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Arapahoe County, CO Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Construction roll-off deadline
10 days after work ceases
Move-out container limit
7 consecutive days on site
Right-of-way
Never permitted in public ROW
Siting
Area of least visibility on site
Governing section
LDC § 4-1.8.1.d

Summary

A construction roll-off or temporary dumpster in unincorporated Arapahoe County cannot sit in the public right-of-way, must go in the least-visible spot the site allows, and has to leave within 10 days of construction activity ending, or seven consecutive days if it's there only for a move-out, under Land Development Code § 4-1.8.1.d.

City-specific rules exist: Aurora has its own pickup rules & schedules rules that differ from Arapahoe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Aurora, check the city-specific page instead.

Trash Containers/Dumpsters/Roll-offs associated with a building permit for new construction or for demolition and/or remodel of existing construction or temporarily placed for collecting trash and debris during vacation of a building or property (move-out) shall meet the following criteria: i. Trash Containers/Dumpsters/Roll-offs shall not be located in the public right of way; ii. Trash Containers/Dumpsters/Roll-offs shall be located in areas of least visibility to the extent feasible given constraints of property access and limitations due to location of existing buildings on site; iii. Trash Containers/Dumpsters must be kept covered to prevent odors, blowing of trash, rodents, or other nuisances or hazards; iv. Roll-offs must be maintained to prevent scattered debris and trash or collecting of overflow materials on the ground, rodent problems, or other nuisances or hazards; and v. Roll-offs or other temporary Trash Containers/Dumpsters must be removed from the site no later than 10 days after construction activity has ceased or kept on site for no more than seven consecutive days for the purpose of moving.

Source: Aurora Trash & RecyclingView official code

Full Breakdown

d of the Arapahoe County Land Development Code sets pickup and removal rules for trash containers, dumpsters, and roll-offs that are not part of a household's regular weekly service but instead arrive for a building permit, new construction, demolition, or remodel, or are placed temporarily while a building or property is being vacated. Five conditions apply. First, the container cannot be located in the public right-of-way at any point. Second, it must be placed in the area of least visibility that the property's access and the location of existing buildings on site realistically allow, not simply wherever is most convenient.

Third, containers must be kept covered to prevent odors and blowing trash. Fourth, roll-offs specifically must be maintained so they do not scatter debris or accumulate overflow material on the ground, which would otherwise create a rodent or nuisance problem. Fifth, and most consequential for timing, a roll-off or other temporary container tied to construction must be removed no later than 10 days after construction activity has ceased, while one brought in solely for a move can remain on site for no more than seven consecutive days.

These pickup deadlines run independent of the building permit's own inspection timeline, so a roll-off that outlasts the 10- or 7-day window is a code violation even if the underlying construction or move is still technically in progress.

Violations & Fines

A roll-off or temporary dumpster still on a construction site more than 10 days after work has stopped, or a move-out container kept beyond seven consecutive days, violates Section 4-1.8.1.d regardless of whether the building permit itself is still open. Staging any such container in the public right-of-way, or letting a roll-off scatter debris on the ground, is a separate basis for a citation under the same section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep a roll-off after my remodel is finished?
Section 4-1.8.1.d requires removal no later than 10 days after construction activity has ceased. The clock runs from when work actually stops on site, not from the date the building permit was issued or closed out.
I'm moving: how long can I keep a dumpster in unincorporated Arapahoe County?
Up to seven consecutive days. Section 4-1.8.1.d treats a temporary container placed solely for collecting trash during a move-out differently from a construction roll-off, capping it at seven days rather than the 10-day construction window.
Where on my property does a roll-off have to go?
Section 4-1.8.1.d requires it be placed in the area of least visibility that the property's access and existing buildings realistically allow, and it can never be located in the public right-of-way, regardless of how temporary the placement is.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Arapahoe County

All Arapahoe County rules

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