Full Breakdown
Colorado's New Landfill Methane Regulation Sparks Concerns Over Rising Trash Fees
4/15/2026, 12:35:45 PM
Overview of Regulation 31
The Colorado Air Quality Control Commission's new rule, known as Regulation 31, mandates that landfills control methane emissions, which are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. Colorado's landfills emit approximately 1.3 million tons of methane annually, making them the third largest source of methane in the state. While methane constitutes about 1% of Colorado's overall greenhouse gases, it is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The rule, adopted in December 2025, requires landfills with at least 450,000 tons of waste to implement gas-collection systems, submit methane-generation reports, and adhere to new monitoring protocols.
Financial Implications for Counties
County officials are expressing alarm over the potential financial burden of Regulation 31. Morgan County Commissioner Tim Malone highlighted that the costs for installing a gas collection and control system could range from $4 million to $6 million, with ongoing annual expenses for monitoring and maintenance estimated at $1 million. Malone emphasized the unrealistic nature of these costs, stating, "It's just unrealistic, some of the numbers." Local leaders fear that increased tipping fees could lead residents to resort to illegal dumping as a more affordable alternative.
Legislative Response
In response to these concerns, state senators Byron Pelton and Dylan Roberts have introduced a bill, SB26-101, which aims to provide counties access to grant money from existing state funds, including the Community Impact Cash Fund and the Air Quality Enterprise Fund. Pelton noted that while counties support cleaner air, they are apprehensive about the financial implications for residents. The bill has already passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and is set for further debate in the full Senate.
Environmental Perspectives
Supporters of Regulation 31, including environmental advocates like Brian Loma from GreenLatinos, argue that the benefits of capturing methane emissions outweigh the costs. Loma pointed out that methane from landfills is particularly harmful, citing sources such as testing facilities for meat processors and construction materials. Advocates contend that the regulation will not only reduce climate pollution but also improve local air quality for communities near landfills.
Future Considerations
As counties prepare for the implementation of Regulation 31, they are also looking ahead to a new statewide recycling program set to launch in June 2026. This initiative aims to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, potentially decreasing methane generation and easing the financial burden on certain communities. If successful, the recycling program may help some landfills fall below the threshold that triggers gas-collection requirements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the regulation aims to cut approximately 12.53 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions by 2050, local officials remain skeptical about the feasibility of the costs involved. There is a clear divide between the environmental benefits touted by advocates and the financial realities faced by county governments, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both ecological and economic factors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's just unrealistic, some of the numbers,” — Tim Malone, Morgan County Commissioner
- “What they're saying is 'we don't want to raise fees so high that it becomes an affordability problem to dump our trash.'” — Byron Pelton, State Senator
- “Some of these sources would include the testing facilities for the meat processors in Weld County, children's diapers, construction materials.” — Brian Loma, GreenLatinos
