Let’s show our environment some love today, March 18, for Global Recycling Day!

Did you know that the Canal provides essential habitat for plants and wildlife, in addition to providing a host of benefits to the community as a recreational trail? Unfortunately, trash collecting along the trail and in the channel adversely impacts the Canal, which can deter trail users, disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife, and impact the health of surrounding communities.

So, in honor of Global Recycling Day – and its mission to encourage people to think about goods as resources, not waste – let’s talk about how we can show love to our environment!

RECYCLE

The High Line Canal’s 71 miles wind through 13 different jurisdictions, many of which rely on recycling services from private waste companies (with some exceptions, like Denver). There is a lot of variation in what can be recycled and where, so start by looking up your specific waste company to learn recycling rules for your curbside bin. Check recycling centers throughout the metro area for hard-to-recycle items to ensure proper disposal.

Everyone can agree on one recycling rule: “don’t litter!” In 2022 the Canal Conservation Corps removed 7,875 pounds of trash from the Canal. Instead of littering, consider reusing, recycling, or, at the very least, placing them in a trash receptacle.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Principle 3 of the Leave No Trace guidelines direct us to dispose of waste properly. Pack out your trash! This principle means everyone should carry waste until locating a public trash or recycling bin. Sometimes you may need to take your trash home to dispose of it.

Don’t forget to pick up after your pups too! The average dog deposits ¾ pounds of poop daily, or 270 pounds in a year. Dog poop can contain bacteria, parasites, viruses and pharmaceuticals, and is often a significant cause of water pollution. Check out what Leave No Trace says about the best ways to dispose of Fido’s droppings.

VOLUNTEER

There are many ways to get involved with stewarding the High Line Canal!

      • We Host these family-friendly cleanups throughout the 71-mile trail. Everyone has a role in helping clean up litter from the Canal.
    • Register for an Independent Cleanup
      • This program is a great way to get involved on your own schedule! Independent Cleanups allows you to create a cleanup at a location and time of your choosing. Register a large group or head out yourself ­— every bit counts! We’ll give you all the supplies you need to make an impact.

We hope you can commit to helping keep the Canal and our environment happy and healthy!