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

Section 8-1-5(A), in Title VIII's property maintenance chapter, targets dumpsters and roll-offs at one- and two-family dwellings specifically. It is unlawful for such a dwelling to maintain a trash dumpster or roll-off of one cubic yard or larger without first getting written authorization from a code enforcement officer, and anyone storing or placing trash in a dumpster or roll-off must do so in a way that prevents the trash from being strewn or scattered. The section exempts one- and two-family dwellings holding a valid building permit issued by the City of Westminster Building Division, letting construction-site dumpsters and roll-offs sit without the separate written authorization otherwise required.

The same section also regulates movable crates and storage units, defined as receptacles designed to be moved from place to place for temporary storage, capping how long one can sit on a premises at 30 days without written authorization from a code enforcement officer, and separately bans leaving an outdoor refrigerator, freezer or self-locking container outside of a building or garage. A related but distinct provision, Section 8-1-6, lets the City Manager establish a City dumping ground for use by the City, its employees and agents; that is a municipal facility, not a private placement rule.

Enforcement of Section 8-1-5 runs through Section 8-1-16, which authorizes a fine under the general penalty section and declares a violating condition a public nuisance abatable after notice.