Boulder nonprofit Resource Central is beginning construction of the biggest phase of its building materials reuse facility. The public is invited to watch the groundbreaking ceremony on Facebook at: Facebook.com/ResourceCentral.
Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver marked the milestone with zero waste leaders on Wednesday as construction of the new 20,000 sq ft steel canopy over the outdoor materials yard will keep donated building materials from getting ruined by rain and snow. Together with the newly renovated warehouse, the facility improvements will help transform the site at 6400 Arapahoe Rd in east Boulder into a regional destination for reducing waste.
“Reusable cabinets, doors, windows and lumber shouldn’t end up in landfills,” said Neal Lurie, president of Resource Central. “These facility improvements will help the community divert twice as many materials from landfills – and save money on home improvement projects.”
Instead of manufacturing and transporting new materials, reuse is one of the easiest ways to reduce carbon emissions. More than 40,000 community members use the facility, annually. Over the past two decades the nonprofit has diverted more than 50 million pounds of materials from landfills, making it one of the largest building materials reuse centers in the country.
The nonprofit has already raised more than 90% of the funds needed to complete the $2.9 million project and is launching a public campaign to help get it across the finish line.
Community members can support the campaign at: ResourceCentral.org/donate.
The project is made possible with support from the City of Boulder’s Community, Culture, Safety funding which was approved by local voters in 2017, as well as Boulder County, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, and local family foundations.
Matt Jones, Boulder County Commissioner, stated, “Boulder County is thrilled to be a partner in the buildout of the nation’s largest reuse facility. Diverting building materials from the landfill supports our ambitious zero waste and climate goals while also helping to create a more circular economy.”
Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver added, “On behalf of the City of Boulder I could not be more pleased to see this expansion of material re-use in our community, which will help us get to our zero-waste goals. This collaboration between Boulder residents and our non-profit partners will bring about a new way to use the materials that power our lives. Let’s get it built.”
Construction begins immediately after the groundbreaking ceremony. The facility will remain open during construction.
About Resource Central:
Founded in 1976, Resource Central is an innovative nonprofit dedicated to putting conservation into action. Its programs have helped more than 600,000 families save water, reduce waste, and conserve energy. Learn more at ResourceCentral.org.