Denver, CO Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection scope
- Trash, recycling, compost bundled together
- Who enforces
- Manager of transportation and infrastructure
- Base fee (small bin)
- $9.00/month, billed quarterly
- Contaminating recycling bin
- Up to $999 civil penalty
Summary
Denver requires recyclable material collection, alongside trash and compost, at every eligible property under the city's volume-based trash pricing program.
Collections of trash, recyclable material, and compost material shall be made in accordance with the plan of the manager of transportation and infrastructure from categories of eligible properties designated by regulations promulgated under authority of this article.
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
DRMC § 48-42 makes recyclable-material collection part of the city's standard service: the manager of transportation and infrastructure runs collection of trash, recyclable material, and compost material for every eligible property (single-family homes and residential buildings under eight units). Recycling isn't optional or separately billed, § 48-42.5 folds it into the quarterly volume-based trash fee, set by the trash container size the resident selects (small, medium, or large), starting at $9.00/month for the 35-gallon container.
Violations & Fines
Depositing trash in a city-owned bin designated for recyclable material or compost is unlawful under § 48-44.5(e), with civil penalties up to $999 per violation under § 48-47(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling collection mandatory in Denver?
Do Denver residents pay extra for recycling pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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