As the new year rolls in, Boulder County is set to increase its commitment to sustainability, with changes that will facilitate compost collection for more of its residents. According to Boulder County, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, curbside collection of food scraps and yard trimmings is expanding to cover additional areas north of Nelson Road and east of the Foothills. This move aims to bolster the county's zero waste goals by improving access to compost services via contracted trash haulers.
Adhering to the revisited Waste Hauler Ordinance Regions map, trash haulers must now accommodate single-family homes with at least 32 gallons of composting service on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. The update, which merges the previous Region 3 with Region 5 and introduces clear-cut zones labeled 1, 2, 4, and 5, reflects the continuously evolving landscape of waste management needs in the region. The map adjustments have been crafted to aid in diverting more waste from landfills, directly addressing the growth and changing conditions since the original map was drawn in 2007.
With this improved access, approximately 2,525 more residents will be encouraged to participate in composting practices, thereby increasing equity in landfill diversion opportunities. According to Boulder County, these enhancements to the service are designed to have a lasting positive impact on soil health and plant growth by turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Boulder County expects all contracted haulers to fully implement the compost collection services in the new service region by July 1, 2025. The County itself does not manage hauling services, residents with questions regarding their hauling schedules, new bin requests, or changes in service fees should reach out directly to their respective haulers. Those residing in the city, in businesses, or multi-family housing units are exempt from these changes, ensuring the updates are tailored to the unique dynamics of rural and suburban ecosystems.
