Lakewood, CO Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curbside window
- 48 hrs max per week
- Removal frequency
- At least once weekly
- Container size limit
- 90-gallon max capacity
- Abatement notice
- 72-hour notice to fix
Summary
Lakewood caps curbside trash and recycling placement at 48 consecutive hours per week and requires weekly removal, under Municipal Code Chapter 8.14 in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Garbage, trash and refuse containers and plastic trash bags may be placed at curbside in front of a single-family dwelling or multiple family dwelling for collection purposes for a period not to exceed 48 (48) consecutive hours each week.C.When placed for collection, garbage, trash and refuse containers, plastic trash bags and recyclable materials shall not be placed on the sidewalk or in the street, or in such a manner as to impair or obstruct pedestrian, bicycle or vehicular traffic.D.Except when placed curbside for trash pickup, all garbage, trash and refuse containers, including commercial type dumpsters and residential type containers, shall be placed on private property and shall not extend onto the public right-of-way. All commercial type dumpsters shall be placed on an improved all-weather surface, such as gravel at least ¾-inch thick and three inches depth, hot mix asphalt or concrete paving, and shall not interfere with vehicle or pedestrian travel and shall not obstruct the sight triangle. (Ord. O-2015-4 § 3, 2015; Ord. O-2005-5 § 1, 2005; Ord. O-2002-38 § 1, 2002).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Containers for garbage, trash and refuse must be watertight, no larger than 90 gallons, with insect- and rodent-resistant lids; plastic bags qualify if they seal against odors and resist tearing under normal handling. Owners and tenants can set containers or bags at curbside in front of single-family and multifamily dwellings for pickup, but for no more than 48 consecutive hours each week; otherwise containers sit within 10 feet of the building or 25 feet back from the street. Garbage, trash or refuse must be hauled away at least once weekly, or more often to avoid overflow. Multifamily buildings with three or more units can be ordered onto a shared dumpster after repeated violations.
Violations & Fines
Owners get 72 hours' written notice to abate after a violation; unresolved cases are abated by the city, with a minimum $108 inspection fee assessed as a lien on the property, collected like a property tax through Jefferson County.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle pickup rules & schedules.