City Announces Aluminum Recycling Pilot Program

The City of Ketchum is launching a three-month Aluminum Recycling Pilot Program in partnership with 5B CAN, Blaine County's Regional Sustainability & Climate Program, to evaluate community demand for dedicated aluminum recycling. The pilot will measure the amount of aluminum collected, identify residents who want to recycle but may not currently have access to convenient curbside recycling options, and help inform future recycling program planning. 

WHEN 

The pilot program began June 1 and runs through August 31, 2026. 

WHERE 

Lewis Street Recycling Center 

The dedicated aluminum collection container is located next to the glass recycling container and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Residents are encouraged to follow posted signage when using the collection container. 

WHY IT MATTERS 

The pilot will help the City of Ketchum better understand recycling needs across the community, particularly among residents living in condominiums and multi-family housing where recycling programs can be challenging due to contamination concerns and operational limitations. 

Data collected during the pilot will help determine: 

• The total pounds of aluminum collected. 
• The level of community demand for dedicated aluminum recycling. 
• How many residents want to recycle but currently lack convenient options. 
• Whether additional dedicated aluminum collection locations should be considered in the future. 

The information gathered will help inform recycling program decisions and potential service enhancements in the next fiscal year.