Environmental Services promotes sustainability in Fort Collins - driving programs, policies and partnerships to support a healthy and resilient community. From waste reduction to air quality, climate action and beyond - thank you for reading and being involved. Stay informed, stay inspired, and let’s make a difference together!  

Happy fall! Did you know that about 40% of what Fort Collins sends to the landfill is organic material—like food scraps and yard trimmings—that could be composted instead? In this edition of the ESD newsletter, learn how scary-easy it is to stay sustainable as the leaves fall and temperatures drop—and keep more waste out of the landfill!

Included in this edition is the latest on:

• Leaf Recycling 101
• Yard Trimmings Collection: Season-End Info
• Discounted Food Composting from Compost Queen
• Chilly Commutes: Getting Around Town this Fall
• Efficiency Rebates
• More Fun-Fall Opportunities

In classic Fall-fashion, this month’s Our Climate Future (OCF) Action is all about leaves and pumpkins! 

Show us how you’re keeping your yard trimmings and food scraps out of the landfill. Do you compost at home? Mulching the leaves in the yard? Or have another creative way to reduce waste!?

Send your stories and pictures to recycling@fcgov.com to enter to win!

Need some inspiration? Check out the articles below for tips on composting and recycling leaves.

This is the final OCF Action for 2025, don’t let it pass you by! All submissions for the second half of 2025 will be collected, and we will reach out to the winner in December with a fun prize!

Fallen leaves can block storm drains and cause flooding, and burning yard waste is prohibited. Put your leaves to work - mulch, compost, or dispose of them properly!

• Mulch leaves directly into your lawn to return nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for fertilizer.
• Compost them in your backyard for use in gardens and flower beds. Learn more at fcgov.com/compost
• Have curbside waste services? Use your green yard trimmings bin through November. Contact your hauler to check for available yard trimmings services. For info specific to the City’s trash program, please read the article below.

For homes that are part of the City’s contracted trash and recycling program, the final yard trimmings collection week of season is November 24–28, 2025 (Mon–Fri). Yard trimmings will resume Monday, March 30th, 2026.

During the off-season please keep carts on your property stored safely (in your garage, back yard, or other secure location).

If you have yard trimmings during the off-season, please visit the A-Z guide for drop-off locations or call Republic Services at (970)416-2012 to schedule an extra pick up. Please note - extra pick ups cost $4/32 gallon bag, and are sent to the landfill.

Scraps happen - compost them! A new 1-year pilot partnership between the City of Fort Collins and Compost Queen makes food scrap collection more affordable, with discounted rates for homes starting at just $5/month.

And for businesses, commercial composting services start at $40/month.

Spots are limited - learn more and sign up today at compostqueenfc.com/fort-collins-pilot-program.

As temperatures drop, it can be tougher to walk and bike around town —but cold weather doesn’t mean you have to drive everywhere. We have you covered! Check out these ways to stay warm and keep moving sustainably:

• Ride Transfort for free. Yup, every bus ride in FoCo is fare-free. Check out the Transfort schedule. 
• Bike, walk, or scooter. FoCo is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with trails connecting campus to pretty much everywhere. Check out the bike map.
• Carpool. Grab a ride with a friend and cut your costs. 

Pro tip: Log these trips with Shift Your Ride to earn rewards while supporting Fort Collins’ Our Climate Future goals. You can also find carpool partners with this platform! 

If you do need to drive… don’t idle. 
Idling = wasted fuel, extra wear on your car, and dirty air (especially harmful for kids’ lungs). Modern engines only need 30 seconds to warm up—even in winter. 

Are you a FC Utilities customer? Take advantage of these great rebate opportunities:

• Air purifiers: Get bonus rebates on select ENERGY STAR® air purifiers
• Smart thermostats: with winter approaching, take advantage of smart heating to save on your utility bills
• Smart power strips: Save with rebates on qualifying smart power strips

Rebates are available until December 31st. 

• Read about natural habitat buffer zones: While you’re working to keep your front yards clean, the City has been working to emphasize our natural spaces. Buffer zones emphasize the connection urban natural spaces have between wildlife and people.
• Learn how businesses can work towards Zero Waste, and save money and improve health at the same time. Join NoCo Biz Connect on Oct. 29th, 5-7PM at Pueblo Viejo, Fort Collins and RSVP here.
• Come to Brighten the Night for free LED lightbulbs and bike lights (as supplies last). Join us on Thursday, October 30th from 4-7pm at the Walk and Wheels Skills Hub (1600 West Drake Rd), and we’ll be there to brighten your night with both energy-efficiency and safety.

Stay up-to-date on our Fort Collins community's efforts in climate action, clean air, recycling and waste reduction. Get practical tips and updates that support a thriving and sustainable City!