Denver plans 2027 trash-rate study as officials say increases may be needed
The city reported $33 million in service charges against $42.9 million in expenses; the study will examine rates and other funding options.
Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure plans a 2027 study of trash and recycling rates and funding after reporting $33 million in service charges and $42.9 million in program expenses at a Sept. 22 budget hearing. The department’s director said rates would likely need to rise to keep the program financially sustainable, whether the city or a private provider delivers the service.
The study will examine program costs, current rates, the General Fund subsidy and anticipated producer-responsibility funding, and develop a financial model for sustaining the service and its waste-diversion goals, according to the department’s presentation to City Council. Officials said the study is required every five years and is planned for 2027. The city serves about 180,000 households.
The department estimated that producer-responsibility reimbursements could provide $7 million to $10 million toward recycling costs, but described the money as anticipated, not secured. Officials said legal challenges were delaying the contract and arrival of funds, and that the reimbursements alone would not resolve the program’s financial challenges.
No rate increase or service change was proposed at the hearing, and officials set no timetable for a decision.