maximum of 25 items within the 4 consignment days.

NU2U Sports

Contact Information

Phone: (307) 721-3070
Address: 116 E Custer, Laramie, WY
Website: https://www.nu2usports.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NU2Usports/

NU2U Sports is the only place in Laramie to consign all types of outdoor equipment and sporting goods They accept most equipment year-round. They also accept broken tents and gear for the homeless, and for parting out to fix gear.

Plastic Bag Recycling

Safeway, Walmart, Ridleys can include other film plastics, but NOT ALL. Please be sure these materials are CLEAN and DRY. NO STICKERS or LABELS.

Some plastics that can go into the bin are:

plastic shopping bags (from any store — remove receipts, etc.)
food packaging (Ziploc-type bags)
bread bags
plastic liners from cereal boxes (do not include if they tear like paper)
produce bags
dry cleaning bags (remove staples, receipts, hangars)
plastic newspaper wrapping
product wrapping (such as covers a case of water bottles, etc.)
bubble wrap and air pillows (popped)
plastic shipping envelopes (remove all labeling)

ALL materials should be clean and dry. Not just a quick rinse — if your bags are not completely clean of food residue, they will contaminate the entire batch. Other plastics need to go into the trash. These include:

frozen food bags
cereal box liners that tear like paper
biodegradable bags
pre-washed salad bags
candy bar wrappers
chip bags
six-pack rings – cut them apart first

The Clothing Cottage, Interfaith, and Big Hollow Food Co-op also accept donations of plastic shopping bags for re-use.

Printer Ink and Toner Cartridges

Printer ink and toner cartridges can be recycled at Staples or Best Buy and some brands are also accepted at Walmart for recycling.

SAFE Project

Contact Information

Website: https://www.safeproject.org
Address: 319 South Lincoln St., Laramie, WY
Phone: (307) 742-7273
Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Help SAFE Project and our clients by donating much-needed items that can be used in our shelter or office or passed through to our clients. They have an ongoing wish list online.

School Supplies

Any after school children programs or summer programs that need art supplies? I bet they would take things all year long: https://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/local_news/residents-asked-to-donate-school-supplies/article_ea6b5f20-bfc5-5872-93cc-92193bf0508f.html

Terracycle

Website: https://www.terracycle.com

Options for hard to recycle materials. Through a variety of recycling platforms, they’ll help you find a solution to almost all of your waste.

Laramie Terracyle Options:

Tom’s of Maine sponsored natural care packaging recycling for Terracycle includes any mouthwash bottles and caps, toothbrushes, deodorant containers and caps, soap packaging, floss containers, and toothpaste tubes and caps of ANY brand. Drop off these items at Reynolds Crossing, 1275 N 15th St, Ste 101 during regular business hours. Drop can near the front door or at 607 S 15th St on the front steps. (Please leave in a bag or other wrap.)

Does anyone know of any other Terracycle recycling groups in Laramie? Send a message to let me know!

UPS

Contact Information

Website: https://locations.theupsstore.com/wy/laramie/514-grand-ave
Address: 514 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY
Phone: (307) 742-2223

Recycles and reuses cardboard boxes, foam and packing peanuts, shipping paper, bubble wrap, padded mailers and envelopes. There is easy access from the alley. Get a punch card and after 10 donations you get 1-% off your next print job. Fed-Ex does NOT take packing materials.

Ways to Reuse Water at Home

Dump pet water into houseplants or the garden.

Drain cooking water (i.e. pasta) into your compost bin.

If you need to run water to get it hot, put a container under it and fill for pet bowls, gardens, water houseplants, etc.

Wyoming Conservation Corps

Glass recycling dates (usually spring) collections at Walmart parking lot and UW Simpson Plaza. Watch for dates!

Regional & Worldwide Resources

Casper, Wyoming

Casper takes batteries for recycling.

Ft Collins, Colorado

Who Gives a Scrap

https://www.whogivesascrapcolorado.com

Creative reuse center accepting your gently used crafting supplies and selling inexpensive materials and one of a kind treasures.

City of Fort Collins

Fcgov.com/recycling

Glass, Plastic film – clean, dry plastic bags and film packaging – see website for more specific info, like no tape or stickers on the bags.

Denver, Colorado

Tools – What to do with tools locally? Any industrial arts program for kids in Laramie? High School shop teachers might know? And there is this in Denver: denvertoollibrary.org

Learn where to recycle or compost just about anything in Denver! They have created an easy to use the directory to help learn where to recycle, compost, or dispose of various materials in Denver. Consider pooling your resources with friends, buy them a beer or switch off taking recyclables when you go to Denver, plan a bit of extra time when you are going to the airport or art museum…you get the idea.

Recycling Directory / Drop-off Locations – Denver

Recreative Denver: http://www.recreativedenver.org