Lakewood's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Lakewood, Colorado, there are 5 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.

Dumpster Rules

Lakewood requires a no-charge public right-of-way permit before placing a temporary roll-off dumpster in the street, alley or parkway, capped at 30 days unless an extension is justified, under Municipal Code § 8.14.028. Dumpsters on private property must sit on an improved all-weather surface and stay out of the sight triangle.

Key details: Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 8.14.028. Permit cost: no charge. Right-of-way placement limit: 30 days. Extension: only for demonstrated "due cause". Private-property dumpsters: improved all-weather surface required.

A roll-off placed in the right-of-way without the no-charge permit, or left past 30 days without a demonstrated extension, is handled through the Chapter 8.14 abatement process: a 72-hour written notice to remove it, a right to an administrative hearing, and, if the city removes it, a lien for the removal cost plus an administrative fee of at least $108.00, rising to $216.00, $352.00 or $514.00 for repeat violations within 24 months.

Bin Placement Rules

Lakewood, Colorado requires garbage, trash and recycling containers to be stored within 10 feet of the building or in a concealed spot at least 25 feet from the street, and kept off public right-of-way.

Key details: Storage distance: Within 10 ft of building. Concealed alternative: 25+ ft from street. Location requirement: Private property only. Dumpster surface: Gravel, asphalt or concrete pad. Code section: Municipal Code § 8.14.025.

Storing containers in the open within the 25-foot street setback, or letting them sit in the right-of-way outside pickup hours, is a code violation the city can cite and order corrected.

Illegal Dumping

It is unlawful to place, deposit or dump garbage, trash, debris, construction waste, chemicals or similar materials on any road, right-of-way or private property in Lakewood without the owner's consent.

Key details: Max fine: $2,650 per offense. Max jail term: 365 days. Enforcing officer: Environmental Manager. Consent defense: Owner consent is a defense.

General penalty under Municipal Code Section 1.16.020(A): a fine of not more than $2,650.00, imprisonment of not more than 365 days, or both, per offense; each day can count separately.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Lakewood caps curbside trash and recycling placement at 48 consecutive hours per week and requires weekly removal, under Municipal Code Chapter 8.14 in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Key details: Curbside window: 48 hrs max per week. Removal frequency: At least once weekly. Container size limit: 90-gallon max capacity. Abatement notice: 72-hour notice to fix.

Owners get 72 hours' written notice to abate after a violation; unresolved cases are abated by the city, with a minimum $108 inspection fee assessed as a lien on the property, collected like a property tax through Jefferson County.

Collection Schedule

Every Lakewood property owner must remove garbage, trash and refuse at least once a week, or more often if containers would otherwise overflow, under Municipal Code § 8.14.030. Containers must meet size and pest-resistant standards, and curbside placement is capped at 48 hours a week.

Key details: Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 8.14.030. Minimum removal frequency: once per week. Container cap: 90-gallon capacity, watertight. Curbside placement limit: 48 hours per week. Compost exception: actively composted material.

Failing to remove garbage, trash or refuse weekly, or letting it exceed container capacity, is enforced through Chapter 8.14's abatement procedure: a 72-hour written notice to clean up, a right to a Municipal Court hearing on written demand, and, if the city hauls it away itself, a lien on the property plus an administrative fee starting at $108.00 and rising to $514.00 for a third violation within 24 months.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lakewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.