Residents, council members urge inclusion of citywide composting in 2026 budget

Resident Harry Later told the Finance Committee on Oct. 27 that Lakewood’s Climate Action Plan recommends municipal composting and urged the city to include a free, citywide composting service in the 2026 budget. "In 2023, council adopted the Climate Action Plan with a goal of 95% organic waste diversion by 2030. Strategy number 37 specifically recommends partnering with Rust Belt Riders for municipal composting," Later said, adding that "at least 56 Lakewood residents" had signed a petition in support.

Councilwoman Hamilton Steiner said the concept built on existing efforts — Madison Park and school programs — and called municipal composting a "low-hanging fruit" that would allow residents in apartments or with mobility limits to access a high-quality compost service. Planning and finance staff said the city already has at least two drop-off locations and that county grants and reallocation of sustainability budget resources could help fund an expansion. Director Mahoney and council members asked staff to produce cost estimates for comparable programs (for example in neighboring communities that offer free, citywide composting) and to present options for funding or a pilot program.

Council members signaled support for further analysis. Chair Bullock and other council members asked staff to return with budget numbers, likely contract structures (per subscription or by tonnage) and options for phased implementation or pilot funding as part of the 2026 budget discussion.