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One-year review: Broomfield's residential waste program reaches 87% enrollment; staff proposes targeted ordinance refinements
Summary
A one-year update shows 8,307 households (87% of eligible) enrolled in the city's residential waste program and a 14.11% recycling rate by tonnage. Staff proposed five ordinance changes to waive opt-out fees for agricultural and large-lot properties, exempt multi-unit buildings with 3+ units from opt-out fees, require HOA registration updates and clarify opt-out fee responsibility.
Public works director Barney Gordon and the sustainability team presented a one-year report on Broomfield's residential waste program, which launched in March 2025. The program covers single-family and small multifamily properties (seven units or fewer) and aims to reduce landfill waste, encourage recycling, provide predictable rates and protect public health.
Key performance numbers: 8,307 households are enrolled in the program representing about 87 percent of eligible properties; the most common cart size chosen is the 65-gallon unit (4,690 households). Waste Connections' tonnage reports put the program's recycling-diversion rate at 14.11 percent (tonnage of recycling dropped off to EcoCycle divided by total tonnage collected by the hauler). Staff said that figure is slightly below state and Front Range averages (about 15.7% and 17.1% respectively).
Opt-outs and arrears: 941 households have opted out under the ordinance's opt-out provisions and staff is actively managing about 424 accounts with outstanding balances. Staff said an audit with the hauler corrected 425 incorrect transactions across 281 accounts and resulted in $6,500 in credits to affected customers.
Ordinance changes proposed for first reading in April would: 1) waive opt-out fees for agricultural properties (about 25 properties identified); 2) waive opt-out fees for large-lot homes (5+ acres; 22 properties identified); 3) exclude multi-unit buildings of three or more units from the opt-out charge and instead treat them differently because of space and operational constraints; 4) require HOAs to maintain registration information (DORA) so staff can confirm the status and contract of HOAs; and 5) clarify that the property owner, not the tenant, is ultimately responsible for opt-out fees and that the fee applies per unit.
Council members generally supported the refinements and asked for: data on program comparisons with neighboring municipalities, plans to increase diversion and education outreach, a path to address delinquent opt-out fees and additional clarity on HOA enforcement mechanics. Staff said they would provide comparatives, continue outreach, examine how to reduce opt-outs and that the proposed changes would not breach the city's contract with Waste Connections.
What's next: staff will refine ordinance language and return for first reading on April 28; operational follow-ups include improved intake forms, continued data validation with the hauler and targeted outreach to arrears and opt-out households.
