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Denver, CO Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
DRMC Chapter 48, Solid Waste
Enforcing agency
Manager of Transportation & Infrastructure
Placement standard
Vehicle-accessible spot manager designates
Timing specifics
Set by administrative rule, not code text

Summary

Denver's code doesn't print set-out clock times: it requires trash containers to sit wherever the manager of transportation and infrastructure designates, a spot vehicles can reach, and leaves the exact schedule to the department's own rules.

The container, provided at the expense of the owner, tenant or keeper, shall be placed in an area designated by the manager, accessible to vehicular traffic, where the container may be conveniently emptied and the garbage removed by the garbage collector.

Source: DRMC Chapter 48 — Solid WasteView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

Under DRMC § 48-19, the owner, tenant or keeper must supply an approved, closed, watertight container and place it "in an area designated by the manager, accessible to vehicular traffic, where the container may be conveniently emptied and the garbage removed by the garbage collector." DRMC § 48-45 hands the manager of transportation and infrastructure authority to issue rules covering prescribed containers, prescribed storage location, and seasonal variations in preparatory and storage techniques, meaning the specific hour-by-hour set-out and removal windows live in DOTI's administrative rules, not in the code text itself.

Violations & Fines

DRMC § 48-20 makes it unlawful to violate any rule or regulation the manager adopts governing the manner and time for collection, removal, and disposition of household garbage: including placement location and timing rules issued under that authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Denver code say to put my trash cart?
In the location the manager of transportation and infrastructure designates, one accessible to the collection vehicle, so crews can empty it and remove the garbage.
Does the Denver code list exact set-out or removal times?
No. DRMC § 48-45 delegates prescribed storage location, containers, and seasonal timing variations to rules and regulations issued by the manager, not spelled out in the code itself.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denver

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingSignificant RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Denver rules

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