Republic Services proposes 110-acre annexation near Tower Landfill

Republic Services has proposed that Commerce City annex 110 acres beside Tower Landfill for landfill-related uses, including a relocated entrance the company says could move truck traffic away from nearby homes.

The city’s Oct. 12 study session lists the presentation as informational, with no council action requested, according to the city council communication. The annexation and zoning remain proposals, not approved changes.

In its presentation to the city, Republic describes the 110 acres as unincorporated Adams County land zoned agricultural, with a future land-use overlay for industrial and commercial uses. The existing landfill is 644 acres and already has planned unit development zoning, the presentation says. Republic’s proposed zoning would allow waste disposal and drop-off, recycling and organics operations, landfill-gas systems, maintenance and storage facilities, and truck infrastructure such as scales and gate lanes. For one parcel, other commercial or industrial uses could be considered under city code after the state approves landfill closure.

Republic says moving the entrance onto the annexation property, reshaping the northern slope and adding vegetation, landscaping, berms and buffers would improve traffic safety, move truck routes away from residences and make landfill operations less visible. The presentation describes these as planned measures but does not identify them as enforceable zoning conditions.

The presentation projects about $10 million in new host and franchise-fee revenue for Commerce City. That is Republic’s estimate, not a city forecast.