Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Denver

Denver, CO Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies to
multi-unit, MHC & nonresidential sites
Standard siting
flush with or behind front facade
MS/MHC districts
20 ft setback from street/residential zone
Enclosure height
solid fence or wall, 6 ft minimum
Governing code
Denver Zoning Code § 10.5.7.3

Summary

Denver's zoning code makes multi-unit and commercial developments tuck dumpsters behind the building's street-facing wall and enclose them in a solid fence or wall at least 6 feet tall.

In all zone districts except the MS zone districts, outdoor trash and recycling collection and storage areas accessory to a multi-unit dwelling or nonresidential development shall be placed either flush or behind any street facing facade of the Primary Structure. ... All outdoor trash and recycling collection and storage areas accessory to a multi-unit dwelling, Manufactured Home Community, or nonresidential development shall be fully enclosed by screening comprised of a solid fence or wall a minimum of 6 feet tall.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Outdoor trash and recycling collection and storage areas serving multi-unit, Manufactured Home Community, or nonresidential development must sit flush with or behind the Primary Structure's street-facing facade in every zone district except MS districts. In MS and Manufactured Home Community districts, the storage area must instead sit back at least 20 feet from any street lot line or from a line abutting a residential zone district. Every such area must be fully enclosed by a solid fence or wall at least 6 feet tall; only the collection-access side may stay open or use a gated opening.

Violations & Fines

Community Planning and Development's Zoning Administrator enforces the code; an unscreened or misplaced dumpster area draws a notice of violation, and an uncorrected violation can be cited under the zoning code's enforcement provisions in Denver County Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a commercial dumpster sit in front of a Denver building?
No. Outside MS districts, trash and recycling storage for multi-unit or nonresidential sites must be flush with or behind the building's street-facing facade, not out front.
How tall does a dumpster enclosure need to be in Denver?
At least 6 feet, using a solid fence or wall that fully encloses the area; only the side used for collection may remain open or gated.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denver

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingSignificant RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome 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

Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Dumpster Rules in Denver, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.