Longmont City Council will be workshopping a Universal Recycling Ordinance at Tuesday’s study session.
The workshop comes after the council passed an updated Zero Waste Resolution in September setting new targets and highlighting community needs and priorities on reducing waste. It sets a target of 75% of trash diverted from landfill by 2030 and 95% by 2050.
According to the memo to council, Longmont staff worked with a consultant during the drafting of the Zero Waste Resolution to identify those with the highest waste diversion impact. Top actions focused on recycling and diversion of food waste from the commercial sector, followed by increased composting in the residential sector and recycling or reuse of construction and demolition materials.
The memo said staff researched examples from other communities and engaged locals to understand the needs and priorities of those impacted by any requirements from a Universal Recycling Ordinance. Staff has proposed a phasing timeline to accommodate for education and awareness and a process for exemptions along with a look at the burden for impacted parties and staff capacity.
The council will discuss this proposal on Tuesday and give staff direction on how to further tackle the Universal Recycling Ordinance. No official decisions will be made.
