Waste Connections reports pickup improvements, opt-out decreases and yard-waste options

Waste Connections representatives briefed the council on operational metrics for the franchise service and on recent billing adjustments, saying missed pickups and complaints have declined while new yard-waste and limb-recycling options have been added.

Jacqueline Satterwhite, municipal account manager for Waste Connections, reported that as of May 19 the contractor recorded six missed pickups between May 8 and May 19, 48 courtesy stops (new starts and go-backs) and 8,427 active residents on service. Justin Mundt, deputy director of public works, said 9,493 homes are eligible to participate in the program and that 1,066 residents had opted out as of May 19 — a reduction of about 64 opt-outs from the prior report.

Waste Connections staff said an auto late-fee issue affecting bills issued around March 17 resulted in the company crediting or refunding about 2,011 accounts; the company waived a 30-day automatic late fee and issued credit in late April. Staff also urged residents that while bagging yard waste is not required it is a recommended best practice to make collection easier, and they encouraged mulching long grass clippings to improve soil health and reduce water use.

Broomfield Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Senior Services have coordinated to accept yard waste at the existing tree limb and branch recycling center on the same schedule as branch drops, staff said. A resident, Mr. Carruthers, praised crews for correcting an issue at his home so lids remained closed during pickup. Council members thanked the contractor for addressing the billing-credit issue and for the operational fixes.

No formal council action was taken; staff said the contractor will be available for follow-up questions in the meeting hallway and will continue to provide status reports.