Statewide group names Lakewood staffer Recycler of the Year

Ever been to the Quail Street Recycling Center or our partner Rooney Road Recycling Center? These community resources are made possible by the hard work of dedicated employees and volunteers, and one such person was recently recognized for leading these efforts.

Recycle Colorado, a statewide nonprofit advocating for sustainability in waste collection, recently named Lakewood’s longtime Environmental Services Coordinator Patricia “Pat” Matthews, as  Recycler of the Year at its annual Recycling and Composting Awards.

The awards recognize individuals and organizations for excellence in the fields of recycling and composting, and Matthews was honored for her 12 years at the helm of the city’s Quail Street Recycling Center and her work as co-chair of the Rooney Road Recycling Center Authority, whose facility is located just west of Lakewood.

“I was more than honored to be nominated for any of their awards because [Recycle Colorado] is a group of phenomenal people who are so passionate about recycling,” Matthews said. “To be awarded, to be even nominated, was such an honor.”

Under Matthews’ leadership, the Quail Street facility served an estimated 54,300 customers (based on tonnage dropped off) in 2023, which amounts to 177 customer visits per day. In addition to collecting materials that are guaranteed to be recycled, the center’s staff educate and inform residents about the recycling process.

“I think residents really appreciate knowing the items that we’re accepting at the center are all recycled. There’s sometimes that question mark about curbside recycling if things are really going to be recycled or not,” Matthews said. “People really appreciate that, and the friendly staff. Education is a large component of what we do, so staff are out there educating and assisting customers.”

Matthews recently helped secure, along with city and departmental leadership, a new shade shelter that makes work, especially in the summer months, much easier for staff and recyclers. Another thing she is very proud of is the center’s relationship with a nearby bottling plant, which makes glass bottle and jar recycling extremely efficient.

Grateful for the support of other departments in the city as well in keeping the center operating, Matthews said her award is really a reflection of a greater effort.

“I think of that award as a whole team and city effort over the past 12 years,” she said. “It’s just a credit to the city.”