Englewood sustainability commission endorses South Metro waste diversion plan, approves letter to city council

Englewood Sustainability Commission members voted unanimously to approve a letter supporting the South Metro waste diversion plan after a presentation from consultants on regional recycling and organics strategies.

The plan, presented by Helen Lee, a senior consultant with RS, and Joelle Friedlander, an analyst, covers coordinated diversion strategies for Englewood and three neighboring cities (Centennial, Littleton and Sheridan). Lee told the commission that the consultants’ waste composition work found “almost half of the waste that is disposed of in the landfill is organic waste,” and she said the region currently recycles about 15 percent of its residential waste.

The commissioners heard that the South Metro baseline assessment included a hand-sorted composition study (more than 10,000 pounds of material), resident surveys in English and Spanish, focused outreach to multifamily and disadvantaged communities, interviews with haulers and a two-day regional summit. Lee said the consultants estimate that about 78 percent of the region’s waste could be recovered by recycling, composting or special collections, though some recovery would require establishing new programs such as curbside organics.

The consultants outlined a menu of strategies for regional and city action: establishing recycling drop-off centers (a suggested rule of thumb of one per 50,000 residents), improving access to organics collection and supporting a large-scale organics processing facility in the mid- to long-term, expanding multifamily and commercial recycling and composting, adopting construction-and-demolition recycling ordinances, offering single-family food-scraps curbside service, leveraging Colorado’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) program created by HB 22, and considering organized residential collection (sometimes called a single-hauler or zone-based contract) to reduce truck traffic and stabilize prices.

Lee described HB 22 and the Circular Action Alliance implementation effort as potential funding pathways: “starting in 2026, Colorado will be reimbursing communities and service providers to cover 100 percent of eligible net costs associated with recycling,” she said, noting draft program elements include reimbursement for drop-off and curbside collection costs, capital costs, education and outreach, and reasonable administrative expenses.

Commission and staff discussion focused on sequencing, local authority and political practicality. Mel England, Englewood staff liaison, reminded the commission that each recommended strategy would still need separate staff work and council consideration if it required ordinance changes or contractual action. Commissioners asked about presentation format to council and timing; staff said a study session was scheduled and the consultants anticipated a first reading and adoption schedule if council pursues the plan.

Before adjourning, commissioners considered a draft letter of support to be sent to the Englewood City Council. Lana Garcia moved to approve the letter as shown on the screen; Logan Dunning seconded. The motion carried unanimously (6–0). The record during the roll call of the vote included affirmative responses from Bruce (surname not specified in the transcript), Rick Emelheinz, Logan Dunning, Tracy Sabina and Lana Garcia; the commission recorded the vote as unanimous.

The consultants recommended that Englewood start with single-family strategies in the short to mid term while retaining commercial and multifamily actions in the plan. They also encouraged continued regional coordination to pursue economies of scale and shared funding opportunities, including joint feasibility studies for organized collection or infrastructure development.

The commission’s approved letter expresses support for adoption of the South Metro waste diversion plan and offers the commission’s willingness to assist with implementation if the council adopts the blueprint. The plan’s appendix lists grant and funding opportunities staff could pursue to underwrite feasibility studies and pilot programs.

Votes at a glance Motion: Approve draft letter of support for the South Metro waste diversion plan as shown on screen. Mover: Lana Garcia. Second: Logan Dunning. Outcome: Approved unanimously (6–0).