Longmont will require universal recycling and composting for businesses and multifamily units within the next few years.
On Tuesday, city council voted unanimously — with Councilmembers Sean McCoy and Tim Waters absent — to implement universal recycling into Longmont. Longmont has a goal of reaching 75% waste diversion by 2030 and 95% by 2050, with the ordinance passed Tuesday a step toward meeting that goal.
The proposed implementation includes recycling requirements for commercial properties over 10,000 square feet and multifamily properties with 75 or more units beginning Jan. 1, 2024. All commercial and multifamily properties will be required to recycle by June 1, 2024.
Organics collection will start to be required for food wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors and grocery stores on Jan. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025 for all other food related businesses. Composting won’t be required for commercial entities disposing of yard waste — primarily landscapers — until Jan. 1, 2029, mostly to allow technology to catch up.
The implementation of the Universal Recycling Ordinance will include resources to assist businesses in complying with the requirements, including the hiring of a sustainability coordinator focused on Zero Waste implementation. The program would also offer one-time grant funding, financial assistance for a specific period and exemptions based on various barriers.
The implementation is expected to cost the city $150,000 per year from 2023 to 2026 and will be funded through Longmont’s sanitation fund.
