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Longmont adopts changes to solid-waste code, adds small monthly waste-management charge for some commercial accounts
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 2025-62 amending Chapter 14.12 (solid waste collection and rates). The ordinance, effective Jan. 1, adds a $2.96 monthly service charge for certain nonresidential commercial accounts that previously had not been charged; council debate focused on equity for small businesses and composting incentives.
Longmont City Council on Oct. 14 adopted Ordinance 2025-62, amending Chapter 14.12 of the Longmont Municipal Code to update solid-waste collection and rates. The ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, and includes a $2.96 monthly waste-management service charge for certain commercial accounts that previously did not pay that fee.
Council discussion centered on how the new charge will be communicated and whether it is equitable for small commercial operators. Lance Smith, director of Business Enablement, told council the charge takes effect Jan. 1 and indicated staff would notify impacted commercial customers, for example by including notice in billing or by direct letter. Mayor and council members raised concerns that small businesses might see even $2.96 per month as a significant burden and suggested offering services on a voluntary basis in year one or creating lower-cost options. Smith said the ordinance reflects the direction provided earlier to staff and that staff could revisit the approach if council requested further study.
Councilor Rodriguez moved an amendment to remove the commercial charge and instead offer voluntary recycling and possible shredding services for commercial entities at a competitive rate; the motion failed for lack of a second. Councilor Rodriguez later moved the ordinance; the motion was seconded and the council approved the ordinance by a vote recorded in the transcript as 5 yes and 2 no (Councilors Popkin and Christ opposed). The ordinance includes provisions the city said cover services such as trash removal in parks and downtown, city facility service, access to the waste diversion center and related operational functions that the city funds through waste-management revenue.
Several council members raised that their broader policy goals — including encouraging composting and waste diversion — are not addressed by a rate structure that could disproportionately raise composting costs. Council members asked staff to review the rate structure and consider ways to align financial incentives with waste-diversion goals in future updates.
The ordinance was approved on second reading; staff will implement the billing changes beginning Jan. 1 and will carry out customer outreach ahead of the effective date.
