Denver regulates trash container storage and placement through DRMC Chapter 48 (Solid Waste) and neighborhood-specific rules. Denver Solid Waste Management provides curbside trash and recycling collection using city-issued purple carts (trash) and green carts (recycling/compost). Bins must be placed and retrieved according to specific timing rules.
Trash and recycling carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than 7 PM the evening before collection and must be retrieved by 7 PM on collection day. Carts must be placed within 5 feet of the curb or alley edge with lids closed. When not at the curb for collection, carts should be stored behind the front plane of the house or screened from public view. Overflowing bins or loose trash at the curb may result in complaints. Denver distributes 65-gallon or 95-gallon carts. Extra trash beyond the cart capacity may require overflow stickers or additional service.
Leaving bins at the curb beyond the allowed times can result in a warning notice from Denver 311 or code enforcement. Repeated violations may result in fines. Overflowing trash or litter around bins can trigger property maintenance violations under DRMC Chapter 48. Contaminated recycling loads may result in the cart not being collected.
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