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!  

Snowy days are here in Fort Collins! With the holidays right around the corner, this newsletter is full of tips and tricks to reduce waste, fun holiday recycling trivia, and maintaining clean air quality. 

Read on to learn about: 

• Holiday recycling trivia!! 
• Staying cozy indoors while keeping air clean
• What to do with your organic material during the yard trimmings off-season
• Creative ways to reduce waste this holiday season
• City advisory board opportunities
• Winter news and events

We want to to hear the ways you're reducing food waste this holiday season! Submit one way you're reducing food waste at home to recycling@fortcollins.gov by January 15th, and you will be entered to win a backyard compost bin! 

If you can’t find ways to reduce or reuse your holiday materials, you can look to recycle it.

See if you know where you can recycle each holiday item! Some items may have multiple answers. Answer key is at the bottom of the newsletter!

Possible Locations: A. Curbside Recycling, B. Timberline Recycling Center, C. Larimer County Landfill’s Green Waste Program, D. Landfill

Holiday Items:

1. Christmas Tree
2. Cardboard
3. Wrapping & Tissue paper
4. Holiday String Lights
5. Styrofoam / Packing Peanuts

While summer often gets the spotlight for air quality concerns, it’s still super important to be air-aware during winter!  One concern is winter temperature inversions - when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air near the ground. This can trap pollutants and seriously affect the health of your community, especially children, older adults, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

To stay safe and informed about air quality:

• Avoid idling your vehicle: modern engines only need about 30 seconds to warm up (even on cold days), and it’s better to turn off your vehicle if waiting for more than 10 seconds at school pick-up, a train crossing, and elsewhere!
• Monitor Air Quality: Stay on top of local air quality with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s alerts and our City’s local air quality monitors. Reconsider outdoor activities when air quality poses risk.
• Indoor fireplaces: Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once per year. Only use clean, dry, seasoned wood in an EPA approved wood stove or appliance.
• Candles: Even though they smell good, burning candles can emit toxins into the air. To have your home smelling fresh and festive, consider using a simmer pot method (citrus and cinnamon are great scents to try!)

For customers of the City trash and recycling program, yard trimmings season has ended for the year, and curbside collection will resume on March 30th.

This year, the amount of yard trimmings composted increased by 2,293 tons (over 5 million pounds!) when comparing early 2024 tonnage to early 2025 tonnage, preventing an estimated 115–230 tons of methane gas. 

Wondering where to take your organic material during the off-season (December-March)? You can:

• Mulching or compost in your own yard (learn more here)
• Take materials to drop-off facilities to be composted
• City program customers may schedule collection of a 35-gallon bag of yard trimmings for $4 per bag by calling Republic Services at (970)416-2012.
  •  These materials will be taken to the landfill- this option is best for small quantities.

Did you know that the average person creates 36 more pounds of trash in December? The good news: small actions make a big difference. Below are some fun ideas for reducing/reusing:

• Wrapping paper alternative: Paper bags from grocery stores can be re-used as unique, sustainable wrapping paper for gifts! To add a personal touch, you can draw fun designs on the paper!
• Decorations: Arts and crafts decorations using materials from around the house like paper and cardboard add a creative twist to the holiday season!
• Hosting a party?: Try hosting a low-waste event by avoiding single-use items like disposable plates, cups and cutlery.

Are you passionate about natural resources and/or air quality? Are you interested in getting more involved in public service?

Two environmental-related boards that advise Council are looking for new members! (apply before noon on Friday, Jan. 9)

The Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) considers issues related to Our Climate Future, including waste and recycling, transportation, river health, and how new sales tax funds should be used to reduce air and climate pollution in Fort Collins.

The Air Quality Advisory Board (AQAB) advises on policies, plans, and programs to improve and maintain the City's air quality.

Click here to learn more and apply: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/boards/

Have a business that is looking to cut waste and save money? NOCOBiz Connect is offering Zero Waste Mini Grants up to $1,000 to help Fort Collins businesses and nonprofits switch to eco-friendly takeout containers or reusable kits for events, meetings, or daily operations — making it easier to go green without breaking the bank!   Apply here!

Have you seen our new, fun recycling videos? Check them out for a fun twist on how to recycle! Silly Recycling Videos:

Answers! For Holiday Recycling Trivia

1. Christmas Tree (live): B. Timberline Recycling Center, C. Larimer County Landfill’s Green Waste Program. Fees may apply. See here for details.
2. Cardboard: A. Curbside Recycling and B. Timberline Recycling Center. See here for details.
3. Wrapping & Tissue paper:  A. Curbside Recycling, B. Timberline Recycling Center. See here for details.
4. Holiday String Lights: B. Timberline Recycling Center See here for details.
5. Styrofoam / Packing Peanuts: D. Landfill. No local recycling options!

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!