Zero Waste & Sustainability

Why is waste management important to sustainability in Broomfield?

For most people, “throwing away” a piece of trash seems like the end of the story, but a complex system of collection, distribution, reuse, and eventual disposal is only the beginning for a discarded item.

Each year, Broomfield produces more than 75,000 metric tons (MT) of solid waste and only 23% is diverted from landfills. This represents a significant environmental, public health and economic opportunity.

Landfill waste produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and impact our local air quality. Improperly disposed hazardous materials can threaten our water quality while representing an economic loss of valuable materials.

Today, we have opportunities for large-scale improvements in composting, commercial recycling, and changes in our construction and demolition waste management systems. By reducing the amount of waste we generate and maximizing the amount of materials diverted from landfills, we can conserve resources, create economic opportunities and improve the health of our community.

Where are we Right Now?

Broomfield has a long way to go to catch up with our neighboring communities along the Front Range. Fortunately this means there is ample opportunity to improve our diversion rate in the near term.

Zero Waste Project Update: Spring 2021. Broomfield is making progress! Quality data is the foundation of any performance-based project. Broomfield's original waste diversion estimate (based on limited sample data) was 12%. Zero Waste Associates, Broomfield's planning consultant, used primary data from the ReTRAC reporting system to perform an analysis that revealed Broomfield's waste diversion rate is actually 23%, on par with Denver's rate! While no programs or policies have yet been proposed for implementation, this first and critical step puts Broomfield on a path to achieve the adopted waste diversion goals. This spring and summer, Zero Waste Associates will be conducting further analysis as well as outreach and engagement within the community to develop policy recommendations to further advance the overall diversion rate and achieve zero waste by 2035!

How to Stay Involved

Use this page to stay involved. Through various educational and engagement opportunities you'll be able to effect real change!

Stay educated on this subject and learn why this is a major priority for the City and County of Broomfield. Also, stay informed by subscribing to the Broomfield Sustainability Newsletter, along with any other Broomfield newsletters.	Participate in forums, workshops and focus groups, in order to engage with community leaders and let your voice be heard.	Once CCOB policies are crafted, based on community feedback, resident participation will be key to moving the needle to effect change and meet Broomfield's ambitious sustainability goals. You are the key to effecting sustainable change in Broomfield.