Englewood City Council is taking significant steps towards enhancing its sustainability efforts, particularly in managing organic waste. During the recent study session on July 28, 2025, council members discussed the potential implementation of a food scraps collection program aimed at diverting organic waste from landfills.

The conversation highlighted various methods for collecting food scraps, including curbside collections and drop-off options. Council members emphasized the importance of determining the best implementation pathway in collaboration with city staff before any final decisions are made. The overarching goal is clear: to reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills.

A key point raised was the potential need for a facility capable of processing the defined level of food scraps if the program is adopted. The discussion also touched on the variability of what different composting facilities accept, with some sites no longer accepting compostable plastics, while others, like Republic's organic site, do.

Additionally, the council explored the importance of access to end markets for organic materials. The success of the proposed program will depend on whether regional markets can accommodate increased participation from multiple cities. The Sustainability Commission's recommendation to explore a construction and demolition (C&D) ordinance was also noted, with plans for a feasibility study to assess its impact.

As Englewood moves forward with these initiatives, the city is poised to enhance its sustainability practices and contribute to a greener future. The council's commitment to exploring these options reflects a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and community engagement.