“Our feasibility study showed that we can build and operate a successful regional compost facility if and when the right space becomes available,” said Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann. “We remain committed to the climate friendly efforts that our community expects and look forward to exploring other opportunities to demonstrate Boulder County’s leadership in waste diversion.” 

The Feasibility Study 

During an August 18 work session, Boulder County Commissioners noted the conclusion of a three-year effort to study and site a future county composting facility. While the compost facility feasibility work yielded substantial findings, the commissioners decided to pause compost facility siting efforts for the following reasons:  

• The need to divert resources and staff time to other strategic priorities including other climate and waste management opportunities;  

• A new facility would not be immediately able to improve on what current facilities are already processing (i.e., a new facility would not accept compostable service ware, coffee filters, paper towels, napkins, tissues, etc.); and,  

• Limited options for the purchase of a property that meets the extensive facility site criteria (including size, zoning, access, slope, environmental justice and surrounding area and environmental considerations). 

The compost facility feasibility study and complementary residential survey resulted in several important findings that will be used to help inform other organics management strategies, including:  

• Increased Diversion – A compost facility could increase landfill diversion, diverting an additional 20,000 tons from the roughly 80,000 tons of organics from the county that are landfilled annually.  

• Financially Feasible – A compost facility would be economically feasible. The study recommended a county-owned facility with private operation and equipment investment, which could potentially yield future annual net revenue of $2.8 million.  

• Siting Challenges – Siting remains a challenge for developing a facility. A 26-acre site is needed to process what is currently being diverted plus additional tons. All suitable properties are currently privately owned.  

• Community Support – The community supports organics diversion and composting infrastructure. Over 85% of county residents surveyed agreed that Boulder County should increase access to organics diversion options and should invest taxpayer dollars to support composting infrastructure. 

Staff was directed to place greater focus on other waste diversion pursuits that will help the county reach its Zero Waste and Circular Economy goals and supporting the community’s needs for organics reduction and diversion options. Exploratory programs, policies, and infrastructure will include:  

• Adding new food scrap and yard trimmings drop-off centers; 

• Increasing finished compost use through market development with local governments, institutions, and support of agricultural producers; 

• Creating grant programs to increase local organics processing and finished compost applications; and, 

• Developing educational campaigns to help residents and businesses reduce food waste.