Trash Bin Storage: Boulder vs Longmont
How do trash bin storage rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Longmont has fewer restrictions than Boulder.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder regulates where trash and recycling bins can be stored and placed for collection. Bins must typically be screened from street view between pickup days.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Longmont (which provides municipal trash service under LMC Chapter 14.12) requires residents to place trash, recycling, and composting carts at the curb or designated alley side by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day. Carts must keep 3.5 feet (one cart-width) clearance from vehicles, mailboxes, and fire hydrants and 2 feet between adjacent carts. Carts may not block the sidewalk.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Screened from street | - |
| Placement | Evening before or morning of | - |
| Retrieval | Same day as collection | - |
| Lids | Must be closed | - |
| Code Chapter | - | LMC Chapter 14.12 Solid Waste Collection |
| Set-Out Time | - | By 7:00 a.m. on collection day |
| Clearance from Objects | - | 3 1/2 feet (one cart width) |
| Clearance Between Carts | - | Minimum 2 feet |
| Sidewalk | - | Carts must not block |
| Civil Penalty | - | $100 / $200 / $500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
When can I put my trash bins out?
In Boulder, bins can typically be placed at the curb the evening before collection and must be retrieved the same day.
Where do I store bins between pickups?
Bins must be stored out of public view in Boulder, typically behind a fence, in a garage, or screened on the side of the house.
Longmont FAQ
What time do I have to put my trash cart out in Longmont?
By 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Place the cart in the street in front of the curb near the corner of your driveway with the handle facing your home (or on the designated side of the alley for alley collection). Carts cannot block the sidewalk.
Why didn't the truck empty my trash cart?
The most common reasons are missing 7 a.m. set-out, parking too close (less than 3 1/2 feet clearance from cars, mailboxes, or hydrants), placing carts less than 2 feet apart, or blocking the sidewalk. Longmont Waste Services tags missed carts with a service notice.
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