HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 03/18/2025 - Memorandum from Jacob Castillo and Emily Wenger re Q1 2025 Update on Proposed Changes to Contracted Residential Waste Collection ProgramEnvironmental Services Department
222 Laporte avenue
PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO,80522
970-221-6600
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MEMORANDUM
Date: March 7, 2025
To: Mayor and Councilmembers
Thru: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
From: Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer
Emily Wenger, Contracting Program Manager, Environmental Services
Subject: Q1 2025 Update on Proposed Changes to Contracted Residential Waste Collection
Program
BOTTOM LINE
Staff are recommending minor Code updates to modify the Contracted Residential Waste
Collection Program (Sec 12.28-30) and include additional variance and exclusion options that
were not originally anticipated. These include:
• A remote dumpster variance allowing residents to self-haul trash to a dumpster at a
business they own and operate within city limits,
• A habitability variance to exempt houses that are uninhabitable for more than 30 days
from being required to pay the opt-out fee, and
• An option for the City Manager to exclude properties from the program where it is not
possible to safely serve the residents.
Proposed code updates are scheduled on Consent for the April 1 Council meeting.
BACKGROUND
The Residential Trash Collection Program began on September 30, 2024. Staff have learned
many lessons in the months leading up to program launch and the through the first four and a
half months of operation. These lessons come from feedback provided by residents and
conversations with partners regarding areas the original program did not fully consider.
Specifically, staff identified additional reasons to enable residents to opt-out of the program
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without paying the opt-out fee through the variance process or through exclusion from the
program. The code updates to address these include:
Remote Dumpster Variance
• What: This will allow community members who own a business within Fort Collins City
limits, pay for commercial dumpster service, and haul their personal trash to that
dumpster to receive a variance from the program.
• Why: This variance was developed in response to resident feedback that the opt-out fee
creates hardship for small business owners who have previously taken residential trash
to a dumpster at their small business.
• Impact to program participation: The variance only applies to business owners who
are responsible for paying for dumpster service at their business and where the business
(and dumpster) is in City limits. It is estimated that this variance would impact less than
100 residential units.
• Impact to program operations and goals: Residents who receive this variance would
have access to single-stream recycling because of the Community Recycling Ordinance
but would not have access to curbside yard trimmings service.
Habitability Variance
• What: This gives property owners the ability to request a temporary variance for
properties that are vacant due to habitability restrictions for a minimum of 30 days.
• Why: The current code treats vacant residential units the same regardless of habitability,
both are subject to the opt-out fee. Based on feedback from residents, staff no longer
views this as an appropriate approach. Uninhabitable vacant units cannot be used for
their intended purpose – habitation. This can occur for reasons outside the property
owner’s control and charging the opt-out fee in these circumstances constitutes a
hardship. While habitable vacant units largely occur due to market conditions (e.g.,
tenant turn-over or lack of demand). These conditions constitute part of the risk
associated with property ownership; and therefore, should continue to pay the opt-out
fee.
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• Impact to program participation: Staff have confirmed one current case where this
variance would apply. Impact will be limited by the temporary nature of this proposed
variance.
• Impact to program operations and goals: This variance will create clarity in
operations and offer flexibility within the program to meet the unique needs of residents
in this situation.
Safety Exclusion Rule
• What: This will create an avenue in code granting the City Manager the authority to
exclude properties from the program where it is not possible for the Contractor to safely
provide curbside or alley service as is required per City code and the Contract.
• Why: The City’s contracted hauler has identified a neighborhood it is unable to provide
curbside service to due to an unsafe bridge that is privately owned and maintained.
• Impact to program participation: There are eight known residences this change would
impact. Additional impacts to program participation are expected to be minimal.
• Impact to program operations and goals: This will positively impact program
operations by creating a pathway for staff to address other unique situations where
safety is a concern.
NEXT STEPS
These code updates will appear On Consent for the April 1st Council meeting. Staff consider
these code updates “quick wins” to address immediate needs that do not have a major impact
on program operations.
Staff have also heard concerns about the program’s impact on small muti-family properties and
are considering updates to improve service for these residents. Those updates may have
broader implications and will require more research before bringing a proposal to
councilmembers. Staff are planning to return to Council with suggested code changes to
address this issue and others in Q4 2025.
CC: Josh Birks, Deputy Director Sustainability Services
Megan DeMasters, Manager, Environmental Services
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