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!  

Summertime is heating up, literally! Fort Collins communities are resilient this summer through high temperatures and smoky skies. Now is the perfect time to stay informed on the latest changes in our community, including local air quality monitoring, and changes to where we dispose of our trash and recycling. This edition of Environmental News includes:

• Clearing the Summer Air: What We Learned – and What You Can Do
• Changes to Larimer County Solid Waste Facilities Begin in August
• August Events and Opportunities!

Have you ever wondered what's in the air you breathe? Over the past three years, an EPA-funded grant expanded air quality monitoring across Northern Colorado, including in underserved communities near schools and oil and gas development. The data has been shared with local governments to better inform planning and decision-making.

The project brought together the City of Fort Collins, Colorado State University, and Larimer County, with guidance from a community advisory committee. In addition to monitoring, the team did lots of community education, such as art events where participants created "smog collectors" (see photo above!) and development of resources to help folks understand local air quality.

What can you do?

• Stay informed: Sign up for Summer Ozone Alerts and check the Air Quality Index (or our City monitors!) before spending extended time outdoors. Consider limiting outdoor activity on high-ozone or smoky days.
• Reduce pollution: Fuel up or mow the lawn before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce emissions during peak ozone hours. Better yet, choose electric lawn equipment, bike, walk, take transit, or drive an EV when possible.
• Report concerns: If you notice unusual odors or other air quality concerns, submit through Larimer County's reporting process.
• Learn more: Contact Milena Guajardo at the CSU Center for Atmospheric Research for a full grant report or any questions.

Larimer County Solid Waste has been preparing for an important transition as the current Larimer County Landfill at 5887 S. Taft Hill Road reaches its permitted capacity. As of August 1st, 2026, the landfill has closed to the public for waste disposal.

On August 3rd, two new facilities, the North Landfill and Central Diversion & Transfer Station, began operations:

• The new North Landfill, located at 15669 N. County Road 9, accepts waste from residents who live within approximately 10 miles of the landfill, as well as commercial haulers and transfer station transfer trucks.
• The new Central Diversion & Transfer Station at 2388 W. Trilby Road (pictured) is the primary location for trash disposal and the recycling of appliances, mattresses, and residential green waste for most Larimer County residents, including Fort Collins residents. The entrance is a half mile south of the existing Taft Hill Road entrance, on Taft Hill and Trilby Rd. 

Many familiar services at the existing Taft Hill site will continue! Household hazardous waste collection, residential recycling drop-off, the Garbage Garage Education Center, commercial recycling, and the business office will remain open using the existing Taft Hill entrance.

These facilities are designed to make waste transportation more efficient while supporting future diversion programs like composting and construction and demolition material recovery. Learn more.

Bonus Tip: Remember not to throw batteries away in the trash! Batteries can combust quickly, especially in hot temperatures, and battery fires are difficult to put out. Please take batteries to drop-off facilities, which can be found on our A-Z List.

• Host a Neighborhood Bike Event with 360 Neighborhoods!
  • August is FoCo Bike Month! Celebrate by hosting a neighborhood bike event, such as a bike parade, decorating party, or group ride. Register with 360 Neighborhoods to receive planning support, a gift card, decorating supplies, and reflective stickers. 
  • Biking not your thing? September’s theme is Longer Tables, where neighbors are brought together for a shared meal. Learn more. Email 360Neighborhoods@fortcollins.gov with questions.

• Poudre RiverFest is August 8th (11am-5pm)
  • Celebrate the Poudre River with us at New Belgium to learn about river health and participate in fun activities. Learn more.
  • Donate your gently used, reusable bags to the Environmental Services booth - they will be freely recirculated at Lucky's market. Together we can keep waste out of our river and landfill! 

• Walking and Biking in Northern Colorado Education Program; August 29th (6:30-7:30pm)
  • Take a Knowledge Break with Larimer County! Join them on Thursday, August 29th (6:30-7:30pm) for an engaging, snack-fueled session diving into our region's active transportation options, trail networks, and community programming. Learn more and register.

• Win a Free Electric Lawn Mower!
  • One way to reduce air pollution is by switching to electric lawn equipment, and to help, we have a free mower to give away. To enter, email recycling@fortcollins.gov with your name and one way you protect yourself from or help improve local air quality.
  • Need ideas? See the article “Clearing the Summer Air” above. Enter by Monday, August 17. One winner will be selected at random.

• Plan Your Fall School or Work Commute
  • Looking for a more sustainable way to commute to school or work? Here are a few ways to move more sustainably:
    • Plan your route and earn rewards. Use Shift Your Ride platform or the Safe Routes to School map to find your best route.
    • Ride Transfort fare-free! Some routes change on August 17, so be sure to check the updated route schedule before you travel.
  • Pro tip: Log your trips in Shift Your Ride to earn rewards You can also use the platform to find carpool partners.

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Environmental Services promotes sustainability in Fort Collins - driving programs, policies and partnerships to support a healthy and resilient community. Learn more about our work which supports the community's Our Climate Future framework.

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