Recycling old bags... 

Broomfield has begun to put 'tubes' in open space and park areas to encourage residents to get rid of those plastic bags that pile up at home and encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets. 

The tubes have a hole at the top where anyone can place plastic bags. As the tube is filled, the bags move to the lower hole where pet owners can retrieve one for use. They can then pick up their pet’s waste and put it in the nearest trash can.  

The Parks Maintenance Division spends between $100 and $200 per week just on the refill bags from the pet stations installed several years ago.  

If the tube version is successfully received by residents, the city could replace all the old pet stations around Broomfield with the tubes. With the help of residents who supply the bags, the city could save money and prevent empty plastic bags from going into the landfill.