Recycling Requirements: Aurora vs Centennial
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Aurora, CO and Centennial, CO?
Aurora and Centennial have similar restriction levels.
Aurora, CO
Arapahoe County
Aurora requires all licensed residential haulers to offer curbside single-stream recycling; participation is not yet mandatory for residents but is strongly encouraged.
View full Aurora rules →Centennial, CO
Arapahoe County
Arapahoe County recycling follows Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program (HB 22-1355, effective 2026). Aurora and Centennial residents receive curbside single-stream recycling. Accepted: paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, plastics #1-#2 (some haulers #5). Multi-family requirements expanding.
View full Centennial rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Aurora | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Hauler Mandate | Must offer recycling | - |
| Frequency | Every other week min | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, #1-#2, metals | - |
| State Law | HB 22-1355 expansion | - |
| State Program | - | HB 22-1355 (2026) |
| Admin | - | Circular Action Alliance |
| Accepted Plastics | - | #1, #2 (sometimes #5) |
| Aurora MF Rule | - | 8+ unit buildings |
| Rejected | - | Bags, Styrofoam, food |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Aurora FAQ
Is recycling required for residents?
Not currently mandatory for individual households, though haulers must offer it. Multi-family new construction must include it.
Can I recycle plastic bags curbside?
No, plastic bags tangle machinery. Take them to grocery store drop-off bins.
Centennial FAQ
Are plastic bags recyclable curbside?
No. Plastic bags tangle sorting equipment and are rejected. Return clean bags to grocery stores (King Soopers, Safeway) with plastic film recycling bins.
When does Colorado's Producer Responsibility recycling start?
HB 22-1355 rolls out beginning 2026, with full statewide coverage by 2027 funded by producer fees rather than residents.
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