Study Update and Next Steps

During the May 14 Council work session, the Greeley Public Works Department presented the Waste Diversion and Characterization study findings and resident feedback to discuss recycling options in Greeley.

Waste Characterization Study Findings

The Waste Characterization study examined the types of waste and how much waste residents sent to landfills. The study was performed by manually sorting through nearly 2,220 pounds of trash and classifying it as plastic, paper, glass, organics, and household hazardous waste. Highlights of this study found:

64% of this waste could have been recycled.

  • 19% of waste was in curbside recycling.
  • 38% of waste was determined to be compostable. Organics such as food waste and leaves/branches.
  • 7% of waste was considered "other material," such as concrete or bricks.

While the waste characterization study was performed, a waste diversion survey was open for residents to fill out. View the full report.

Resident Survey on Waste Diversion

  • Thank you to the 1,373 residents who took the survey!
  • 4% of respondents reported satisfaction with the current approach to waste diversion in Greeley.
  • Respondents want improvements in haulers' volume-based trash service, bundled recycling and trash for one price, and a local recycling drop-off facility.
  • Respondents are on the fence regarding curbside trash being required and paid for by the resident.

Waste Diversion Study

Now that we know the types of waste residents throw out, the waste diversion study provided a list of options for City Council to consider around recycling in Greeley. The key takeaways from this study are:

  • Nearly 4,500 homes do not have trash service, costing the city approximately $22,000 to clean up alleys and roadways in 2023.
  • 25% of residents with trash service also pay for curbside recycling, but only 8% of waste is recycled in Greeley.
  • Residents took nearly 5,200 tons of trash to the landfill that could have been recycled through curbside service.

With all this data in mind and resident feedback, here are the options for consideration and discussion presented to City Council:

1. Consolidated Recycling Center

  • Strongest support
  • Minimal impact on waste diversion but convenient one-stop location for resident recycling.

2. Pay as you Throw (PAY)

  • Strong community support
  • Payment equity
  • Positive impact on waste diversion

3. Contracted Hauler and Pay as you Throw (PAYT)

  • Strong community support
  • This option would require full-time employees to manage.
  • This option would lower trash service costs for those who already pay.
  • This option has a positive impact on waste diversion.
  • This option allows for less trash truck traffic on Greeley streets.

4. Required Trash and Recycling

  • This option has the potential for a full-time employee.
  • Community support for this option is on the fence.
  • This option has the most significant impact on citywide diversion rates and Greeley's cleanliness.
  • This option would require a process to manage residents who share trash.

After reviewing these findings and resident feedback, City Council provided the next steps for the Greeley Public Works Department:

  • Bring forth necessary code changes to require trash and recycling haulers to report the amount of trash and recycling they haul from the City of Greeley.
  • Meet with Trash Providers to update them on the project and study.
  • Develop refined options for City Council to consider for a future meeting.

The full report and study findings are in this page's Documents section.

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