Larimer County Solid Waste Plan Aims for Waste Diversion

Over the last 20 years, the population of Larimer County, Colorado, has grown more than 50%, accelerating waste disposal. Its existing landfill is reaching capacity and will close in the near future. 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: 

• New, modern “last landfill ever”
• Central diversion/transfer station
• Construction and demolition processing facility
• Yard composting facility
• 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, an engaging communications strategy empowered and involved stakeholders throughout the planning process. This approach during plan development offered a holistic, inclusive nature while swiftly addressing potential risks and benefits. Proactive outreach was essential to inform the public on plan components, associated benefits and upcoming changes. The strategy resulted in a comprehensive plan that reflects a partnership and commitment to keeping 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

Implementing the Plan for Solid Waste Diversion

With the solid waste plan in place, Larimer County began construction on the new landfill, diversion/transfer station facility and associated scale houses. When the existing landfill closes, it will find new purpose as a resource recovery park — a one-stop shop for construction and yard waste, food scraps and 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 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.