Lakewood, CO Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 8.14.030, "Frequency of removal," states in full: "It shall be the duty of every owner to remove or cause to be removed garbage, trash or refuse at least once per week or at more frequent times as necessary to prevent an accumulation in excess of the capacity of containers to store such material, unless such material is being used in a compost pile." The weekly floor applies regardless of whether the owner uses a private hauler, the city's contracted service, or self-haul; the only exception written into the section is material actively composted on-site.

The removal duty connects to two other Chapter 8.14 standards. Section 8.14.020 requires every owner or tenant generating garbage to keep containers "of such size and number...so that all garbage, trash or refuse generated from the property can be accommodated...without overflowing," meaning a residential container topping out at 90 gallons, watertight, insect- and rodent-resistant, or dumpster service if the code enforcement supervisor finds cause such as more than eight containers per property or evidence of spillage. Section 8.14.025(B) then limits how long a full container can sit at the curb: "not to exceed 48 (48) consecutive hours each week." All removed material must go to "a state approved sanitary landfill or an approved solid waste collection and transfer facility" under Section 8.14.040.

A property that misses the weekly deadline and lets refuse accumulate is handled through the same abatement track that applies to overflow or unpermitted dumpsters: a 72-hour written notice under Section 8.14.060, a right to demand a municipal court hearing, and, if the city removes the material itself, a lien on the property plus an inspection and administrative fee of at least $108.00, rising for repeat violations within 24 months.