Fort Collins residents living in small, multi-unit buildings are now given the option to opt out of the city's trash hauling program without incurring the usual opt-out fee. This decision, approved by the City Council on May 19, 2026, is a response to the program's initial challenges and the need to better meet resident needs. The program, a contract between the city and Republic Services, was introduced in 2024 to standardize trash, recycling, and yard waste collection for single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-unit buildings with up to seven units. However, the program's implementation revealed a significant issue: residents in small, multi-unit buildings were already sharing services before the contract, and the new policy forced them to either pay for individual services or the opt-out fee, even if their waste production remained unchanged. This created higher disposal costs and contradicted the city's zero-waste goals and pay-as-you-throw policy, which encourages lower waste production and corresponding lower costs. The City Council's decision to allow building owners to apply for a variance on behalf of residents is expected to benefit around 300 buildings, or approximately 1.7% of the program's customers, while reducing city revenues by less than 1%. This change is a practical solution that addresses a real challenge faced by residents, demonstrating the city's commitment to continuous improvement and resident satisfaction.
