~ The City of Colorado Springs has recently announced the completion of the WastelessCOS Waste Diversion Study and Action Plan, a comprehensive effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability within the community. This initiative was informed by input from residents and businesses, as well as data on waste management across homes, businesses, and city operations.

According to Deputy City Manager Ryan Trujillo, the action plan reflects extensive community input and a realistic assessment of the current waste management system. He also emphasized the importance of being mindful about resource management as the city continues to grow. The plan sets a long-term goal of increasing Colorado Springs' community-wide waste diversion rate to 37% by 2045, with specific targets for single-family, multi-family, and commercial sectors.

Funded through the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) program, the WastelessCOS initiative has partnered with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to conduct technical studies and planning. This includes a waste characterization study, evaluation of existing recycling and waste infrastructure, review of local and state policies, and modeling of future diversion scenarios. Input from residents, businesses, institutions, and waste service providers was also gathered through surveys, interviews, and stakeholder meetings.

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The resulting plan outlines five core strategy areas: leveraging Colorado's Extended Producer Responsibility program, education and outreach efforts, organics management initiatives, governance and data tracking measures, and construction and specialty waste diversion plans. These strategies aim to strengthen recycling systems while supporting economic activity in the materials management sector. Additionally, they provide tools for tracking progress over time.

Implementation of the Waste Diversion Action Plan will occur in phases as funding and resources become available. The City will continue to work with community partners and service providers throughout this process. Progress will be reported on as actions are implemented.

The completed Waste Diversion Action Study and Plan can be accessed at ColoradoSprings.gov/WastelessCOS. With this plan in place, the City of Colorado Springs is taking a proactive approach towards reducing waste and building a more sustainable community for future generations.

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