SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): IFor Longmont to achieve the goals outlined in its already approved zero waste resolution, city officials know they must implement supporting policies.
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Longmont City Council did exactly that by voting 5-0 in favor of a universal recycling ordinance that will go into effect in 2024.
Beginning Jan. 1, commercial properties with over 10,000 square feet and multifamily developments with 75 or more units must recycle, according to the ordinance.
Then, by June 1 of next year, all commercial and multifamily properties in the city will be required to recycle.
Longmont sustainability manager Lisa Knoblauch said in an email Tuesday the city would work with business owners and residents in multifamily developments to ensure that they understand the forthcoming recycling requirements.
“We will focus on supporting compliance through providing signage and other educational materials, financial assistance and exemptions for entities with certain qualifying conditions rather than resorting immediately to enforcement through penalties,” Knoblauch said.
More than 100,000 tons of waste is generated annually throughout Longmont with roughly 64% going to the landfill for disposal, according to city data.
While more than 42% of residential waste is diverted from the landfill, only 36% of commercial waste and 6% of construction and demolition waste are also diverted, the data showed.
There are no requirements for single-family households to recycle. However, single-family households are already served by the city’s sanitation service, which provides curbside recycling.
The city’s current zero waste resolution has a target of 75% trash diversion from the landfill by 2030 and 95% by 2050.
“By passing this universal recycling ordinance to expand recycling and composting to businesses and multifamily housing units, our city will take a significant step towards achieving the goals set forth in last year’s updated zero waste resolution,” Longmont resident Naomi Curland said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Councilmembers Tim Waters and Sean McCoy were not in attendance Tuesday.
Courtesy: www.dailycamera.com