HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 10/13/2015 - COMMUNITY RECYCLING ORDINANCEDATE:
STAFF:
October 13, 2015
Caroline Mitchell, Environmental Planner
Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager
Lucinda Smith, Environmental Sustainability Director
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Community Recycling Ordinance.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to consider options to update and potentially expand Fort Collins’ Pay-As-You-Throw
(PAYT) ordinance into a Community Recycling Ordinance, in support of the Road to Zero Waste and Climate
Action Plan goals. Options include updating the price differential between trash can sizes under the current PAYT
ordinance for single-family homes, and expanding recycling to all multi-family and commercial locations in Fort
Collins. In two years, the options under consideration are bundling organics collection (food scraps, yard
trimmings, etc.) into the single-family service rates, and requiring composting of food scraps from grocers and
large restaurants.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council have direction regarding options and timeline for
a. Updating the price differential for trash at single-family homes?
b. Recycling at multi-family complexes and businesses?
c. Organics collection options for single-family homes and grocers / large restaurants?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In 1995, Fort Collins City Council passed a Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) ordinance, which governs how trash and
recycling service are provided by the private sector to residents of single-family homes in Fort Collins. This type of
ordinance has since become an EPA-recognized best practice for communities to increase recycling, and over
9,000 communities have adopted PAYT ordinances. Fort Collins’ PAYT ordinance has been an effective tool to
incentivize and grow recycling and waste diversion.
In 2013, City staff conducted a thorough public outreach and planning project, which resulted in a Road to Zero
Waste plan. This plan outlined implementation steps to meet the goals City Council adopted in December 2013 of
recycling or composting 75% of the community’s materials by 2020, 90% by 2025, and aiming for a goal of zero
waste by 2030. Zero Waste is much like a zero injury goal, and is a commitment to continuous improvement
regarding waste disposal.
One of the key implementation steps in the Road to Zero Waste plan was an update and expansion of Fort Collins
PAYT ordinance. The Community Recycling Ordinance is that project, and includes an update to the existing
ordinance, as well as a consideration of additional ways the ordinance can help achieve Fort Collins’ waste
reduction goals.
Over the past five months, staff worked with a consultant to evaluate best practices and develop
recommendations, worked with a stakeholder advisory group for ongoing feedback, and conducted extensive
public outreach. The options and recommendations below reflect the research and feedback received.
Attachment 1 provides a one-page summary of the options under consideration.
October 13, 2015 Page 2
Existing Ordinance
The existing PAYT ordinance applies only to single-family homes. It bundles together trash and recycling service
and cost, and requires that a resident’s trash bill is based on the volume of recycling to which they subscribe. It
requires a 100% price difference between sizes of trash cans and disallows any additional fees on a resident’s
trash bill. For example, if the smallest trash cart (32 gallons) were $15 / month, the medium cart (64 gallons)
would be $30/month, and the largest (96 gallons) $45 / month. These are round numbers meant for illustration –
the haulers set their own rates and the numbers listed here aren’t meant to represent the actual rate charged by
local haulers.
Potential Updates to Existing Ordinance (For Single-Family Home Residents)
Options 1a and 1b: Changes to the price difference between trash cart sizes
Over time, the PAYT ordinance has been updated to provide further refinement or to adapt to changes in the local
markets. Recently, changes in the contract at the Larimer County Recycling Center have resulted in charges to
haulers when delivering recyclables (for which they were paid in the past). Fort Collins is also a community that is
recycling more and more material, and may potentially add compost collection services in the future. Given the 20
year history of Fort Collins and other communities’ PAYT ordinances and the over 9,000 communities that have
adopted PAYT ordinances, there has been substantial research into the ideal PAYT ordinance. Research from
SERA, a recycling and trash economics consultancy, indicates the ideal price difference between trash cart sizes
to motivate waste reduction and recycling is 80%. For example, if a small trash cart were $15, a medium would be
$27, and a large $39. According to the same research, the minimal incline rate to still provide motivation is 50%,
which would result in example trash rates of $15, $22.50, and $30.
Due to the charges for recycling, the haulers are quite likely to raise rates for customers in 2016. A decreased
price difference between trash cart sizes would mean that residents who subscribe to the medium or large size
trash cans wouldn’t see as significant an increase in their rates. The decreased incline would also help keep
prices more affordable for larger trash subscribers if Council chose to bundle in organics collection service in the
future.
In order to best maintain the excellent recycling habits already established by Fort Collins residents while
minimizing the impact of rate increases on 64- and 96-gallon customers, staff is recommending an 80% price
difference between trash cart sizes. From conversations with trash haulers in Fort Collins, staff understands their
preference to be a 50% price difference between trash cart sizes, which is the minimal amount found to be
effective at encouraging recycling in a Pay-As-You-Throw system, but does not result in as much diversion as an
80% price difference. Input from the public via the online questionnaire during this project showed a strong
preference for keeping recycling and trash services bundled together and to not provide any disincentive for
recycling, but hasn’t distinguished between the 50% or 80% incline. Attachment 5 illustrates the impact of price
differences between trash cart sizes on example prices for service.
City-provided education to customers
The current ordinance requires haulers to send educational materials to their customers at least one time per
year. In order to provide more consistency for residents no matter which hauler they choose, and to utilize the
educational resources at the City, an update to the existing ordinance is being offered for the City to provide an
educational piece that would be included in haulers’ bills once a year. This piece could also include the hauler’s
logo on the material going to their customers.
Potential expansion of PAYT ordinance to multi-family housing
Roughly half of Fort Collins residents live in multi-family housing. Multi-family housing developments have to
subscribe separately to recycling and pay separately for the service. Local haulers report that 68% of their multi-
family customers have recycling service. Achieving recycling for residents of the 32% of multi-family housing that
don’t have recycling service could be accomplished by bundling recycling in with trash service, or by requiring
recycling service to be provided.
October 13, 2015 Page 3
City staff and consultants have evaluated these two options:
Bundle with trash service an amount of recycling equivalent to 25-50% of the volume of the total service,
similar to the Pay-As-You-Throw system for single-family homes
Require recycling service be provided to all multi-family and commercial customers, as separate charge on
their bills, and at a service level the hauler and customer agree upon.
Option 2a: Bundling 25-50% of service volume in recycling
While a specific ratio of recycling to trash service is not included in the single-family home service due to the
relatively consistent amount of recycling and trash generated at a single-family home, establishing a ratio is
important for multi-family and commercial since they generate significantly varying amounts of material per
location. For example, if a location subscribed to 4 cubic yards of trash service, this option could bundle in 2 cubic
yards of recycling service (resulting in 4 cubic yards of trash and 2 cubic yards of recycling). Bundling in service
ensures that all customers receive recycling service, and provides a level generally found to be adequate for
multi-family complexes (according to national waste sort studies and service levels seen at local apartment
complexes). If a location has more recycling than is bundled in, they can purchase additional recycling service
from their hauler. If a location is unable to recycle due to space restrictions, financial hardship, or other reason,
the City would have a system to apply for exemption from the bundling, which, if approved, would be valid for 24
months, allowing the location to plan for future recycling implementation.
Option 2b: Requiring recycling service
Requiring recycling service be provided could have a minimal impact on trash bills, depending on the amount
agreed upon by the hauler and the customer, but could also result in apartment complexes being significantly
underserved for recycling. The town of Vail implemented this system in 2014, and found that many locations
subscribed to minimal recycling service. If this option is implemented in Fort Collins, City staff would periodically
evaluate the effectiveness of the program. If it were found to be ineffective, and in a few years the City then
decided bundle recycling service or require a certain level of recycling, the trash haulers would then have to
undergo the expense of working with customers to realign service levels, delivering new containers and picking
up old containers. A benefit of bundling in an adequate amount of recycling initially is that the haulers only have to
undertake the cost of changing service for their customers that aren’t recycling once.
Additional information regarding multi-family recycling
If Council opts to adopt either of these options, City staff would expect to enhance and widely offer the services of
WRAP (the City’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Assistance Program) to assist new recyclers with educational
materials, technical assistance, recycling signage etc. Staff would leverage the support of interns and volunteers
and assess whether additional staff support should be requested in the next BFO cycle.
City staff is sensitive to the affordability of housing in Fort Collins and this project’s impact to housing costs. City
staff confirmed that all subsidized affordable housing complexes in Fort Collins already have recycling, so would
be unlikely to have cost impacts from this project. The cost impact of starting recycling for the 32% of apartments
that don’t currently have it will be dependent on whether the property manager “right-sizes” their trash service.
It is important to note that the cost impact of either bundling recycling service or requiring recycling service is
highly dependent on whether the customer “right-sizes” their trash bin. Since the same volume of material is being
disposed of, just in two bins rather than one, most customers can decrease the size or service frequency of their
trash bin when they start recycling. If customers don’t right-size and are instead paying for excess trash capacity,
the cost impact for them is likely to be more significant.
October 13, 2015 Page 4
Example of service levels with and without right-sizing recycling
Current trash-only
service
Recycling plus trash,
NO right-sizing
Recycling plus trash,
WITH right-sizing
(using 50% of service
volume referenced in
option 2a)
Cubic yards (cy) of
service
4 cy of trash service 4 cy of trash service,
2 cy of recycling service
2 cy of recycling
service, 2 cy of trash
service
Overall volume of
service provided
4 cy total 6 cy total 4 cy total
Potential expansion of PAYT ordinance to commercial sector
According to data from local haulers, 48% of businesses in Fort Collins currently recycle. In order for Fort Collins
to meet its adopted recycling and composting goals, participation from the commercial sector is crucial. City staff
and consultants evaluated many options for including the commercial sector, and determined the same options
described above for multi-family housing would service the commercial sector well, with the same considerations
as listed above. One benefit of having a uniform recycling system across the commercial sector is that it provides
a level playing field – all businesses in Fort Collins will be participating in recycling. It is also important to note this
would be unlikely to create cost increases for the 48% of businesses that already recycle, and could provide cost
savings due to route efficiencies when haulers have more customer density.
Additionally, haulers have indicated an 18-month roll-out period would be required for either of the above
programs for the multi-family and commercial sectors, to allow time to contact customers, order and deliver
necessary bins, get customers set up etc. This timing is reflected in the staff recommendations.
Potential Organics Collection Options
Over 50% of the material currently being landfilled by the Fort Collins community could be diverted from the
landfill for composting. Staff is recommending a phased-in implementation of composting service through the
following three options.
Option 3: Requiring every hauler to offer optional curbside yard trimmings collection
Currently, one of the three haulers offers seasonal curbside collection of yard trimmings for residents, and another
is piloting it in a neighborhood. This provision would require that each hauler offer this service as an option for
their customers, for which a fee would be charged. The yard trimmings would not be allowed to be landfilled, but
must be delivered for composting or mulching.
Option 4: Starting 2017 or 2018, bundling in organics collection (including yard trimmings & food scraps)
Year-round collection of food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper (such as paper towels and paper
plates) would make a substantial decrease to the amount of material landfilled by Fort Collins residents. Weekly
collection of these materials could be bundled in with residential trash and recycling service.
This approach has been adopted by several communities in Colorado, including Louisville, Lafayette, and
Boulder. There has been strong interest from Fort Collins residents during public outreach in having more options
for organics collection. Although implementation isn’t expected until 2017 or 2018, including this in the ordinance
now, with a set start date, allows haulers to plan for needed infrastructure and be ready to roll out the service.
Such advance notice of programs worked well in Austin to allow the private sector the security of knowing the
service will need to be provided, and giving them time to prepare for it.
October 13, 2015 Page 5
Option 5: Requiring food scraps subscription from grocers and large restaurants
A significant amount of food scraps and food-soiled paper is disposed of by grocers and large restaurants. For
these specific types of businesses, composting can have a significant impact, as generally 60-75% of their waste
is compostable food scraps and food-soiled paper.
Staff has confirmed that the majority of grocery stores in Fort Collins currently compost or plan to start in the next
6 months. Some large restaurants such as The Rio Grande also compost.
Service costs for compost collection have been at a premium in Fort Collins due to the prior long hauling distance
to composting locations (prior to 2014, the closest composter was in Commerce City), and low customer density.
As a result, few restaurants currently compost. Rates for compost collection service would be expected to
become more affordable as haulers acquire more customers and more efficiencies of route density, as well as
taking advantage of the shorter haul distance to Eaton. Haulers have indicated they would be able to provide this
service to customers after rolling out the additional recycling to commercial and multi-family customers, likely
starting in 24 months. Similar to organics service for the single-family sector, including the start date for the
service now allows haulers and processing facilities to plan for and adequately provide this service, rather than
await future Council action to be certain of a start date for service.
Other considerations and information regarding food scrap composting and waste-to-energy
In the last year, food scrap composting has become a more feasible option for Fort Collins, due to two food scrap
composting options coming on line.
A1 Organics in Eaton, a long-time yard trimmings composter, received their permit to accept food scraps last
year.
The largest bio-digester in North America, the Heartland Bio-digester, has recently opened in Kersey (near
Greeley). The Heartland Bio-digester not only composts food waste via a wet anaerobic digestion process,
but also generates, captures, and processes methane – an excellent waste-to-energy option. This natural
gas is pumped directly into the pipelines from the facility.
One concern that is often raised about composting food scraps is that of potentially increased pests. It is
important to keep in mind the material that would be put in a bin for composting is likely already being put out in a
trash bin – it would simply be placed in a different bin. The same measures that locations currently undertake to
prevent pests should be suitable for compost collection bins as well. In addition, compost bins are typically rinsed
out by service providers when they are emptied (with the rinse water being emptied into the collection vehicle).
Trash bins are not rinsed when serviced.
While options are being researched in the Community Recycling Ordinance project to provide organics collection
to the single-family and commercial sectors, there are additional complicating factors for the multi-family sector,
so organics collection for multi-family complexes is not being considered in this project. It would certainly be an
option for the haulers to extend organics collection service to complexes that want to participate, and may make
sense to provide organics collection service to all multi-family housing in the future.
Longer term options
One of the tools that were discussed extensively in this project is that of banning the landfill disposal of curbside
recyclable materials and/or yard trimmings and food scraps (organics). These are effective tools, but often are
considered after easy, widely-available service is already provided for collecting these materials.
The 2013-adopted disposal ban for cardboard has been an effective tool, but simply expanding it is not
anticipated to have a significant impact unless services to collect recyclables or compostables are implemented
City-wide. A stand-alone disposal ban has likely already had its beneficial impact on diversion in the community,
and additional tools are estimated to be needed prior to additional effectiveness of disposal bans. However, once
services are in place, implementing disposal bans may be useful to consider as an effective reinforcement for the
October 13, 2015 Page 6
use of those services. Staff is not recommending adoption of future-dated bans at this time, but is providing this
information as context for understanding potential next steps.
Public Engagement
Extensive public engagement was conducted throughout the development of the Community Recycling
Ordinance.
Staff provided information online, including an online questionnaire (received nearly 250 responses),
opportunity to receive email updates on the project (over 500 people subscribed), a 4-minute video overview
of the project, and project documents.
o Feedback from the open-ended questions in the online questionnaire centered around support for
maintaining the bundled recycling / trash service for single-family homes; ensuring that incentives to
recycle were maintained; interest in organics collection from single-family homes; and interest in recycling
at apartment complexes and businesses. A summary of responses is included in Attachment 8.
Presentations were given to 19 groups (full listing included in the Public Engagement Summary in Attachment
6), including business, multi-family, university, environmental and civic groups, as well as City boards and
commissions.
Four public meetings were held at locations spread throughout town with attendees from multiple sectors of
the community. Details are in the Public Engagement Summary attachment.
Staff shared information about the project at events including the CSU Lagoon Concert series, Larimer
County Farmers’ Market, and Sustainable Living Fair.
An advisory group engaged closely in the project development. Members are listed in the Public Engagement
Summary (Attachment 6). The advisory group’s perspectives and thoughtful input were beneficial to the project
development. As a whole, the group vacillated between bold ideas and innovative initiatives to concern for the
basics of making sure residents can put materials at the curb and have them hauled away. The group discussed
the ideas put forth in the Community Recycling Ordinance at length. Outstanding areas of concern regarding
business and multi-family options include potential cost increases’ impact on housing affordability, space
restrictions including small trash enclosures, and expensive asphalt damage due to additional trash truck traffic.
Staff also met individually with trash haulers regularly throughout the project to ensure the options were feasible
for them and to integrate their perspectives.
The majority of the groups with which City staff engaged were supportive of the project’s direction, and ASCSU
(the CSU student government) submitted a memorandum of support for the project, included as Attachment 10.
A summary of input from City boards and commissions is included in Attachment 9, and was generally supportive
of the project. The Air Quality Advisory Board passed a motion in support of the project.
An advisory group of City staff members also provided valuable insight and assistance for the project. Members
were from the following City departments: Communications and Public Involvement, Social Sustainability,
Economic Health, Finance, Utilities Customer Accounts, City Attorney’s Office.
Summary
Based on analysis of options to advance progress on the community zero waste goals and public input, staff
recommends the following modification to the PAYT ordinance to expand it to a Community Recycling Ordinance:
80% price difference between trash cart sizes for single-family homes
bundled trash and recycling for multi-family and commercial sectors (effective in 18 months)
October 13, 2015 Page 7
future (2017 or 2018) bundling of organics service for single-family homes
future (2017 or 2018) requirement of food scraps composting from grocers and large restaurants
Support for City goals
Implementing the recommended options is modeled to achieve the City’s goal of recycling or composting 75% of
discards by 2020. Additional innovative facilities and programs would likely be needed to continue progress
toward the ultimate goal of zero waste, but the Community Recycling Ordinance project is a significant step
toward achieving waste reduction. The Community Recycling Ordinance project is estimated to achieve a
reduction in 108,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually at full implementation. Details of the
amount of diversion and greenhouse gas reductions are included in Attachment 1.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Comparison and Analysis of Options for Community Recycling Ordinance (PDF)
2. Current Recycling Programs in Fort Collins (PDF)
3. Community Recycling Ordinance Recommended Implementation Timeline (PDF)
4. Community Recycling Ordinance Alignment with Established City Plans and Goals (PDF)
5. Residential Pay-As-You-Throw Price Difference Between Trash Cart Sizes Options (PDF)
6. Public Engagement Summary (PDF)
7. Sustainability Assessment Summary and Tool (PDF)
8. Summary of Feedback from Online Questionnaire (PDF)
9. Summary of Feedback from Boards and Commissions (PDF)
10. Memorandum of Support from ASCSU (PDF)
11. Powerpoint presentation (PDF)
Comparison & Analysis of Options for Community Recycling Ordinance
Estimated
diversion
impact
Estimated
GHG impacts
(MTCO2E)
Estimated cost to user Comments
1a: Single-family 80%
price difference
between trash can
sizes
(recommended option)
No change from
current system
No change
from current
system
Cost savings for 64- and
96-gallon customers.
Helps to reduce impacts
to these customers from
higher rates for
additional services.
Research shows to be ideal
price differential – keeps
same diversion as 100%
price difference, but helps
keep costs reasonable for
64- and 96-gal users
1b: Single-family 50%
price difference
between trash can
sizes
(alternative option)
Less diversion
than current
system
Potential
increase
More significant cost
savings for 64- and 96-
gallon customers. Helps
to reduce impacts to
these customers from
higher rates for
additional services.
Research shows to be
minimal price differential to
maintain diversion impact of
Pay-As-You-Throw structure.
Less effective diversion
results than 80% price
difference.
2a: Multi-family /
commercial bundling
trash & recycling
service
(recommended option)
15,000 tons
Current City Programs and Regulations for Recycling in Fort Collins
WRAP stands for the Waste Reduction and Recycling Assistance Program, a City program that started in 2012 and helps businesses and apartment complexes
start or improve recycling programs.
Education Incentive Mandate
Single-family
residential
General recycling education
Pay-As-You-Throw ordinance
Landfill ban on cardboard and electronics
Businesses
General recycling education
Free waste audit,
educational materials (WRAP)
In-person outreach campaign (WRAP)
Rebate for starting recycling
(up to $500) (WRAP)
Landfill ban on cardboard and electronics
Apartments
and condos
General recycling education
Free waste audit,
educational materials (WRAP)
Rebate for starting recycling
(up to $500) (WRAP)
Landfill ban on cardboard and electronics
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 1
Recommended Timeline of Implementation for Community Recycling Ordinance Options
Single-Family Homes Multi-Family Units Businesses
Short term:
Adjust Pay-As-You-
Throw
(~2016-2017)
Assumes increased
education and hands-on
assistance from City.
Current system:
Bundled recycling & trash service & costs
Pay more for more trash service
o 100% price difference between sizes of
trash carts
Add:
1a) 80% price difference between sizes of
trash carts
3) All haulers must offer option of weekly
yard trimmings collection (for separate
charge)
Current system:
Pay more for more trash service
68% of multi-family complexes subscribe
to service
Add:
2a) Bundle recycling in with trash
service, (25-50% of service volume as
recycling)
o Have hardship exclusion form /
process that is filed with City
o 18 month roll-out
Current system:
Pay more for more trash service
48% of businesses subscribe to service
Add:
2a) Bundle recycling in with trash
service (25-50% of service volume as
recycling)
o Have hardship exclusion form
/ process that is filed with City
o 18 month roll-out
Medium term:
Collect organics
(~2017 – 2018)
4) Phase in collection of food scraps, yard
trimmings, and food-soiled paper (bundled
with trash service)
Haulers have option to offer every-other-
week trash collection for customers with
organics collection
5) Require collection of food scraps
from grocers, large restaurants
Longer term:
Ban materials from
landfill disposal
(Action on these
options not
recommended until
other programs well-
Page 2
Alternative Options for Community Recycling Ordinance
Single-Family Homes Multi-Family Units Businesses
Short term:
Adjust Pay-As-You-
Throw
(~2016-2017)
Assumes increased
education and hands-on
assistance from City.
1b) 50% price difference between trash can
sizes
2b) Require recycling service
Separate fee on bill
Hauler / customer
determine amount of
recycling
2b) Require recycling service
Separate fee on bill
Hauler / customer
determine amount of
recycling
A
•Principle ENV 13: The City will provide Fort Collins residents and the business
community with information and education about waste management including waste
reduction, diversion, and proper disposal.
•Principle ENV 14: The City will apply the US Environmental Protection Agency’s
integrated “hierarchy” of waste management to help protect all environmental
resources including air, soil, and water using source reduction as the primary approach,
followed in order by reuse, recycling/composting energy recovery using emerging
pollution-free technology, and landfill disposal (where methane gas capture is
employed) as a final resort.
• Principle ENV 15: The City will recognize that discarded materials, such as recyclable
commodities, reusable products, and organics, can be economic resources for the
community.
•Principle ENV 17: The City will act as a steward of the environment and public health by
using its regulatory authority.
City Plan
•4.6. Engage citizens in ways to educate and change behavior toward more sustainable
living practices.
•4.11. Demonstrate progress toward achieving zero waste
•within the community and the City organization.
Strategic Plan
•ENV 6: Percent decrease in municipal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from 2005
baseline
•ENV 7: Community per capita per day of solid waste generation
•ENV10: Community solid waste diversion rate
•ENV 12: Tons of community recycled or composted materials, including cardboard
Budgeting for
Outcomes
Metrics
•Waste Diversion Goals
•Recycle or compost 75% of community's discards by 2020
•Recycle or compost 90% of community's discards by 2025
•Zero waste by 2030
•Reduce per capita waste generation to 2.8 pounds / day by 2025
•Climate Action Goals
•20% beow 2005 levels by 2020
•80% below 2005 by 2030
•Carbon neutral by 2050
City Council-
Adopted
Goals
Alignment of Community Recycling Ordinance Project with Established Plans and Goals
ATTACHMENT 4
Please note that prices are meant only as examples – actual pricing is set by trash and recycling haulers.
$30
$45
$27
$39
$15
$23
$30
$-
$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
$30
$35
$40
$45
$50
32 gallon price 64 gallon price 96 gallon price
Examples of Varying Price Differences Between Trash Cart
Sizes in Single-Family Pay-As-You-Throw Ordinance
100% (current)
80% (recommended)
50% (alternative)
ATTACHMENT 5
Page 1
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
PROJECT TITLE: Community Recycling Ordinance
OVERALL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT LEVEL: Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop new policy
recommendations based on community feedback.
BOTTOM LINE QUESTION: What is important to keep about our current recycling system Fort Collins and which
next steps are of most interest in meeting our waste reduction goals as a community?
City Boards and Commissions Presentations
Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Aug. 6
Senior Advisory Board, Sept. 9
Economic Advisory Board, Sept. 16
Natural Resources Advisory Board, Sept. 16
Air Quality Advisory Board, Sept 21
Stakeholder Group Presentations / Meetings
All Property Services, July 16
Sustainable Living Association, July 21
Chamber LLAC, July 24
League of Women Voters, July 30
ASCSU Community Affairs, Aug. 4
ClimateWise Members, Aug. 11
Multi-Family Managers, Aug. 11
Northern Colorado Clean Cities Coalition, Aug. 17
CSU Executive Faculty Committee, Aug. 25
North Fort Collins Business Assoc’n, Aug. 26
South Fort Collins Business Association, Sept. 8
City Issues and Answers, Sept. 10
Northern Colorado Rental Housing Assoc’n, Sept. 15
CSU President’s Sustainability Committee, Sept. 21
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CONDUCTED:
Public Meetings
• June 30, 6:30 p.m.,
215 N. Mason St.
Community Room
• July 1, 11:30 a.m.
Senior Center
• August 11, 6:30 p.m.
Council Tree Library
•August 12, 11:30 a.m.
Chamber of Commerce
Public Events
• CSU Lagoon Concert
Series
• Every Wednesday July
1 - Aug 5
• Larimer County
Farmers' Market
• September 12
• Sustainable Living Fair
• September 12, 13
• CSU International
Women's Welcome
• September 1
Online & Mobile
Activities
• Project website with
related documents
•Online questionnaire
• 202 responses
• 4 min YouTube video
about project
Page 2
Advisory Boards
External Advisory Board (met June 22, July 21, Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 24, Sept. 14)
Members:
Bob Mann, Natural Resources Advisory
Board
Joe Piesman, resident
Sarah Gallup, resident
John Drigot, Poudre Valley Hospital
Stacey Baumgarn, CSU
John Holcomb, Poudre School District
Ray Meyer, Ram Waste
John Puma, Ram Waste
JP Puma, Ram Waste
Matt Gallegos, Gallegos Sanitation
John Newman, Waste Not
Todd Noe, Waste Management
Rich Morford, Waste Management
Scott Hutchings, Waste Management
Pete Gazlay, Total Facility Care & Chamber
of Commerce LLAC President
Carrie Gillis, multi-family property
management, Chamber of Commerce LLAC
member
Stephen Gillette, Larimer County Solid
Waste
Hunter Buffington, Sustainable Fort Collins
Mary Anderson, Sierra Club
Georgia Locker, League of Women Voters
Ginny Sawyer, facilitator
Internal Advisory Board (met May 27, July 23, Aug. 5, Aug. 26, Sept. 28)
Members from: Communications and Public Involvement, Social Sustainability, Economic Health, Finance, Utilities
Customer Accounts, City Attorney’s office.
1
SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
DATE: 9/23/15
SUBJECT: Sustainability Assessment Summary for Community Recycling Ordinance
Key issues identified
Environmental:
o Additional recycling generated by the Community Recycling Ordinance will help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and preserve natural resources.
o Collecting additional materials will likely mean additional collection vehicles in operation in Fort Collins
Social:
o Concern of potential impact of increased pricing on lower income residents
Economic:
o It is unclear whether this project results in a net positive for the local economy
o Additional service provided by haulers requires investments in staff and infrastructure
Suggested mitigation actions
Environmental:
o Haulers will maximize efficiencies in their routes and the benefits of recycling or composting the
materials collected outweighs the impacts of their collection and hauling.
Social:
o Focus educational messaging around “right sizing” options to decrease trash bills
o 80% differential between trash cart sizes to single-family rates decreases the price for medium and large
size trash subscribers
Economic:
o Phasing in requirements
o When companies right-size their bins, they are likely to have minimal impact on their cost of service
Economic , 0.3 Social , 0.2
Environmental
1.5
Rating
Average, 1.1
-4.0
-3.0
-2.0
-1.0
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Sustainability Rating
Rating without mitigation Rating with mitigation
Rating Legend
3 Very positive
2 Moderately positive
1 Slightly positive
0 Not relevant or neutral
-1 Slightly negative
-2 Moderately negative,
impact likely
-3 Very negative, impact
expected
ATTACHMENT 7
2
City of Fort Collins SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT TOOL (SAT)
(September 2015)
Creating a sustainable community
Plan Fort Collins is an expression of the community’s resolve to act sustainably: to systemically, creatively, and thoughtfully utilize
environmental, human, and economic resources to meet our present needs and those of future generations without compromising the
ecosystems upon which we depend.
Brief description of proposal
This project is an implementation of the Road to Zero Waste plan, and proposes to update the community’s main recycling ordinance by:
Updating the current Pay-As-You-Throw ordinance
o Allow haulers to charge an 80% price difference between the sizes of trash carts rather than the current 100% price difference
between trash cart sizes
Expanding the current recycling ordinance
o Require weekly yard trimmings collection option for single-family homes
o Require multi-family and commercial customers to have recycling service bundled in with trash service
o Require collection of food scraps from large grocers and restaurants in 2017 or 2018
o Create a phase-in plan for collecting yard trimmings and food scraps from single-family home residents starting in 2017 or 2018
Staff lead(s):
Caroline Mitchell, Environmental Planner, Environmental Services, 970-221-6288
3
Social Equity
Described: Placing priority upon protecting, respecting, and fulfilling the full range of universal human rights, including those pertaining to
civil, political, social, economic, and cultural concerns. Providing adequate access to employment, food, housing, clothing, recreational
opportunities, a safe and healthy environment and social services. Eliminating systemic barriers to equitable treatment and inclusion,
and accommodating the differences among people. Emphasizing justice, impartiality, and equal opportunity for all.
Goal/Outcome: It is our priority to support an equitable and adequate social system that ensures access to employment, food, housing,
clothing, education, recreational opportunities, a safe and healthy environment and social services. Additionally, we support equal
access to services and seek to avoid negative impact for all people regardless of age, economic status, ability, immigration or citizenship
status, race/ethnicity, gender, relationship status, religion, or sexual orientation. Equal opportunities for all people are sought. A
community in which basic human rights are addressed, basic human needs are met, and all people have access to tools and resources
to develop their capacity. This tool will help identify how the proposal affects community members and if there is a difference in how the
decisions affect one or more social groups. Areas of consideration in creating a vibrant socially equitable Fort Collins are: basic needs,
inclusion, community safety, culture, neighborhoods, and advancing social equity.
Analysis Prompts
• The prompts below are examples of the issues that need to be addressed.
They are not a checklist. Not all prompts and issues will be relevant for any
one project. Issues not covered by these prompts may be very pertinent to a
proposal - please include them in the analysis.
Is this proposal affected by any current policy, procedure or action plan?
Has advice been sought from organizations that have a high level of
expertise, or may be significantly affected by this proposal?
Proposal Description
1. Meeting Basic Human Needs
• How does the proposal impact access to food,
shelter, employment, health care, educational and
recreational opportunities, a safe and healthy living
environment or social services?
• Does this proposal affect the physical or mental health of
individuals, or the status of public health in our
community?
• How does this proposal contribute to helping people
achieve
and maintain an adequate standard of living, including
housing,
or food affordability, employment opportunities, healthy
Analysis/Discussion
The updated Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) ordinance will still enable
residents to decrease their trash generation and save money on their
trash bills
Increased recycling has a documented positive effect on job
creation.
Due to the current recyclables processing contract, trash and
recycling haulers need to increase their current rates. Adding or
expanding recycling could increase the cost of trash service, which
may result in a corresponding cost increase for residents, especially
renters.
4
families,
or other resiliency factors?
By recycling and composting more materials, will expand the lifespan
of the Larimer County landfill. This will help delay the significant
trash cost increase that will likely result when the Larimer County
landfill closes.
Expanding Pay-As-You-Throw to multifamily ensures equal access to
recycling opportunities for all community members.
These policies will have extensive promotional campaigns to
implement them. Those will highlight the best options are to reduce
wasting and reuse products more. Many waste reduction programs
will benefit lower income residents by increasing the amount and
quality of donated or lower cost food, clothing, furniture and
building materials available to them through thrift stores and social
service agencies.
Most multifamily complexes and businesses should be able to
decrease trash services (by decreasing the size of trash containers
collected, or the frequency of collection) by an equal amount. It’s
the same amount of material being collected.
2. Addressing Inequities and being Inclusive
• Are there any inequities to specific population subsets in
this proposal? If so, how will they be addressed?
• Does this proposal meet the standards of the
Americans with Disabilities Act?
• How does this proposal support the participation,
growth and healthy development of our youth? Does it
include Developmental Assets?
• If the proposal affects a vulnerable section of our
community (i.e.
youth, persons with disabilities, etc.)
Currently roughly half of Fort Collins residents live in multi-family
housing. Only 68% of multi-family housing has recycling service. The
remaining 32% of multi-family housing residents currently are forced
to self-haul their recycling to the drop-off center or are excluded
from recycling. This proposal would ensure all residents have access
to recycling where they live, no matter their type of housing.
Due to the landfill ban on cardboard, some apartment complexes
have chosen to not provide recycling on site, but have included in
their leases that residents must self-haul their recyclables to a
recycling site, placing an extra burden on them (an especially difficult
one if they don’t have a vehicle).
Concerns exist about adding recycling service increasing trash bills,
thereby affecting housing affordability.
All subsidized affordable housing units in Fort Collins already have
adequate recycling, so will not be affected by the recycling
5
expansion requirements. This also highlights that recycling is not a
significant factor in housing affordability.
If disabled residents live in multi-family housing, it is very unlikely
they would be able to self-haul their recyclables to a drop-off center.
Having recycling service at their housing location would enable
disabled residents to recycle.
All schools in Poudre School District recycle. Having recycling at all
residences ensures youth have consistent recycling messaging and
opportunities at home and at school.
3. Ensuring Community Safety
• How does this proposal address the specific safety and
personal security needs of groups within the community,
including women, people with disabilities, seniors,
minorities, religious groups, children, immigrants,
workers and others?
Residents who obtain donated food or reused clothing, furniture and
building materials helps low-income residents meet their basic
needs.
Decreasing illegal dumping helps promote cleanliness and safety
Reduction of harmful air pollutants by removing organics from
landfill.
4. Culture
• Is this proposal culturally appropriate and how does it
affirm or deny the cultures of diverse communities?
• How does this proposal create opportunities for artistic
and
cultural expression?
This proposal is culturally unbiased; this ordinance would apply to all
citizens with a community-wide benefit.
The culture of Fort Collins is one of sustainability; this project is
consistent with, allows participation of all residents in, and confirms
that culture.
5. Addressing the Needs of Neighborhoods
• How does this proposal impact specific Fort Collins
neighborhoods?
• How are community members, stakeholders and
interested parties provided with opportunities for
meaningful participation in the decision making process of
this proposal?
• How does this proposal enhance neighborhoods and
stakeholders’ sense of commitment and stewardship to our
community?
Enhances community and neighborhood cohesion through outreach
and education programs employed to implement these programs,
and cooperation with neighborhood based community gardens,
composting and farmers markets.
ESD staff has conducted extensive community outreach throughout
this project (before options were created, and through the process
of narrowing down recommendations). Participation options have
included online comments and surveys, meetings with different
stakeholders and community groups, and in-person Public Open
Houses that were conducted at various times of the day and
locations throughout the community.
Through expanded recycling and composting, this proposal provides
6
residents pride in reducing the amount of material sent to landfill
Ordinance marketing materials will promote opportunities for
neighbors to connect with each other regarding recycling education
and resources for neighborhoods to support recycling.
Additional recycling and yard waste containers could be difficult to
store in compliance with the screened containers ordinance for
homes with no fence or garage (or in a small garage).
6. Building Capacity to Advance Social Equity
• What plans have been made to communicate about and
share the activities and impacts of this proposal within
the City organization and/or the community?
• How does this proposal strengthen collaboration and
cooperation between the City organization and community
members?
ESD staff has communicated about the development of this project
and received input from a wide variety of community members and
City staff.
Once implemented, this project will involve extensive education and
assistance to those implementing it.
Social Equity Summary
Key issues:
Concern of potential impact of increased pricing on lower income residents
Potential mitigation strategies:
Focus educational messaging around “right sizing” options to decrease trash bills
80% differential between trash cart sizes to single-family rates decreases the price for medium and large size trash subscribers
Overall, the effect of this proposal on social equity would be:
Please reach a consensus on the rating and enter an “x” in one of the following boxes
+3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3
Very
positive
Moderately
positive
Slightly
positive
Not
relevant
or neutral
Slightly
negative
Moderately
negative,
impact
Very
negative,
impact
7
0.2 likely expected
xxxx xxx xx
Environmental Health
Described: Healthy, resilient ecosystems, clean air, water, and land. Decreased pollution and waste, lower carbon emissions that
contribute to climate change, lower fossil fuel use, decreased or no toxic product use. Prevent pollution, reduce use, promote reuse, and
recycle natural resources.
Goal/Outcome: Protect, preserve, and restore the natural environment to ensure long-term maintenance of ecosystem functions
necessary for support of future generations of all species. Avoid or eliminate adverse environmental impacts of all activities, continually
review all activities to identify and implement strategies to prevent pollution; reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency;
conserve water; reduce consumption and waste of natural resources; reuse, recycle and purchase recycled content products; reduce
reliance on non-renewable resources.
Analysis Prompts
• The prompts below are examples of issues that need to be addressed.
They are not a checklist. Not all prompts and issues will be relevant for
any one project. Issues not covered by these prompts may be very pertinent
to a proposal - please include them in the analysis.
• Is this proposal affected by any current policy, procedure or action
plan? Has advice been sought from organizations that have a high level
of expertise, or may be significantly affected by this proposal?
1. Environmental Impact
• Does this proposal affect ecosystem functions or
processes related to land, water, air, or plant or
animal communities?
• Will this proposal generate data or knowledge related to
the use of resources?
• Will this proposal promote or support education in
prevention of pollution, and effective practices for
reducing, reusing, and recycling of natural resources?
• Does this proposal require or promote the continuous
improvement of the environmental performance of the
City organization or community?
• Will this proposal affect the visual/landscape or aesthetic
elements of the community?
Analysis/Discussion
The goal of this project is to recycle a substantial amount of material
that is currently being landfilled.
Additional education about recycling, reducing trash bin size /
service (“right-sizing” trash bins) and hands-on assistance for doing
so are central to this project.
Preventing material from being landfilled prevents potential air and
water pollution from the landfill.
This project is capable of generating enough additional recycling and
composting to meet the City’s goal of recycling or composting 75% of
materials by 2020 compared to the current rate of 68% waste
8
reduction.
2. Climate Change
• Does this proposal directly generate or require the
generation of greenhouse gases (such as through
electricity consumption or transportation)?
• How does this proposal align with the carbon reduction
goals for
2020 goal adopted by the City Council?
• Will this proposal, or ongoing operations result in an
increase or decrease in greenhouse gas emissions?
• How does this proposal affect the community’s efforts to
reduce
greenhouse gas emissions or otherwise mitigate adverse
climate
change activities?
By increasing recycling, less materials will be created from natural
resources resulting in energy savings and significant greenhouse gas
prevention.
This project prevents the landfilling of organic materials, which
generate methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas, if sent to
the landfill.
The implementation plan for the Climate Action Plan calls for this
project as a first implementation step.
Although this project could result in an increase in trucks collecting
materials from customers, the recycling and composting of the
materials significantly outweighs the impacts from additional
collection vehicles.
This project could also help reduce vehicle miles traveled due to
multi-family residents now being able to recycle on site who
previously had to drive their recyclables to a recycling drop-off
center.
The Road to Zero Waste Plan recommended an approach for haulers
to consider that would not increase the number of trucks once these
full programs are implemented that would collect organics every
week and recycling and trash every other week. That would enable
haulers to provide services with just 2 trucks per route, the same as
they currently use.
3. Protect, Preserve, Restore
• Does this proposal result in the development or
modification of land resources or ecosystem functions?
• Does this proposal align itself with policies and procedures
related to the preservation or restoration of natural habitat,
greenways, protected wetlands, migratory pathways, or
the urban growth boundary
• How does this proposal serve to protect, preserve, or
restore important ecological functions or processes?
With the Larimer County Landfill quickly filling up, this ordinance has
the potential to extend the life of the landfill.
9
4. Pollution Prevention
• Does this proposal generate, or cause to be
generated, waste products that can contaminate the
environment?
• Does this proposal require or promote pollution
prevention through choice of materials, chemicals,
operational practices and/or engineering controls?
• Does this proposal require or promote prevention of
pollution from toxic substances or other pollutants
regulated by the state or federal government?
• Will this proposal create significant amounts of waste or
pollution?
This project is not anticipated to generate pollutants. By recycling or
composting materials, it is likely to prevent air and water pollution
from local landfills.
These policies will promote pollution prevention and reducing
wasting through outreach and education programs associated with
their implementation.
5. Rethink, Replace, Reduce, Reuse, Recirculate/Recycle
• Does this proposal prioritize the rethinking of the materials
or goods needed, reduction of resource or materials use,
reuse of current natural resources or materials or energy
products, or result in byproducts that are recyclable or can
be re-circulated?
Recycling, composting, and reducing waste are the primary
objectives of this project
6. Emphasize Local
• Does this proposal emphasize use of local materials,
vendors, and or services to reduce resources and
environmental impact of producing and transporting
proposed goods and materials?
• Will the proposal cause adverse environmental effects
somewhere other than the place where the action will take
place?
The more recycled materials are generated locally, the greater the
likelihood that a company using recycled materials as a source
material could operate in Fort Collins.
Composting and organics recycling processes must be done locally,
as these materials cannot be shipped great distances. As a result of
the proposed policies, local businesses will be able to invest in
processing organics even more locally, in Larimer County.
Environmental Health Summary
Key issues:
Additional recycling generated by the Community Recycling Ordinance will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve
natural resources.
10
Collecting additional materials will likely mean additional collection vehicles in operation in Fort Collins
Potential mitigation strategies:
Haulers will maximize efficiencies in their routes and the benefits of recycling or composting the materials collected outweighs
the impacts of their collection and hauling.
Overall, the effect of this proposal on environmental health would
be:
Please reach a consensus on the rating and enter an “x” in one of the following boxes
2.7
+3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3
Very
positive
Moderately
positive
Slightly
positive
Not
relevant
or neutral
Slightly
negative
Moderately
negative,
impact
likely
Very
negative,
impact
expected
xxxxx xx
Economic Health
Described: Support of healthy local economy with new jobs, businesses, and economic opportunities; focus on development of a
diverse economy, enhanced sustainable practices for existing businesses, green and clean technology jobs, creation or retention of
family waged jobs.
Goal/Outcome: A stable, diverse and equitable economy; support of business development opportunities.
Analysis Prompts
• The prompts below are examples of the issues that need to be addressed.
They are not a checklist. Not all prompts and issues will be relevant for any
one project. Issues not covered by these prompts may be very pertinent to a
proposal - please include them in the analysis
• Is this proposal affected by any current policy, procedure or action plan? Has
advice been sought from organizations that have a high level of expertise, or
may be significantly affected by this proposal?
1. Infrastructure and Government
• How will this proposal benefit the local economy?
• If this proposal is an investment in infrastructure is it
designed and will it be managed to optimize the use of
Analysis/Discussion
Increased recycling has a documented positive effect on job creation.
The increased services provided for in this project are provided by the
private sector and are fully funded by user fees.
11
resources including operating in a fossil fuel constrained
society?
• Can the proposal be funded partially or fully by grants,
user fees or charges, staged development, or partnering
with another agency?
• How will the proposal impact business growth or
operations
(ability to complete desired project or remain in operation),
such
as access to needed permits, infrastructure and capital?
By the City adopting these policies, haulers and processors are able to
get financing to buy equipment to meet this new demand for
increased services.
This proposal will likely increase the cost of trash service for
businesses, including small businesses, and apartment complexes that
do not currently recycle.
These requirements would provide a level playing field for businesses
and apartment complexes – every business and apartment complex
would have (and have to pay for) similar levels of recycling service
(48% of businesses currently have recycling service in Fort Collins and
68% of apartment complexes, according to trash hauling companies.)
There is a plan to phase in the services to allow trash haulers to invest
in additional infrastructure over time rather than all at once.
There is the potential to have little impact on businesses since the
increased cost in recycling will be offset by the decrease in trash haul
fees if locations “right size” or decrease their trash bins.
Due to having more customer density and resulting economies of
scale, it is possible that rates for locations that already recycle may
slightly decrease.
This project will result in additional costs for businesses that are
providing the services.
2. Employment and Training
• What are the impacts of this proposal on job creation
within Larimer County?
• Are apprenticeships, volunteer or intern opportunities
available?
• How will this proposal enhance the skills of the local
workforce?
Increased recycling has a documented positive effect on job creation.
Volunteer opportunities will likely be created to assist with education
about the new ordinance.
Additional staff for the trash / recycling hauling companies will likely
be hired as a result of this project.
Increased emphasis on recycling and related technology could
provide opportunities for job training with local community colleges
The recycling and composting industries provide employment at
wages across the wage and skills spectrum, many with upward
mobility opportunities.
Possible opportunities for waste/recycling technician job creation.
3. Diversified and Innovative Economy
• How does this proposal support innovative or
Many of the technologies that will be used in response to these
policies are “clean technologies” and the jobs created are “green”
12
entrepreneurial activity?
• Will “clean technology” or “green” jobs be created in this
proposal?
• How will the proposal impact start-up or existing
businesses or
development projects?
jobs.
By adopting these policies, the City will be recognized as an
innovative policy leader which will attract additional investments in
technology and program innovations.
Colorado State University is already demonstrating innovative
technologies for composting and organics recycling. CSU could help
evaluate, study, design and help private companies develop new
products and services to meet the new demand of these policies.
See bullets in sections 1 and 2 about job creation and impact to
existing businesses.
Possible skills-up training opportunity for NFP companies that
partner with for-profit companies who collect recycling.
4. Support or Develop Sustainable Businesses
• What percentage of this proposal budget relies on local
services or products? Identify purchases from Larimer
County and the State of Colorado.
• Will this proposal enhance the tools available to
businesses to incorporate more sustainable practices in
operations and products?
• Are there opportunities to profile sustainable and socially
responsible leadership of local businesses or educate
businesses on triple bottom line practices?
This project will be essential in helping businesses and apartment
complexes who do not currently recycle to adopt this sustainable
practice, which not only conserves natural resources, but will
provide education to employees, customers, and residents about
recycling. The City will provide educational materials and assistance
programs, including WRAP and ClimateWise, to help with this
adoption and education.
May provide additional opportunities to partner with ClimateWise
partners on innovative ideas and collaboration.
This project will enhance the sustainable reputation of Fort Collins,
attracting attention to existing Fort Collins businesses and
potentially attracting additional businesses or skilled employees with
an interest in sustainability.
Some major businesses in Fort Collins have reported that they have
diverted over 90% of their discarded materials from landfills and
incinerators, including: New Belgium Brewery, Hewlett-Packard,
Woodward, Anheuser-Busch, and Intel. New Belgium Brewery is
being certified as a Zero Waste Facility by the U.S. Zero Waste
Business Council.
5. Relevance to Local Economic Development Strategy
This project supports the City Council-adopted Economic Health
Department Strategic Plan’s focus on “The Climate Economy”.
13
Economic Prosperity Summary
Key issues:
It is unclear whether this project results in a net positive for the local economy
Additional service provided by haulers requires investments in staff and infrastructure
Potential mitigation strategies:
Phasing in requirements
When companies right-size their bins, they are likely to have minimal impact on their cost of service
Overall, the effect of this proposal on economic prosperity will be:
Please reach a consensus on the rating and enter an “x” in one of the following boxes
0.3
+3 +2 +1 0 -1 -2 -3
Very
positive
Moderately
positive
Slightly
positive
Not
relevant
or neutral
Slightly
negative
Moderately
negative,
impact
likely
Very
negative,
impact
expected
xxxx ½ x ½ xx
COMMUNITY RECYCLING ORDINANCE ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE: SUMMARY OF THEMES
In June 2015, an online questionnaire was posted at fcgov.com/recycling/update.php for members of the public to share
their opinions on the current recycling system in Fort Collins and about changes they’d like to see. In September, the
questionnaire was replaced with new questions asking opinions about the draft options generated for the Community
Recycling Ordinance. The questions for both were intentionally open-ended to ensure the responses reflect the issues
most important to respondents. The respondents were self-selected and the summary provided is not statistically
significant.
Key themes from questionnaire #1 (total responses: 172)
Supportive of including multi-family properties in recycling (103)
Supportive of including commercial properties in recycling (100)
Add curbside yard waste collection (51)
Like the current Pay-As-You-Throw system (41)
o keeping recycling and trash service bundled / not paying extra for recycling
Would like recycling picked up weekly (24)
Offer a free yard waste drop-off (13)
Want more education (15)
Key themes from questionnaire #2 (total responses: 76)
In favor of both yard waste and food scraps curbside collection (35)
Inclusion of multi-family and commercial properties in Pay-As-You-Throw (24)
Keep the price of services low (15)
Supportive of materials ban (12)
Continue improving the current system (10)
Do not like any of the options (8)
Implement some of the proposed options sooner (4)
Questions asked in questionnaire #1
1. What about Fort Collins single-family trash and recycling service should stay the same? What would you like to
change?
2. Currently, the landfill ban on cardboard and electronics are the only recycling ordinances that apply to multi-family
properties within the City. Do you think other recycling ordinances should apply to multi-family properties and why?
3. Currently, the landfill ban on cardboard and electronics are the only recycling ordinances that apply to commercial
properties within the City. Do you think other recycling ordinances should apply to commercial properties and why?
4. What about yard waste recycling/disposal in Fort Collins works for you? What would you change?
5. Do you have any other comments about recycling in Fort Collins?
Questions asked in questionnaire #2
1. What do you like about the proposed options for the Community Recycling Ordinance and why?
2. What would you change about the proposed options for the Community Recycling Ordinance and why?
3. Do you have questions about the proposed options for the Community Recycling Ordinance?
4. Are there any options not included that you would like to see included? If so, what are they and why are they
important?
5. What is the main message you’d like the City to hear about recycling in Fort Collins?
ATTACHMENT 8
Page 1
Summary of Feedback from City Boards and Commissions
MINUTES : CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015
Location: CIC Room, City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave.
Time: 4:00–6:00pm
Board Members Present Board Members Absent
Troy Jones, chair
Eloise Emery
Jeffrey Johnson
Diane Cohn
Terence Hoaglund
Tatiana Martin
Curt Lyons
AGENDA ITEM 1: Community Recycling Ordinance
Reasons recycling is important for more than environment: economic development potential, large employment
industry, produces more jobs than landfilling, energy savings from recycling, etc. Ex: takes 95% less energy to recycle
aluminum than to create new. Significant GHG benefits to recycling as well. Recycling system from single-family
residential: 1. Put recycling at curb, 2. Pay hauler, 3. To Larimer county recycling center, 4. Materials recovery facility in
Denver (contaminates to landfill), 5. End markets (international) where made into new products. Recyclables are at a
low value in market right now and have a more challenging contract at the recycling center. Can address shifts in market
and system with this regularly scheduled update. Have a 6-10% contamination rate, which is reasonable. Pay-as-you-
Throw ordinance was adopted in 1995; has become best practice. This update includes potential for expansion. Road to
Zero Waste includes goal of 75% diversion by 2020, 95% by 2025, and 0 waste by 2030. City also has landfill bans on
electronic waste and cardboard. Existing programs include education to all, free waste audits and rebates for businesses
and multifamily residential, Pay-as-you-Throw for single-family residential, etc. Caroline showed graph of diversion
rates: landfilled materials have remained consistent despite increase in population. Recycling and composting has
increased steadily; much of recent uptick is from construction dirt (mall, Woodward, flood rebuilding). Pay-as-you-Throw
ordinance requires trash and recycling rates are bundled for single-family residential, so no additional charge for
recycling. Also requires trash pricing based on volume of trash can subscription. Multifamily residential and businesses
are combined into commercial trash system. In Fort Collins, commercial prices are based on size of dumpster and
recycling is a separate fee. 95% of single-family homes recycle, 67% of multifamily, and 48% of businesses. Disparate
impact of ease of recycling for those living in multifamily. Currently industrial has highest diversion rate. This project
does not focus on industrial recycling. Community Recycling Ordinance looks at adapting program to current needs,
expanding Pay-as-you-Throw to commercial customers, and including yard waste collection options. Project includes
case studies (available on website at fcgov.com/recycling/update.php) and will include spectrum of
options/recommendations, public outreach (public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and community advisory group),
and Council work session October 13. Two public meetings next week. Online survey, email newsletter, and FAQs
available online.
ATTACHMENT 9
Page 2
Comments/Q&A
Sue: Why is this important to affordable housing?
o Caroline: Adding additional service impacts trash bills. How much service, of what type, and how much is
it worth paying for?
o Sue: Will any options bundle like current ordinance for multifamily.
Caroline: One main option is to expand Pay-as-you-Throw to commercial and multifamily,
bundling a certain amount of recycling with trash service automatically and having additional
recycling available at lower cost than trash. In tandem could add user responsibility for
recycling: not allowing recyclables to be put in the trash. Communities tend to adopt together.
Also discussing what to do with bulky goods. Multifamily has issues with dumping of bulky goods
(ex: furniture, appliances, mattresses). Considering automatic inclusion of bulky goods collection
in single-family residential.
Troy: Haulers used to get paid and now paying for recycling?
o Caroline: Yes. Customers have subscribed to service. Hauler used to get paid for recyclables. Majority of
cost is overhead: trucks, employees, gas, etc. Fees at recycling facility are smaller portion of cost but do
impact business. Want to create ordinance that is flexible with market.
Troy: Most of affordable housing in Fort Collins is multifamily. Any political will at Council level to subsidize
recycling?
o Tatiana: Or incentives?
Caroline: If expanded Pay-as-you-Throw to commercial and multifamily, the goal is to incentivize
recycling. Project is not to point where can understand impact to bills yet. Have fixed amount of
waste, whether going out in trash or recycling. People forget that can downsize trash bin when
add recycling, which can make it cost neutral or even cost beneficial.
o Tatiana: Current HOA doesn’t offer recycling as it is not cost beneficial.
Eloise: Went to board of her HOA and talked them into adding recycling.
o Eloise: WRAP program?
Caroline: Offers rebates for starting recycling program. Goal is to shave off cost speed bump of
starting service. Businesses need to purchase recycling bins for inside or create an enclosure, so
a rebate is available for them too.
Diane: Want affordable housing developers to not have to add costs to projects. Want to make absolutely sure
that have options, but additional protections for cost for affordable housing units and developers. For ongoing
cost of service.
o Troy: If translates to higher rent want to prevent that.
o Diane: Don’t want to add fees to low income people.
Terence: Need more education on illegal dumping in dumpsters.
o Caroline: Have been working with consultants on this issue. Have not found a perfect solution, but
aware of the problem.
Troy: Good goal to have all residents recycle. Someone has to pay for it. Recommend Council finding money to
subsidize affordable housing recycling to offset impact that could change rent.
o Sue: Or create different rate for qualified affordable housing.
o Troy: Would be nice if community as whole has value to not over burden those who cannot afford, but
still give opportunity.
o Caroline: Have had calls about cardboard ordinance where property manager is not providing cardboard
recycling (not required), but then residents have to self-haul.
Page 3
MINUTES: CITY OF FORT COLLINS SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Time: 11:30–1:30pm
Call to order 11:26 am
I. Administrative Items
a. Attendance: Rich Feller, Katie Stieber, Bill Hilsmeier, Irisa Luft, Suzanne King, Patricia Hously, Diane
Smith
i. Unexcused: Alan Beatty, Lawrence Bontempo
ii. Excused: Angela Condit, Ann Lefler, Joann Thomas
b. Correspondence: Bridging the Gap postcard, Aging Mastery flyer
c. Updates on SAB activities last month: none
II. Public Participation: none
III. Speakers
a. Pete Iengo – Utilities Low Income Assistance
b. Caroline Mitchell – Community Recycling Ordinance
IV. Comments of City Council Periodic Review – on agenda in error
V. New Business
a. Education
b. Outreach
c. Advocacy
i. Response to community recycling – given during presentation
ii. Letter to Affordable Housing Board
1. Discussion on condominiums and associations
Meeting Adjourned: 1:32 PM
Page 4
MINUTES: CITY OF FORT COLLINS ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMISSION
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Location: CIC Room, City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave.
Time: 11:00am–1:30pm
Commission Members Present Commission Members Absent
Linda Stanley Sam Solt, Chair
Denny Otsuga Ann Hutchison
Kim Dale (arrived 11:50) Kristin Owens
Ted Settle
Glen Colton
AGENDA ITEM 3—Community Recycling Ordinance
In 1995 passed Pay-As-You-Throw ordinance, which has since become a best practice. Has been updated a few times
throughout the years. Two part project: 1. Continuous improvement, 2. Tool for greater applications. Council has
adopted a diversion rate goal of 50% in 1999, which has been surpassed. New goals include 75% diversion by 2020. In
2007 passed landfill ban on electronics, in 2013 added ban on cardboard. Role of City is education, policy framework and
ordinances. Hauling is done by private companies. Current ordinance: trash and recycling rates are bundled for single-
family residential and is based on volume of can subscription. Commercial and multifamily are generally serviced with
dumpsters. Pricing is based on volume and service frequency. Recycling is not bundled, but is a separate service. 95% of
single-family homes, 68% of multifamily complexes, and 48% of commercial have subscribed to recycling. Have
researched case studies, best practices, and have done extensive community outreach. Working with Zero Waste
Associates on data collection and draft options for the ordinance. Draft options developed from research and feedback:
allowing a baseline fee to mitigate economic impact of diversion, requiring recycling service for all, having all haulers
offer yard trimming collection for single-family residential, exploring having businesses that create large amounts of
food scraps/organics compost, etc. Massive bio-digester has been built in Kersey: primarily built for feedlot and dairy
waste, but can take food scraps. Generates and captures methane. Other options in medium term include phasing in
organics collection (food scraps with yard trimmings). Many communities moving to every other week for trash when
add organics to weekly collection. Medium term: follow single-family model and bundle trash and recycling for
multifamily and business. Also thinking about phasing in organics for businesses. Longer term potentially expanding
landfill ban on recyclables/organics. Greatest amount of diversion can come from compostables. Could get 75%
diversion by 2020 with these options. Goal is to not have negative economic impact. However, adding 96 gallon cart of
recycling is about $20-30 per month. If decrease trash service by amount of recycling diverted, could mitigate additional
cost. Additional benefits include meeting CAP and RZW goals, positive effect on job creation by not landfilling (approx.
250 jobs), extends life of landfill which only has 10 years left. Anticipate significant increase in trash service prices when
landfill closes.
Discussion/Q & A:
Pricing is not set, but ratio is?
o Yes.
o Price difference is negligible between sizes.
HOAs can get own contracts, but price difference should be 100% between sizes.
Some people don’t subscribe to trash service at all.
o Percentages are of those who have trash service. One of complaints hearing at apartment complexes
and businesses is illegal dumping. Discussing ideas about enforcing trash subscription.
Municipalities in Japan are requiring subscription to trash service because cost got so high
dumping was becoming a concern.
In Fort Collins, open dumping has not been an issue.
Page 5
Page 6
Right now restaurants are putting food waste into the trash. Have we thought about a way to incentivize
composting rather than requiring? Provide bins, service, etc. Would like to see trash company come for
recyclables every week. Recyclables are far more volume than trash.
o Every week recycling would raise rates. Cost is in truck and driver. Have been in close contact with trash
haulers throughout the process. They suggest people can get more than one recycling bin.
o Adding can for yard trimmings is not cheap.
Hope that argument to multifamily and commercial would focus on point of pay me now or pay me later. The
cost of a new landfill must be huge. Everyone will feel it.
Base fee: understand when have utility like water need to increase base fee to cover fixed costs when
conservation increases. In this case the city has three private businesses competing for customers. Haulers
would like more predictable revenue, but what is rationale? Generally lose incentive for reduction when
implement base fee. Agree that important to have commercial and multifamily required to recycle. Will be fall-
out, but not unreasonable. Would like to see compost moved up; it would be very popular and should be
required. It becomes part of daily life. Hope that we do new recycling center. Important to community. The City
talks about sustainability, but our recycling program is not cutting edge. Many other places doing better than we
are.
Where does PSD fall in regard to this? What are they doing? Can we partner with them to engage kids in
recycling?
o Being taught at young age in elementary school.
o And waste for the school as well. Are kids putting food waste in compost?
Fourteen schools have composting for food waste.
PSD has great recycling and more schools want compost.
Page 7
MINUTES: CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Location: 215 N. Mason Conference Room 1A
Time: 6:00–8:30pm
Board Members Present Board Members Absent
John Bartholow, chair Joe Halseth
Kelly McDonnell Bob Mann
Nancy DuTeau Jeremy Sueltenfuss
Harry Edwards
Luke Caldwell
AGENDA ITEM 1—Community Recycling Ordinance
Caroline Mitchell, Environmental Planner, previewed potential amendments to the Pay-As-You-Throw Ordinance, which
are being analyzed and refined for discussion at Council’s October 13 Work Session.
Pay-As-You-Throw started in 1995, and has been updated a few times. This project is to update the ordinance and
provide next steps to meet community goals of Road to Zero Waste. 1999 Council passed 50% diversion rate goal which
has been surpassed. Working toward 75% diversion by 2020. Also have two landfill bans: electronics and cardboard.
Private sector provides hauling service; City creates policy and ordinances, and provides education to community.
Existing incentive programs include Pay-As-You-Throw for single-family and rebates through WRAP program for
businesses and multifamily residential. Pay-As-You-Throw bundles trash and recycling services and trash rate is based on
volume of can subscription. Currently must be 100% price difference between sizes. This creates strong incentive to
recycle. Currently 95% of single-family homes, 68% of multifamily, and 48% of commercial have recycling service. Newer
multifamily are opening with recycling. A barrier for older multifamily is there is not physically enough space in
enclosures for additional bins. Have done a lot of public outreach and consultants have done a lot of research on other
communities and best practices. Short-, mid-, and long-term options staff are considering include allowing a base fee,
adjusting 100% price difference for can sizes, adding food waste and/or yard trimmings collection, getting more uniform
recycling for businesses and multifamily with requirement or Pay-As-You-Throw-style ordinance, collecting food scraps
from large producers, banning recyclables from landfill, etc.
Susie added that multifamily and business owners are experiencing illegal dumping, which has a significant financial
impact. Other communities have addressed this by requiring all households to have trash service. Could be an additional
amendment to the ordinance.
Discussion/Q & A:
Are landfill bans monitored in any way?
o Landfill managers are very careful in monitoring.
o More electronic waste dumping as a result?
Some in rural areas where have nowhere to take it.
Hauler won’t pick up and landfill will not accept.
How often are waste audits happening?
o Varies. Slow flow of self-identification. When do more targeted outreach campaign it picks up. Approx. 1
per month regularly; when ramp up outreach get 2 per week. Have interns who help with program.
Page 8
Why is bundled system only for single-family and why is commercial/multifamily different?
o Single-family homes don’t generate as much volume, so cost is in truck, driver, gas, etc. Alternative in
other communities is to pay extra for recycling. In that case only about 20% of households will recycle.
With Pay-As-You-Throw the more you use, the more you pay. Commercial and multifamily have much
more variability in quantity. Staff has been looking into Pay-As-You-Throw for multifamily and
commercial, but it is more complicated. The volume of material is significant.
o Has been slow getting businesses to recycle.
If business wants to recycle have to pay a separate charge. However, about ½ of what throwing
away is recyclable. If decrease dumpster size and add recycling, still have same overall volume.
Many businesses don’t realize they can reduce trash service to even out cost.
Economics of recyclable material is low right now. When it was higher and the haulers could
make a profit, why didn’t they do more push for recycling?
They make a lot of money from trash as well.
The draft options are ideas, correct? Asking Council whether moving in right direction?
o Staff is determining now how to present to Council. The options are basically the core ideas they intend
to show Council. Will look more at diversion rates related to each option.
What would be an example of phasing?
o For single-family homes phasing in of organics collection, year one could have 15% subscribed, year two
50%, etc. This allows hauler to phase in service, buy carts, increase routes, etc. Gives time to work out
challenges and details as well.
Would like to see more emphasis on waste reduction: less packaging, electronic billing, statements, and delivery
of reading materials. Implement penalties for those businesses that choose not to participate.
o Incentives instead of penalties?
Already exist. Businesses such as banks are giving incentives for e-billing, such as higher interest
rate of return or free checking. Also, some companies are looking at alternative compostable
packaging materials.
o Source reduction is the key. Not sure if can add to this ordinance at this time.
How is this phasing timeline tied to landfill lifetime?
o Haven’t finished numbers, but key findings include if implemented all options would meet 2020
diversion rate goal. Our landfill has 10 years left. Likely that when it closes trash costs will go up
significantly. Pay now or pay later. If less reliant on landfill, reduces impact, as well as delaying closure.
Job creation aspect of recycling and reuse, GHG reductions, etc. Many metrics to analyze.
Is part of education component discussion about increased costs?
o Yes. About ½ of residents live in multifamily housing. Want affordability for everyone. All subsidized
affordable housing in Fort Collins already has recycling, so does not preclude affordability.
Volume and audience of outreach?
o Multifamily groups, business groups, four public meetings. Public meetings were not well attended but
had spikes in questionnaire results close to the meetings. Created a video to generate more activity.
o Summary of feedback?
Open ended intentionally. Questions have included what you like, what to keep or add, etc. A lot
of interest in organics collection as well as having recycling at businesses and apartment
complexes. New survey asks about options.
Page 9
MINUTES: CITY OF FORT COLLINS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD
Date: Monday, September 21, 2015
Location: Community Room, 215 N. Mason Street
Time: 5:30–8:00pm
Board Members Present Board Members Absent
Robert Kirkpatrick John Shenot, Chair
Rich Fisher Jim Dennison
Gregory Miller
Tom Griggs
Mark Houdashelt
Vara Vissa (arrived 6:35)
AGENDA ITEM 1: Community Recycling Ordinance
Caroline Mitchell, Environmental Planner, presented information about the process to update the Community Recycling
Ordinance, status of the project, and options under consideration.
Pay-As-You-Throw ordinance began in 1995, which was innovative at the time and has become a best practice to drive
recycling. It has been updated several times since. This project will update and expand the ordinance. In 1999 set a 50%
diversion rate; met and surpassed this goal. Have since implemented electronic waste and cardboard landfill bans. New
goal includes 75% diversion by 2020. At 65% now. Longer term goal of zero waste. Road to Zero Waste was adopted in
2013. Bans are enforced primarily through education. Haulers can refuse loads that clearly have cardboard or
electronics. Complaints are followed up on by staff. Role of City is education and policy, as hauling is done by private
companies. WRAP is program targeted to multifamily and business community that includes incentives and rebates, and
Pay-As-You-Throw ordinance has only applied to single-family residential to date. With Pay-As-You-Throw recycling is
bundled with trash service and pricing is based on volume of trash can subscribed to, with a 100% price increment
between sizes. Multifamily and commercial currently have separate recycling service. 95% of single-family homes, 68%
of multifamily, and 48% of commercial have recycling service. Staff is working with consulting company that has
compiled case studies, has done significant public outreach, is creating recommendations, and will go to Work Session
October 13. Draft options include short-, mid-, and long-term changes. Discussing reducing rate incline to 80%
(offsetting increase in rates due to adding services), adding yard waste service for single-family, bundling recycling with
trash for multifamily and commercial, phasing in organics collection, eventually expanding bans to include all curbside
recyclables and organics, etc. Organics in landfill generate methane, so composting is beneficial to air quality and GHG
reduction. Another idea is to reduce collection of trash to once every two weeks since organics would be collected once
a week. As divert additional waste, can reduce trash service, which also offsets price changes. There are significant GHG
reductions associated with recyclables and organics diversion.
Comments/Q&A
Is City considering dividing city into districts for haulers?
o Not as part of this project and not in near future. Last brought up in 2010.
What is distinction between single-family and multifamily?
o If each unit has its own cart, they are considered single-family homes. If the location has a dumpster
that multiple units share, it is considered multifamily. Different types/sizes of trucks that service
different types of containers. Multifamily and commercial tend to have big metal dumpsters so they are
categorized together.
If multifamily or commercial don’t have recycling, and still have to recycle cardboard, do they have to self-haul?
o Yes. The cardboard ordinance increased recycling rates of multifamily and commercial and drop offs at
the recycling center. However, many may still be putting in trash.
o Commercial is biggest user of cardboard.
Page 10
Explain rate incline changes.
o Ex: If add organics and keep 100% incline, prices go up significantly. If have a lower incline, such as 80%,
keep largest can size price from being prohibitive. Also, data shows 80% incline maintains optimal
diversion.
Would composting be done by the City?
o City does not have a facility. However, A1 Organics has yard waste recycling that was recently permitted
to add food scraps. Also, largest biodigester was just completed outside of Greeley. Processes liquid
waste from Laprino cheese factory and feed lots. Will also accept all food waste. Microbes generate
methane, which is captured and used as natural gas. Waste is turned into compost. Would make sense
to create a transfer station to get organics to a large scale facility. If create ordinance about organics the
private sector will likely provide the facilities.
How are haulers reacting to proposed changes?
o Staff has been in constant communication with haulers. Parts that all support. Mixing together options
that meet all needs. All options are feasible for haulers, but would have a phase-in period. This allows
them to work with customers, purchase and distribute new bins, change routes, etc. Also considered
requiring recycling, but with no set service level. Found in research that commercial tends to low-ball
how much recycling they needed when determining own service.
Fort Collins will make a bigger dent in GHG reduction with source reduction of packaging.
o Pay-As-You-Throw system somewhat drives source reduction. Ex: Paying to throw away grass clippings,
or leave them on the ground? Consumer will likely choose to leave them. Extended producer
responsibility is a way to reduce packaging. This ordinance will not address this, but it is being worked
on elsewhere.
o The GHG figures are annual or projected total over time?
Annual. 2014 baseline.
What is percentage of overall GHG emissions?
If achieved, fairly high percent of estimated reductions. About a quarter to a third of
2020 reduction goal.
o Credit counting: Some do backyard composting. Can that be estimated?
City supports backyard composting. Two benefits from full scale composting: 1. Even with
excellent education program can only get about 5% of single-family to compost at home. 2.
Commercial scale can take more materials than can put in backyard, including meat, oils, food-
soiled paper products, etc.
o What is City doing in waste reduction?
Very difficult. Communities that adopt Pay-As-You-Throw have 6% reduction in trash. When
have to pay per unit of trash, people start to make different choices. Only quantifiable thing in
our current programing.
Have had educational programs including ways to get off junk mail lists.
Plastic bag ordinance would have been source reduction project as well.
2014 community GHG inventory, solid waste was 70K tons.
o Landfill collects methane and flares it?
Two landfills: Larimer County and Ault. Larimer County has methane capture that is flared. Ault
has no methane capture system. City requests destination of materials from haulers. Broader
debate on how much methane actually gets captured in the process.
Lucinda will get more data about what is flared at landfill and algorithm that calculates net
emissions and provide to board.
Is City considering composting versus biodigesters?
o Separated food waste would go to biodigester and yard waste mixed with food waste would go to
composting.
Page 11
Gap in organics collection for multifamily. Also, does collection create a reverse incentive for grocery stores to
divert food to biodigester that would otherwise go to Food Bank?
o Will figure out organics collection process in other sectors, then move toward adding multifamily. Single-
family is fairly uniform as are food scraps from large generators. Groceries would have to pay to have
organics collected. Hierarchy is to prevent food waste, feed people, feed animals, then compost.
EPA is pushing to reduce food waste. Has food recovery challenge.
USDA also.
o Multifamily could have pilot projects down the line?
Yes. Certainly.
Will City have cooperative agreement with biodigester for biogas?
o Doubt that. Biodigester financed by Sacramento Municipal Utility District which receives all the credits
for the natural gas.
Alliance of some sort that could be established between cities, or in the state, aimed at directing food to Food
Banks, schools, etc. Worked with Grant Family Farms. A lot of waste in the field. When go to grocery store pick
the very best. In field only pick top produce, then wholesaler, then retailer, so a lot of waste in the chain. Had
gleaning from churches that take to the Food Bank.
What does Caroline need from board?
o Recommendation could come between Work Session and adoption.
o Could happen at either time, depending on how strongly the board wants to give input before Work
Session. Summary of feedback will be part of Work Session materials.
Changes in recycling market?
o Huge shift in business model with dip in recycling prices globally. Haulers are paying to drop off
recyclables now, whereas last year they were being paid for recyclables. Talking about modification to
existing business structure. Haulers are trying to plan for next year, including rates.
o Organics would become revenue stream for haulers?
Expertise is in hauling materials. Need to cover costs and profit percentage from any services
they provide. Details include timing of infrastructure investment, staffing, trucks, containers,
etc.
Multifamily sometimes has large commercial kitchens. Ex: senior housing.
o Cafeterias involved with multifamily could be included with large food waste producers.
Don’t have multifamily organics currently listed because it is trickier. Multifamily we are
discussing are ones that do not have commercial kitchens. Important, but working out system
with other locations first.
o Centralized kitchens can be part of pilot programs.
Doubt there are many multifamily that have unified kitchens.
Fort Collins has many retirement facilities.
May technically fall into category of business. Can make sure definition includes these.
Besides GHG, also about restoring soil. Organics recovery to produce food. Multiple benefits.
Where can compost be used?
o Permitting is very strict. If compostable materials are created and used in one place, the regulations are
not as strict.
Board unanimously passed the following motion: The Air Quality Advisory Board recommends adoption of the
Community Recycling Ordinance with current proposed options and is encouraged by the significant Green House Gas
reductions that would be actualized with its implementation. The board supports inclusion of pilot projects for
recycling of organic materials from multifamily. The board encourages approval of the ordinance as soon as possible,
as it will aid the City in reaching its stated Climate Action Plan goals and organics recovery for food production.
ATTACHMENT 10
1
Community Recycling Ordinance
Caroline Mitchell
10-13-15
ATTACHMENT 11
Questions for Council
Does Council have direction regarding options and timeline for
1) Updating the price differential for trash at single-family
homes?
2) Recycling at multi-family complexes and businesses?
3) Organics collection options for single-family homes
and grocers / large restaurants?
2014 Recycling and
Composting in Fort Collins
3
Recycling
Composting
Trash
65% Diversion
Recycling and Composting with Full
Community Recycling Ordinance Implementation
Recycled
Composed
Landfilled
80% Diversion
4
Alignment of Project
5
Plan Fort Collins: Principles ENV 13, 14, 15, 17
Strategic Plan: 4.6, 4.11: Demonstrate progress toward achieving zero waste within
the community and the City organization
BFO metrics: ENV 7, 10, 12
City Council-Adopted Goals: zero waste by 2030
Community Recycling Ordinance project
Why recycling?
• Conserve natural resources, prevent pollution
• Greenhouse gas reductions from recycling or composting
• Jobs creation, local economic growth
• Extend life of landfill
• Larimer County Landfill has 10 year life expectancy
• Supports Council-adopted goals
• Working toward zero waste goal
• Climate Action Plan goals
6
Timeline of recycling in Fort Collins
7
Pay-As-You
Throw (PAYT)
starts
1995
PAYT updates
2004 2007 2013 2015
electronics
landfill ban
2009
cardboard
landfill ban
1999
Community
Recycling
Ordinance
Road to Zero
Waste plan
goal: 50%
diversion
by 2010
Goal: 75%
diversion by 2020
8
1) Trash and recycling service and rates are bundled
• Recycling is no additional charge
2) Trash pricing based on volume of trash can subscription
$30
*Rates are for example.
Actual rates set by haulers.
Current Pay-As-You-Throw Requirements
$45
$15
9
Commercial / Multi-Family Trash System
Same as single-family homes:
• Volume-based pricing for trash
• Bill based on size of dumpster,
service frequency
Different than single-family homes:
• Recycling is separate fee,
NOT bundled
10
Results of programs
95%
68%
48%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Single Family Homes Multi-Family
Complexes
Commercial
2014 Recycling Subscription Rate, Fort Collins
(% of customers subscribed to recycling service)
11
Increased
Recycling or
Composting
Greenhouse Gas
Impact
Estimated Cost Impact
1a) 80% price
difference between
trash can sizes
(recommended option 1a)
No change from
current system
No change from
current system
Cost savings for 64- and 96-gallon
customers. Helps to reduce
impacts to these customers from
higher rates for additional
services.
1b) 50% price
difference between
trash can sizes
(alternative option 1b)
Less diversion than
current system
Potential
increase
More significant cost savings for
64- and 96-gallon customers.
Helps to reduce impacts to these
customers from higher rates for
additional services.
Single-Family Options
12
Increased Recycling or
Composting
Greenhouse Gas
Impact
Estimated Cost
2a) Bundling trash &
recycling service
(recommended option)
15,000 tons
3.5% diversion rate increase
Reduces 47,645
tons CO2
equivalent
Additional
33% to 50% cost /
customer
(for those not already
recycling)
2b) Requiring recycling
service
(alternative option)
2,281 tons
0.6% diversion rate increase
Reduces 7,188
tons CO2
equivalent
Additional
5-30% cost / customer
($20-$30/customer)
(for those not already
recycling)
Multi-family & Commercial Options
13
Increased Recycling or
Composting
Greenhouse Gas
Impact
Estimated Cost
3) Require haulers to provide
optional yard trimmings
collection
from all single-family homes
(2016)
413 tons
0.1% diversion rate
increase
minor $13-15 / subscriber
(optional)
4) Collect all-organics from all
single-family homes (bundled)
(2017 or 2018)
23,723 tons
5.4% diversion rate
increase
Reduces 10,080
tons CO2
equivalent
$8 / household
5) Require food scraps
subscription from grocers &
large restaurants
(2017 or 2018)
24,976 tons
6% diversion rate increase
Reduces 24,889
tons CO2
equivalent
Variable
Recommended Organics Programs
Creation of the
Community Recycling Ordinance
• 4 public meetings
• Presentations to 5 City Boards
& Commissions
• Regular meetings with trash
haulers
• Presentations to 14
Stakeholder & Community
Groups
• Advisory board with 20 diverse
members
14
15
single-family Homes Multi-Family Units Businesses
Short term:
Adjust Pay-As-
You-Throw
(2016-2017)
• 80% price difference between
sizes of trash carts*
• All haulers offer option of weekly
yard trimmings collection (for
separate charge)
Bundle recycling in
with trash service
Bundle recycling in with
trash service
Medium term:
Collect organics
(2017 – 2018)
Phase in collection of organics
(bundled with trash service)
Require collection of food
scraps from grocers,
large restaurants
Recommended Options for Community Recycling Ordinance
16
Alternative Options for Community Recycling Ordinance
single-family Homes Multi-Family Units Businesses
Short term:
Adjust Pay-As-
You-Throw
(2016-2017)
50% price difference between
sizes of trash carts*
Require recycling service
• Separate fee on bill
• Hauler / customer
determine amount of
recycling
Require recycling service
• Separate fee on bill
• Hauler / customer
determine amount of
recycling
Longer term:
Ban materials from
landfill disposal
(2019 – 2020)
• Landfill ban on all curbside
recyclables
• Landfill ban on all organics
• Every other week trash
collection
Landfill ban on all curbside
recyclables
• Landfill ban on all
curbside recyclables
• Landfill ban on all
organics
Current Recycling Programs in Fort Collins
Education Incentive Mandate
single-family
residential
General recycling education Pay-As-You-Throw ordinance Landfill ban on cardboard and electronics
Businesses
General recycling education
Free waste audit,
educational materials (WRAP)
In-person outreach campaign
(WRAP)
Rebate for starting recycling
(up to $500) (WRAP)
Landfill ban on cardboard and electronics
Apartments
and condos
General recycling education
Free waste audit,
educational materials (WRAP)
Rebate for starting recycling
(up to $500) (WRAP)
Landfill ban on cardboard and electronics
• Facebook, Twitter,
Nextdoor posts
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ATTACHMENT 6
established)
(~2019 – 2020)
Landfill ban on all curbside recyclables
Landfill ban on all organics (food scraps,
food soiled paper and yard trimmings)
Every other week trash collection
Landfill ban on all curbside
recyclables
Landfill ban on all curbside
recyclables
Landfill ban on all organics
ATTACHMENT 3
3.5% diversion
rate increase
Reduces
55,000 tons
CO2
equivalent
Additional
33% to 50% cost /
customer
(for those not already
recycling)
Would include process to
opt-out if location can’t
recycle.
2b: Multi-family /
commercial requiring
recycling service
(alternative option)
2,300 tons
0.6% diversion
rate increase
Reduces
8,300 tons
CO2
equivalent
Additional
5-30% cost / customer
($20-$30/customer)
(for those not already
recycling)
Minimal recycling level
subscription has occurred
elsewhere; could result in
nominal impact. Would
include process to opt-out if
location can’t recycle.
3: Require haulers to
provide optional yard
trimmings collection
from all single-family
homes
400 tons
0.1% diversion
rate increase
minor $13-15 / subscriber
(optional)
First step to providing all
organics service. Allows
customers who are ready to
start composting yard
trimmings to participate
sooner.
4: Collect all-organics
from all single-family
homes (bundled)
23,700 tons
5.4% diversion
rate increase
Reduces
14,800 tons
CO2
equivalent
$8 / household Includes yard trimmings,
food scraps, paper towels
etc. would be year-round.
Bundled with trash service.
5: Require food scraps
subscription from
grocers & large
restaurants
25,000 tons
6% diversion
rate increase
Reduces
29,900 tons
CO2
equivalent
Variable Costs for service will
decrease with more
customer density for
haulers.
ATTACHMENT 1