La Plata County, CO Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- La Plata County Code § 46-56(I)
- Who must arrange service
- Owner or occupant of each property in the unincorporated area
- Property types covered
- Residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional and industrial
- Approved methods
- Commercial hauler, own transport to designated facility, dead animal disposal
- Minimum fine
- Not less than $300.00 plus surcharges, fees and court costs
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 1997-2, September 8, 1997
Summary
In unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado, every owner or occupant of a residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional or industrial property must secure an approved method of collection for rubbish and dead animals. Section 46-56 limits approved methods to a commercial hauler, self-hauling to a designated facility, or designated-facility or state-law disposal for dead animals.
I. The owner or occupant of each residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional and industrial property within the unincorporated areas of the county shall be responsible for securing an approved method of collection for rubbish or dead animals generated on their premises. Approved methods shall be limited to: A. Arrangements for transport by a commercial hauler; B. Transport and proper disposal of a person's own rubbish to a designated facility; or C. Transport and proper disposal of dead animals to a designated facility, or proper disposal as defined in C.R.S. § 25-1-612.
Full Breakdown
La Plata County Code § 46-56(I) puts the collection duty on the property. The owner or occupant of each residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional and industrial property within the unincorporated areas of the county is responsible for securing an approved method of collection for rubbish or dead animals generated on the premises. The section says approved methods are limited to three.
Method A is arrangements for transport by a commercial hauler. Method B is transport and proper disposal of a person's own rubbish to a designated facility. Method C covers dead animals: transport and proper disposal to a designated facility, or proper disposal as defined in C.R.S. § 25-1-612, the state statute the county code cites. The section prints no pickup day or route calendar. It sets the duty to arrange service and the list of ways to satisfy that duty.
Residents who choose Method B pay tipping fees at the Marvel and Bayfield Solid Waste Convenience Centers, which Article III of Chapter 46 sets in § 46-91 under Resolution 2023-26, effective October 24, 2023. Household waste is listed at $3/bag with a two bag minimum, and compactable waste at $19.12 per cubic yard.
Subsection III of the same section adds a time limit: no owner or occupant of a residential or commercial establishment can permit rubbish or dead animals to accumulate on any premises for more than 30 days. Subsection II makes dumping on private or public lands unlawful except as the article provides. The section dates from Ord. No. 1997-2, adopted September 8, 1997, by the Board of County Commissioners of La Plata County, Colorado. Under § 46-32, any level 1 or 1(a) peace officer, as defined in C.R.S. § 18-1-901, is authorized to enforce Chapter 46, Article II.
Violations & Fines
Failing to secure an approved collection method violates Chapter 46, Article II. Under § 46-34, a conviction carries a fine of not less than $300.00 for the first and all subsequent offenses, plus surcharges, fees and court costs, and the minimum mandatory fine cannot be suspended or reduced. A $10.00 surcharge per offense goes to the clerk of the court for the victims and witnesses assistance and law enforcement fund. The county can also seek criminal prosecution and legal or equitable relief in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to arrange trash service in unincorporated La Plata County?
Can I take my own trash to a facility instead of hiring a hauler?
What is the rule for a dead animal on my property?
What is the minimum penalty for ignoring the requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Plata County
Compare La Plata County to another location·View the Colorado trash & recycling overview
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