Agenda Date: 10/21/2025
Subject:
Title
Resolution 75-2025: Adopting the 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: |
Brent Soderlin and Laura Rosenbaum |
PURPOSE:
This correspondence aims to provide City Council with background information on the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan and to request approval of the plan.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
The South Metro Waste Diversion Plan is a culmination of regional and city-specific strategies based on months of research, including a baseline assessment of waste and recycling, a waste composition study, and an action plan of strategic initiatives to improve individual cities’ and the region’s waste diversion rates.
These strategies are listed in no particular order and are going to each city individually for adoption. It is important to note that adopting the plan does not obligate any specific actions. Strategies would be brought back to council prior to implementation, detailing the implementation path, the proposed ordinance language, feasibility and costs. These are high-level goals and suggestions for the next ten years, allowing the city the flexibility in how specific goals are implemented.
BACKGROUND:
In progress since February 2024, the City of Littleton has partnered 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.
Supporting the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan is crucial for supporting the city’s 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 the 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.
Prior Actions or Discussions
• April 23, 2024, council study session: ESB presented their finalized version of the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan.
• 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.
• July 22, 2025, council study session: RRS and Eco-Cycle presented the planning and research progress and progression alongside regional and city-specific action plan recommendations. This plan includes all those recommendations as well as a summary of the culmination of the baseline assessment, regional waste diversion summit, community engagement, hauler engagement, waste characterization study, outcomes and strategies, and ultimately, the regional and city-specific recommendations.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council adopt the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan by resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may decide to delay approval of this plan for additional changes or discussion. However, as the components will need to be brought before council individually, adopting this plan will help provide a roadmap and align efforts regionally.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 75-2025 adopting the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan.