Longmont weighs trash-rate changes to subsidize curbside composting
Longmont’s three proposed subsidy levels would set the 2027 monthly fee for a 48-gallon compost cart at $3.30 to $6.60, with staff saying the options aim to preserve expected Sanitation Fund revenue.
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Longmont is considering three sanitation-rate options for 2027 and 2028 that would set monthly fees for a 48-gallon compost cart at $3.30 to $6.60 in 2027, using higher trash-cart charges to subsidize composting. The city is seeking more participation as it works toward diverting 75% of its waste from landfills by 2030.
The options would subsidize composting by 20%, 40% or 60%. City estimates project compost participation would increase by 5%, 10% or 15%, respectively, the Longmont Sustainability Advisory Board packet says.
What the options would cost
In the packet for the Oct. 27, 2026, City Council study session, staff lists these proposed monthly fees for a 48-gallon compost cart in 2027:
| Compost subsidy | 48-gallon compost cart |
|---|---|
| 20% | $6.60 |
| 40% | $4.95 |
| 60% | $3.30 |
Staff says the scenarios are designed to collect the same revenue expected under the currently adopted 2027–28 rate schedule, based on the assumed participation increases above. Staff also said the proposals are not expected to have a negative fiscal impact on the Sanitation Fund.
The proposed monthly charges for 2028 are:
| Compost subsidy | Compost cart, 48/96 gallons | Trash cart, 24/48/96 gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | $7.93 / $11.90 | $7.84 / $16.75 / $35.78 |
| 40% | $5.95 / $8.92 | $7.45 / $16.86 / $37.79 |
| 60% | $3.97 / $5.95 | $7.09 / $17.84 / $39.58 |
For a household with a 48-gallon trash cart and a 48-gallon compost cart, the combined monthly charge would be $24.68 under the 20% option, $22.81 under the 40% option and $21.81 under the 60% option. Those totals are arithmetic sums of the proposed cart charges, not a city-defined typical household.
The 2027 proposals would also widen the price difference between smaller and larger trash carts. Under the 60% option, monthly trash-cart charges would be $6.58 for 24 gallons, $16.45 for 48 gallons and $36.19 for 96 gallons.
Council direction and next steps
At the Oct. 27 study session, Council is scheduled to discuss whether to direct staff to prepare an ordinance reflecting a selected subsidy scenario or to continue with the previously adopted 2027–28 schedule. The packet does not report a Council decision or identify a selected scenario. Depending on Council’s direction, staff anticipates returning in November for the first reading of an ordinance adopting a subsidy level; the packet does not say that an ordinance has been introduced.
Diversion goal and equity review
Longmont reported a citywide landfill-diversion rate of 39%. The city’s Zero Waste Resolution sets targets of 75% diversion by 2030 and 95% by 2050.
The proposals are intended to encourage composting and use of smaller trash carts. An initial city equity analysis found no correlation between neighborhood median household income and use of large trash carts or composting. The city planned additional analysis of race, household size and single-family lot size.