Forward-Thinking Solid Waste Plan Aims for Waste Diversion

Over the last 20 years, the population of Larimer County, Colorado, has increased by more than 50%, accelerating demand for waste disposal. With its existing landfill nearing capacity, Larimer County brought HDR on board to identify a forward-thinking solid waste plan and carry out permitting, design and construction of a new landfill and diversion/transfer station facility.  

At the start, we evaluated dozens of disposal options and narrowed it down to 11, with 88 representatives from regional governments/agencies, boards and commissions, educational institutions, solid waste experts, business/industry and various associations. The County Board of Commissioners approved five of the recommended options aimed at diverting 40% of trash from the landfill while creating a plan for public education, outreach and solid waste reduction: 

1. New, modern “last landfill ever”
2. Central diversion/transfer station
3. Construction and demolition processing facility
4. Yard composting facility
5. Food waste composting facility

Solid Waste Plan Based on SROI and Community Engagement

For the first time on a U.S.-based solid waste infrastructure project, we used a unique sustainable return-on-investment tool. The tool looked at the social, economic, environmental and health impacts of each option, which resulted in a cost-to-benefit ratio ranging from $1.11 to nearly $4 in benefits for every $1 invested.

Guided by goals of collaboration and community benefit, the communications strategy empowered stakeholders by involving them throughout the planning process. Proactive outreach informed the public on plan components, associated benefits and upcoming changes. This approach fostered an inclusive process that quickly addressed potential risks and benefits, resulting in a comprehensive plan that keeps the community at the heart of the project.

The solid waste plan also provided an opportunity to:

• Evaluate and refine existing programs, activities and infrastructure
• Identify policies that will help implement the recommended programs and practices
• Provide roadmap for the county’s solid waste management system
• Support stakeholder goals and objectives

Award-Winning Infrastructure Plan Takes Shape

With the solid waste plan in place, Larimer County provided funding for all phases, including design and construction, and committed to serve as operator for facilities as they’re placed into operation. We led planning and design for the new landfill, diversion/transfer station facility and associated scale houses, and we’re leading the effort through construction. 

When the existing landfill closes, it will be repurposed as a resource recovery park — a one-stop shop for construction and yard waste, food scraps, recycling and the transfer of non-recyclable waste. A landfill gas collection system expansion will protect the existing landfill as it transitions to the resource recovery park, supported by a greenhouse gas reduction grant that we helped the county prepare. 

Larimer County’s award-winning plan is taking shape and setting it apart as a model for solid waste in Colorado and across the United States.