The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has awarded the City of Denton the Texas Environmental Excellence Award for Innovative Waste Management, recognizing the city’s Commercial Organics Diversion pilot program. The collaborative initiative between Denton’s Solid Waste and Recycling (SWR) and Wastewater Departments targets the diversion of organic waste from local restaurants, aiming to decrease landfill waste and enhance the city’s composting operations.
The program, part of Denton’s strategy to reduce landfill contributions by 30% by 2030, involves the provision of indoor bins for food waste to participating downtown restaurants. The collected organic waste is then transported to Denton’s Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant, where it undergoes processing to be transformed into compost, methane gas, and biogas, which contribute valuable resources back to the community.
Brian Boerner, Director of Solid Waste and Recycling, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that the award reflects the dedication and innovative efforts of Denton’s waste management teams. The program not only seeks to lessen landfill impacts but also supports the downtown area’s vitality by creating sustainable environmental practices.
The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards (TEEA) program is renowned for highlighting exemplary projects and environmental performance throughout the state. Denton’s recognition underscores its leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable community planning.
Denton stands out as a city rich in creativity and diversity, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience, making it an ideal location for innovation in environmental and other civic initiatives. For more news and updates, visit the City of Denton’s website at www.cityofdenton.com.