FoCo Environmental News is a space to learn about sustainability. Covering waste reduction, air quality, climate action and beyond, learn about local projects, events, and opportunities, and help build a healthy, resilient community.

When you think of spooky season, do you typically think of pumpkins and ghosts? For FoCo Environmental News, spooky season is all about sustainable ways to breathe fresh air, reduce waste, and save on electricity.

It’s time to trick-or-treat! This edition of the newsletter is full of Tricks (tips) and Treats (Resources/Opportunities) on how to be sustainable this fall.

And read to the end for your chance to win a new air purifier!

Beware of Energy Vampires

• Old refrigerators and freezers are creepier than you think. They can drain up to 40% more energy than modern models, adding up to $80 a year on your utility bill!. Banish these power-hungry monsters! Efficiency Works will pick up and recycle your old, working fridge or freezer for FREE. Visit EWRecycle.com to learn more or schedule your free pick-up.

Take Control of Your Electric Bill 

• Want to save on your Fort Collins Utilities bill? Using electricity during off-peak times costs about 70% less than on-peak prices.
• From October to April, on-peak hours are 5-9 p.m., weekdays only. For more information and ways to save visit here.

Use Your Yard Trimmings Bin

• Remember to use your yard trimmings bin this October for fall leaves, twigs, grass, and small branches. For City trash program customers, the 2026 yard trimmings season ends on November 28th, and the 2027 season will begin March 29th, 2027.
• Please store your bins on your property during the off-season. For more information about the program, click here. 

Join the “Go-Tober” Transportation Challenge

• There’s still time to join the October “Go-Tober” Challenge, a chance to Shift Your Ride and win prizes! Walk, bike, take transit, carpool and vanpool all help you earn chances for prizes, whether it's your daily commute or a weekend errand. Learn how to join here.
• Do you still need to drive sometimes? Don't forget to turn off your engine when waiting 30+ seconds at school pick-up, train crossings, and more.

Learn, Save and Conserve: Utility Savings Made Simple Class

• Oct 12th (12:00-1:00pm, 222 Laporte Ave)
• Join Fort Collins Utilities for an engaging class packed with practical tips for using less electricity and water. Discover easy everyday actions, explore rebates and programs and get personalized answers from Utilities staff. Plus, take home free water and energy-saving items, including LED light bulbs, sink aerators and more. Sign up for this free class or learn more here.

Join the "Sort it Out! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" Knowledge Break

• Oct 20th (12:30-1:30pm at Harmony Library)
• Take a Knowledge Break with us! Dive into recycling best practices, sustainability projects with Larimer County Solid Waste and City of Fort Collins, and hear about recent changes to our County landfill. All ages welcome – we will finish by creating a reuse project to take home. Learn more and register here.

LEAP Applications Open Nov 1st:

• The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible customers pay a portion of their winter heating costs. Approved customers are automatically enrolled in the City’s Income-Qualified Assistance Program (IQAP), which provides 25% off certain electric, water and/or wastewater charges. Customers must reapply for LEAP every year to continue receiving IQAP benefits!
• Applications are accepted November 1-April 30th. For paper applications in English and Spanish, you can visit the Utilities Customer Service desk located at 222 Laporte Ave, online or by calling 866-432-8435. For more information, click here.

Celebrate Local Sustainable Businesses:

• Nov 19th (9-11am at 2000 E Horsetooth Rd)
• Join NOCOBiz Connect to celebrate local sustainable businesses, recognize their impact, and explore opportunities for the future. This may be especially valuable for local businesses looking for ideas, resources, and connections to make their operations more sustainable, although everyone is welcome. Breakfast and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Reserve a spot here.

Win a free air purifier! Let us know which tip or trick from this newsletter you are putting into action and you will be entered into a drawing to win a free air purifier. Email us at recycling@fortcollins.gov and send us a brief description or photo of what you’re doing to stay sustainable this fall!

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