Cheyenne's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bin Placement Rules

Cheyenne requires solid waste carts to sit at the curb or alley line, out at least two feet from vehicles and trees, set out no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before pickup and pulled back within 12 hours after.

Key details: Set-out time: No earlier than 4 p.m. day before. Cart clearance: 2 feet from vehicles, trees, mailboxes. Removal deadline: Off curb within 12 hours after. Enforcing agency: Public works solid waste division. Max penalty: Up to $750 fine per day.

Early or late carts trigger a special-pickup or removal fee from the solid waste division; broader Chapter 8.44 violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to a $750 fine per day under City Code 1.24.010.

Illegal Dumping

Dumping, throwing, or depositing refuse on streets, alleys, sidewalks, or private property without authorization is a misdemeanor in Cheyenne, punishable by a fine of up to $750.00 under the city's solid waste code.

Key details: Governing code: Cheyenne City Code 8.44.030. Max fine: $750.00 per offense. Continuing violation: Each day is separate offense. Enforcing agency: Public works department. Also barred: Dumping waste into streams.

Violating the littering and dumping prohibitions in Chapter 8.44 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $750.00, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on illegal dumping. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Dumpster Rules

Commercial and private haulers must register roll-off dumpsters with Public Works before placement in Cheyenne, and every container must be marked with the company's name and phone number.

Key details: Registration: Written report to Public Works director. Marking required: Company name and phone number. Renewal deadline: Annually by January 31. Non-compliance penalty: Up to 1-year privilege suspension. Fine: Up to $750/day.

Misdemeanor: fine up to $750, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense (Ch. 8.44.030 penalty clause); unmarked containers may be removed and disposed of by the city.

Compared to other cities, Cheyenne takes a harder line on dumpster rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Recycling Requirements

Cheyenne requires curbside recycling participation for every residential property citywide, from single-family homes to apartments and trailer courts, though commercial recycling collection remains optional under the city's solid waste chapter.

Key details: Program: Mandatory for all residential properties. Commercial recycling: Offered but not mandatory. Container rule: No plastic bags in recycling bin. Runs program: Public Works solid waste division. Code section: City Code 8.44.010(C)(4).

General solid waste chapter violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine up to $750 per day under 8.44.030(M); no separate fine is spelled out just for skipping recycling.

Collection Schedule

Cheyenne provides weekly residential trash pickup as mandatory city service: every residence must subscribe and pay, and the city suspends collection during five-Monday weeks for equipment maintenance and crew training.

Key details: Residential frequency: Once weekly, citywide. Curb placement: Not before 4 p.m. prior day. Container removal: Within 12 hours post-pickup. Service status: Mandatory: every residence subscribes. Fifth-Monday weeks: Collection suspended for maintenance.

Setting waste at the curb before 4 p.m. the day prior, or leaving empty containers past the 12-hour post-collection window, triggers a special-pickup charge or container-removal fee, plus penalties under the code's general violation provision.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cheyenne actively enforces its collection schedule requirements.

Bulk Item Disposal

Large or bulky items too big for regular containers must be set out separately and are collected only through a paid special pickup arranged with the solid waste division.

Key details: Bulky items: Special pickup, fee-based. Limbs/trimmings max length: 4 feet. Bundle thickness limit: 2 feet. Free yard waste option: Optional yard waste container. Max penalty: $750 fine, 6 months jail.

Violating chapter 8.44 is a misdemeanor under Cheyenne City Code 1.24.010, punishable by a fine of up to $750 and costs, or up to 6 months imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.

Yard Waste Collection

Cheyenne bans grass, leaves, and limbs from regular trash and the landfill; leaves need the optional yard waste cart and branches must be bundled for a paid pickup.

Key details: Leaves/clippings: Optional yard waste cart only. Limb length limit: 4 feet, bundled 2 feet thick. Limb pickup cost: Fee unless yard waste cart paid. Free drop-off: Compost facility or transfer station.

Yard waste set out with regular trash can be left uncollected; general solid-waste violations under Ch. 8.44 carry up to a $750 fine per day.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne is tougher than many cities when it comes to trash & recycling. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Cheyenne, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Cheyenne's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.