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Denver is making strides in environmental responsibility with the expansion of its citywide compost service. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) has announced that nearly 18,700 households in eight districts will soon receive information regarding the service. According to Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Bear Valley, College View - South Platte, Fort Logan, Harvey Park, Mar Lee, Marston, Overland, and Ruby Hill are set to join Denver's composting movement.
Residents of these areas are expected to keep an eye out for a letter detailing how to select the right size compost cart for their needs. They have until August 30 to choose to receive the initial round of carts slated for delivery in September. This expansion comes after successful launches in other districts earlier in the year, and DOTI is working to extend the program, focusing on neighborhoods with traditionally lower diversion rates. Each household will be provided with a kitchen pail and a guide on composting practices as an extra nudge toward sustainability.
Previously, DOTI has made strides to educate consumers on proper compost use, including auditing and addressing contamination in the compost carts. Contaminated loads pose a challenge, as they can be rejected by the city's compost processors. In continuing this educational initiative, DOTI hopes to ensure the high quality of composting efforts across the city.
The city's approach to waste has seen a significant shift since it introduced volume-based pricing for trash collection in January 2023. The tactic encourages residents to cut down on waste sent to landfills by charging based on the size of an individual's trash cart. Recycling and composting are included under this pricing model, easing the transition for households. As of now, the composting service is accessible to about 54% of city residents, with expectations to increase coverage to 62% by the end of 2024.
