Denver provides free single-stream recycling to single-family homes and buildings up to 7 units. Commercial properties and apartments must comply with the Waste No More Ordinance (22-1614/306), requiring recycling and composting at food-service establishments and larger residential buildings by 2024.
Denver single-family recycling (Purple Cart) accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags, film, Styrofoam, and food-soiled items are not accepted. Collection is every other week, opposite compost week, included in the PAYT fee. In 2022, voters approved the Waste No More Ordinance (22-1614, codified in DRMC Chapter 49), phasing in requirements: (1) multifamily buildings with 8+ units must provide recycling and composting; (2) food-service businesses must provide composting; (3) construction/demolition sites must divert recyclable materials. Compliance dates phased through 2024. CASR enforces via inspections; non-compliance triggers escalating fines. Denver is a member of the Colorado Association for Recycling. The Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off Center accepts e-waste, Styrofoam (fee), and other non-curbside materials. Denver's waste diversion rate targets 50% by 2027 and 70% by 2032 per the Climate Action Plan.
Contaminated bin: tagged and skipped. Repeat contamination: $25 to $100. Waste No More non-compliance: escalating fines from written warning to $999 per day for commercial offenders.
Denver County, CO
Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.
Denver County, CO
Denver has no outright ban on leaf blowers but phases in restrictions on gas-powered commercial landscape equipment. DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits apply, and ...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires driveways to meet setback and width standards. Blocking the public sidewalk is prohibited. Curb cuts require a permit from DOTI.
Denver County, CO
Denver limits large commercial vehicle parking on residential streets to 2 hours. A 2023 ordinance expanded restrictions citywide. Trucks used for active wor...
Denver County, CO
Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties r...
Denver County, CO
Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fen...
See how Denver County's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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