News Flash

Durango, CO: City of Durango and Table to Farm Compost are piloting a way to integrate leaf collections and composting into Fall Cleanup. The program is designed to explore more ways to divert leaves from the landfill while still preventing improper contamination of the composting processes. It will be offered in addition to the annual Pumpkin and Leaf Drop-Off event that takes place every year after Halloween.

Residents can pick up free certified and branded compostable leaf bags from the Recycle Center, located at 710 Tech Center Drive, during regular business hours beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 10. There is a 10-bag limit per person, and please only take what you need as there is a limited supply! Proof of City of Durango utility account is required. Please note the Recycle Center is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Residents can set out branded bags as part of their fall cleanup pick-up week, and these bags will be collected for composting. Residents may still set out other types of leaf bags, but any non-branded leaf bags will be part of landfill collections.

Residents can also bring the branded bags back to the Recycle Center from Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Saturday, Nov. 4 if they did not have the option to set out bags during their Fall Cleanup week. This drop-off will ONLY accept branded bags.

Residents are encouraged to consider other options for managing their leaves including using the leaves for mulch on their own property, giving leaves to neighbors who may need them, or simply leaving leaves to decompose naturally in their yards. The annual Pumpkin and Leaf Drop-Off event will offer an additional option for residents to compost their leaves, and branded bags are not required as that program is staffed to ensure proper disposal. That event will take place the weekend following Halloween, and details will be announced soon.

“We recognize that the timing of mother nature and the logistical constraints of this pilot program and our overall Fall Cleanup services may affect residents differently throughout Durango. We are piloting this program and offering multiple options in order to best understand how expand leaf collections in the future.” said Marty Pool, the City’s Sustainability Manager. “Contamination and improper use of large-scale compost collections is a major concern, especially with potential issues with pesticides, fungicides, and non-compostable bags. We have to balance convenience with quality assurance.”

More information on Fall Cleanup can be found at: https://www.durangogov.org/346/Spring-and-Fall-Cleanup

More information on Recycle Center hours can be found at: https://www.durangogov.org/710/Durango-Recycling-Center

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Media Contact
Tom Sluis
Public Information Officer 
Phone: (970) 375-5090
Email: Tom.Sluis@durangogov.org

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