Denver, CO Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Manager of Transportation & Infrastructure
- Monthly fee (by container)
- $9 small, $13 medium, $21 large
- First citation fine
- $150
- Repeat citation fine
- Up to $999
Summary
Denver's manager of transportation and infrastructure sets binding rules for trash, recycling, and compost collection, covering approved containers, storage location, and seasonal preparation.
Such rules and regulations shall include, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, prescribed containers, prescribed location for storage, and special seasonal variations in preparatory and storage techniques to implement more efficient collection procedures.(d)Rules and regulations issued under the authority of this article shall be in conformance with accepted standards of sanitation and shall be directed to minimize those conditions which foster the propagation of rats or vermin or flies or other insects. (Code 1950, § 352.6; Ord. No. 116-10, § 7, 2-22-10; Ord. No. 516-15, § 23, 8-17-15; Ord. No. 39-20, § 79, 2-3-20; Ord. No. 685-22, § 5, 6-27-22)
Cross reference— Rules and regulations generally, § 2-91 et seq.
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 Chapter 48, Article III, the city collects trash, recyclable material, and compost material only from properties that store and prepare materials as prescribed by the manager of transportation and infrastructure's rules and regulations, which fix approved containers, where they must be stored, and seasonal variations in preparation. Owners or occupants of eligible properties are billed quarterly on a volume-based schedule tied to the trash container size they select (35, 65, or 95 gallon), and associations cannot block use of the public right-of-way for collection.
Violations & Fines
Administrative citations for illegal dumping or unlawful disposal run $150 for a first citation, $500 for a second, and $999 for a third or later citation, with higher minimums for dumping over 50 pounds, 32 gallons, or 2 cubic feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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