Agenda Date: 07/22/2025
Subject:
Title
Study Session on South Metro Waste Diversion Plan
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Laura Rosenbaum, Sustainability Coordinator |
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Presentations: |
Resource Recycling Systems, Inc. (RRS), Helen Lee, Senior Consultant Eco-Cycle, Audrey Wheeler, Senior Consulting Manager |
PURPOSE:
In progress since February 2024, the City of Littleton conjoined efforts with the Cities of Centennial, Englewood, and Sheridan (South Metro) to provide the first comprehensive analysis of waste services provided to the approximate 194,000 residents in the region. Working together for over a year, the cities have finalized a regional plan based on months of research, including a baseline assessment, waste generation modeling, a waste characterization study, a regional waste summit, and engagement with haulers and the communities. The study's results are a data-driven assessment of waste and recycling, including an action plan of strategic initiatives to improve individual cities' and the region’s waste diversion rates.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
RRS and Eco-Cycle will present the planning and research process and progression alongside regional and city-specific action plan recommendations. The strategies are listed in no particular order and are going to each city individually for adoption. It is essential to note that adopting the plan does not obligate any specific actions. Strategies would be brought back to the council prior to implementation, detailing the implementation path, the exact proposed ordinance language, and the feasibility costs. These are high-level goals and suggestions for the next ten years for the city to focus on, and grant the city flexibility for how specific goals are to be implemented.
Supporting the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan is crucial for supporting our sustainability goals as it offers significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. By reducing waste and increasing recycling rates, we can protect our ecosystem, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize landfill use. This initiative can also lead to cost savings for both municipalities and residents, through decreased disposal fees and potential revenue from recyclables. Furthermore, it promotes community engagement and awareness of sustainability practices, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Aligning with state and regional goals may also unlock funding opportunities, enhancing our resources for waste management improvements. Ultimately, this plan establishes a resilient framework that prepares our community to tackle future environmental challenges effectively.
BACKGROUND:
The Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise is a statewide program dedicated to supporting Colorado’s communities, businesses, nonprofits, schools, institutions of higher learning, and tribes to advance the state’s transition to a circular economy. The Enterprise provides financial and technical assistance to enhance circularity across the state and helps organizations achieve their waste aversion and diversion goals. The Strategic Technical Expertise for the Public Sector (STEPS) program is the primary mechanism for communities in Colorado to access C3-funded technical assistance for circularity planning. Technical support is provided by the C3 Outreach and Technical Assistance staff and a team of contracted subject matter experts led by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS). Eco-Cycle, a nonprofit based in Boulder, has provided support to RRS to make sure all Colorado-specific laws, regulations, and legislation are included in the plan. The STEPS program has replaced the Front Range Waste Diversion (FRWD) Technical Assistance Service Provider (TASP) program.
Prior Actions or Discussions
At the April 23, 2024, council study session, ESB presented their finalized Environmental Stewardship Action Plan.
At the June 4, 2024, council study session, council supported and endorsed the Horizon 2027 Strategic Plan, which includes implementing ESB’s Environmental Stewardship Action Plan. Section 3.0 of the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan focuses on “Consumption and Waste Diversion.” The following sub-items in the plan directly relate to today’s study session: 3.1.3, 3.1.5, 3.1.6, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, and 3.3.5. The Environmental Stewardship Action Plan is attached for reference.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that council consider adopting the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan. The cities of Centennial, Englewood and Sheridan will also be considering the adoption of the plan in August.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A