2025-043 Solid Waste Services at Denton Enterprise Airport May 2,2025 Report No. 2025-043
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Solid Waste Services at Denton Enterprise Airport
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The provision of solid waste services at Denton Enterprise Airport is complicated due to the unique
conditions of the airport property ownership and leasing, as well as the evolving needs of the
tenants. The historical solid waste model created inequities between tenants, placing unnecessary
costs on the airport, and encouraged illegal dumping across and around the airport property. In
response, the airport has implemented a new service model where tenants will either receive
individual dumpster services if space allows or pay for access to shared dumpster service based on
their weekly waste volume. Moving forward, the shared dumpster rates will be clarified in the
solid waste rates ordinance and fee schedule, and enhancements will be made to the shared site,
including security features.
BACKGROUND:
The provision of solid waste services at Denton Enterprise Airport is somewhat complex due to
the unique properties and uses present. All development at the airport occurs through a ground
lease, with the City of Denton retaining ownership of the property. Many of these leases have
existed for decades, with property uses and solid waste needs evolving. As the airport has grown,
many existing hangars that initially served as aircraft storage have been upgraded to support
aeronautical business operations. While this trend benefits the airport, it also increases the demand
for solid waste services.
Until this fiscal year,most buildings at the airport received solid waste services in one of two ways:
1. A dumpster was placed on-site at the building location under the utility account of the
building occupant; or
2. Tenants and users utilized two on-airport dumpsters managed and funded by the airport
with no service cost recovery present.
DISCUSSION:
This framework presented several challenges. First, the airport funded solid waste services for
some but not all airport users despite provisions in airport lease agreements stating that solid waste
service is the tenant's responsibility. The cost to the airport was approximately $13,000 annually.
This situation creates a clear inequity in obligations among airport tenants. Second, the dumpsters
became a site for regular dumping of non-airport refuse by both airport users and non-airport users.
The cost of addressing this illegal dumping fell on the city.
Due to a significant increase in illegal dumping, the airport decided to remove the airport-funded
dumpsters and reassess the provision of solid waste services.
May 2,2025 Report No. 2025-043
Solution
A plan has been developed to provide a sustainable solid waste solution for all airport tenants in
collaboration between Denton Enterprise Airport, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Customer
Service.
Where feasible, leaseholds requiring solid waste service and having the space to accommodate and
maintain a dumpster will, like any commercial customer, work with Customer Service to rent a
dumpster,place it at the service location, and receive services.
For tenants who cannot physically accommodate a dumpster or whose volume does not generally
justify dumpster service, the airport will offer a shared dumpster service model, similar to other
shared service dumpsters across the City. In this model, tenants will request access to a shared
dumpster, located and secured on airport property, and pay a per-cubic-yard rate based on their
anticipated refuse volume (with a minimum charge for one cubic yard of weekly refuse). The
shared dumpster would be located in a common area, but access would be restricted to those who
pay for the service.
This solution is scalable, depending on the overall need for solid waste services at the airport, and
equitable since each airport tenant will manage their solid waste service through their utility
account with the City of Denton.
Next Steps
While the per-cubic-yard rate is based on the city's current dumpster rate, Solid Waste and
Recycling will include a specific shared dumpster rate in its budget proposal that outlines the per-
cubic-yard costs.
Once this service model is in place, the airport will enhance the shared dumpster site by adding
screening walls and a security gate managed through the airport's security access system.
CONCLUSION:
This new solid waste service model will provide all airport tenants a scalable, sustainable, and
equitable solution.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. None
STAFF CONTACT:
Ryan Adams
Airport Director
Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7744
May 2,2025 Report No. 2025-043
Brian Boerner
Solid Waste and Recycling Director
Brian.Boemer@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8001
REQUESTOR: Staff Initiated
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 2
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Airport
Solid Waste and Recycling