As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, this season offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on what we're grateful for—especially this vibrant community that we're lucky to be a part of. It's also a great time to think about how we can continue making progress toward our individual and collective sustainability goals.

In this edition of the newsletter, we'll share updates on our new waste contract (including a new compost service and exciting EV truck collection!), tips for preparing your garden for winter, and some simple ways to reduce waste during the holiday season.

As always, thanks for being a part of making Superior a sustainable, resilient, and vibrant community!

-Town of Superior Sustainability Staff

Starting April 1, residents on the Town’s waste contract will transition to a “Three Cart Program,” where all residents on the Town’s contract will have access to three carts:

1. Garbage
2. Recycling
3. Compost

The cost customers pay will be based on their selected garbage cart size. More good news-- recycling and compost carts of any size are included in the cost.

This new service will roll out for residents of Original Town, Sagamore, The Ridge, Coal Creek Crossing, Downtown Superior, Calmante, Lanterns, Autrey Shores, and Rogers Farm. Additionally, the Town Board passed an ordinance to eliminate the exclusion of HOA-managed areas from the Town’s single-service residential waste service provider area in 2028, at which point HOA neighborhoods currently under a separate contract will be served by the Town as well.

Learn more about the new services on the Town’s webpage and stay tuned for more details and educational opportunities, including tips on how to choose the right cart size for your needs, coming soon.

Superior has some exciting events lined up in the next few weeks, and the Superior Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) will be there, giving away reusable wrapping paper and showing you how to use this cloth alternative to non-recyclable wrapping paper! Stop by one (or both!) of these events for a good time and to learn more about the great work ACES is doing in our community.

On Dec.7, head over to the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Sister City: Fourth Annual Holiday Bazaar. With 50 new and returning vendors, you'll find a wide range of arts, crafts, food, and gifts to get you in the holiday spirit!

Then, just one week later, don't miss the Superior Winter Festival on Dec. 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Held in Downtown Superior, there will be something for everyone, including a hot cocoa bar, a reindeer encounter, and the chance to meet both Santa and the Grinch.

This past summer, we officially launched the Town of Superior's Sustainability Action Plan Dashboard. The new dashboard is designed to provide greater transparency about the Town's progress toward the goals set in the Sustainability Action Plan.

Be sure to check out the "Highlights" section, where we'll share stories about impactful actions happening around our community. Our first story features the goats we've enlisted as land managers for Superior's open space. While you're there, read more about what the Town has accomplished this year!

Did you know that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste is the single most common material Americans send to landfills—over 70 billion pounds every year! Once in the landfill, it breaks down and produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Even more shocking: over one-third of the food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten.

This holiday season, let’s all make a conscious effort to reduce food waste. Only buy what you need, save leftovers in the fridge or freezer, consider donating any unused non-perishable foods to a local food pantry, and compost scraps. Small changes can add up to a big impact!

As the cold weather settles in, gardening might not be top of mind for most of us, but a little prep now can help your plants thrive through winter and bounce back strong next spring.

One key step is applying a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer, which helps your plants stay nourished and supports their root systems as they prepare for the colder months. Before you fertilize, be sure to remove dead foliage and trim back perennials so the nutrients can reach your plants more effectively.

Don’t forget to water! Plant dieback often happens when plants dry out, so give your garden one last deep watering to help it make it through the winter months. Visit the Colorado Public Radio website for additional tips on how to prepare your garden for winter.

Are you enjoying the Sustainability newsletter? Did you know the Town also sends a Historical Commission, Parks, Recreation & Open Space and Superior Sentinel newsletter? You can also subscribe to receive Superior Community Center updates, Town Board information and more. For more information and to view your preferences, visit the Town's email and text messages subscription page.