Local governments are continuing a multi-year study of how to reduce trash headed to the landfill. Now, the City of Aspen is turning its attention to construction waste.
Officials estimate that the Pitkin County Landfill may be completely full in the next 14 years, and one major culprit is waste from construction projects. A 2015 study conducted by the city and Pitkin County found that about 80 percent of the total trash sent to the landfill comes from construction and demolition projects.
Environmental health officials have been soliciting feedback about how to best divert this trash, which is heavier, bulkier and more hazardous than most garbage. The city hosted a meeting for contractors and interested parties Wednesday in Aspen, and will hold another tonight at 6 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Institute in Basalt.
These meetings kick off a longer process in which the city and county will be working with consultants to address a variety of issues surrounding demolition and construction waste, including how to reduce greenhouse gases, address space at the landfill and save resources. Legislation is expected as early as next spring.
