What Denver will need for new trash pickup

With the pay-as-you-throw proposal moving forward, the city has work to do before the system becomes reality.

State of play: Denver residents currently don't directly pay for their trash pickup. The service is covered by the city's budget, which is funded by taxes. This change would be a fundamental shift for something most people use every day without considering its costs.

• The new system would give people three options, costing from $9 a month for the smallest bin up to $21 for the largest.
• The proposal would provide free composting and weekly recycling.
• The city's current system costs about $25 million a year.

By the numbers: To implement the new proposal, the city would need to add 15 trucks and 22 drivers.

• Department of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson Nancy Khun said the new system would be rolled out in a phased approach starting in 2023.

What they're saying: Khun said the city is "confident" it can implement the proposal and expand collection services to help improve its trash diversion rate.

Yes, but: Some Denver City Council members, who will have the final say on the proposal, aren't convinced it's a good idea.

• "This is the wrong time to ask people for another $220 a year," council member Kevin Flynn told Axios Denver.
• Flynn doesn't support the proposal, and said a majority of his constituents in far southwest Denver don't either.
• Other council members believe the city needs to do a better job of informing the public.

What's next: The proposal will be up for a final City Council vote on June 27.