3 minute read
Waste not (Or want not?)
Broomfield Debuts Residential Waste Services Program
By Bette Erickson
If you’re frustrated with multiple large trashhauling trucks lumbering up and down your street on any given day, you’re in luck. A single-hauler contract provider has been approved by the Broomfield City Council.
On the other hand, those wishing to retain their own provider will be charged an monthly $10.50 opt-out fee.
Broomfield City Councilmembers recently enacted an ordinance that will allow Waste Connections of Colorado to be contracted to provide residential waste and recycling services.
This new Residential Waste Services program is for residents of single-family homes and small multi-family complexes (think, townhomes) with seven or fewer units who do not live in an HOA.
“The downside of this is eliminating opportunities and competition in the market,” explained former Broomfield Councilmember Kevin Jacobs. “The benefits include reduced wear on city-maintained streets, less pollution, and lower consumer costs by taking competitive bids to serve parts of the city not covered through an HOA.”
Councilmember James Marsh-Holschen agrees. “Broomfield has abysmal waste diversion rates. So, including recycling at no extra cost while also incentivizing residents to pay less if they recycle more, is an important first step in increasing our diversion rates. More trash diversion means less greenhouse gases being emitted from landfills, which in turn benefits the air quality in the entire Front Range.”
Still, not all residents required to participate are happy about the upcoming Residential Waste Services program. It’s estimated that some 15,000 residential units will be included in this service, Mr. Marsh-Holschen explained.
Some Broomfield residents living on the north and south sides of Midway Blvd. expressed concern regarding whether or not the new trash hauler will continue to service their waste and recycling bins via the alleys behind their houses. At this time homeowners are still waiting for clarification from Broomfield staff and Waste Connections of Colorado.
But Mr. Marsh-Holschen offers, “The enhanced attention that will come from the City and County of Broomfield’s enforcement of customer service standards will improve quality for all residents.”
Community members may choose to opt out by completing a form on Waste Connections website via www.Broomfield.org/ ResidentialWasteServices. The fee to opt out is $10.50/month and will be billed monthly by the City and County of Broomfield with your utility bill.
Revenues generated by this monthly service fee will be used to support waste diversion programs such as the Broomfield Recycling Center and the Tree Branch Recycling program.
Questions regarding collection services can be directed to Waste Connections at (303) 288-2100 or via email at customerservice5311@ wasteconnections.com.
For more information, plan on attending a Residential Waste Services Open House from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, Dec. 14 in the lobby of the George DiCiero City and County Building, 1 DesCombes Drive.
For more detailed information, visit www.broomfield.org/ ResidentialWasteServices.
Bette Erickson writes about people, places, and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.
