Trash & Recycling in Denver, CO (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Denver provides curbside trash, recycling, and composting collection through Denver Solid Waste Management under DRMC Chapter 48 (Solid Waste). Residential properties receive weekly trash collection and every-other-week recycling collection using city-issued carts. Denver expanded composting collection citywide in 2022.
Denver Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Denver specifies rules for trash and recycling cart placement under DRMC Chapter 48 and Denver Solid Waste Management guidelines. Carts must be placed at designated collection points near the curb or alley and retrieved promptly after collection.
Denver Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Denver provides bulk item and large trash disposal through Extra Trash pickup and scheduled large item collection via Denver Solid Waste Management. Residents can request bulky item pickup through Denver 311 or use the city's drop-off facilities for large items not accepted in regular carts.
Denver Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Denver mandates recycling for residential and commercial properties under DRMC Chapter 48 and the Denver Solid Waste Management program. Denver provides single-stream recycling collection for residential properties and requires commercial properties to have recycling services. The city expanded composting services citywide and is moving toward mandatory composting.
Denver Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsMandatory Organics Recycling
Denver's Waste No More / Climate Action Recycling Ordinance (Ordinance 22-1305, effective 2024) requires all single-family homes to receive recycling and compost service through Denver Solid Waste Management's volume-based pricing program. Apartments and businesses phase in 2024-2026.
Denver Climate Action Recycling Ordinance phases in mandatory composting
Some RestrictionsLooking for Denver County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denver city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Denver County →