Denver, CO Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing definition
- DRMC § 48-41 'yard rubbish'
- Collected as
- Compost material with trash and recycling
- Excludes
- Sod and dirt
- First illegal-dumping fine
- $150 administrative citation
- Enforcing agency
- Manager of transportation and infrastructure
Summary
Denver defines yard rubbish as tree branches, twigs, grass, shrub clippings, weeds and leaves, and collects it as compost material alongside trash and recycling under a single volume-based service.
Yard rubbish includes tree branches, twigs, grass, shrub clippings, weeds, leaves and other general yard and garden waste materials. Yard rubbish may include a small quantity of dirt attached to weeds, etc., but does not include sod or dirt as such. (Code 1950, §§ 352.1—352.4; Ord. No. 116-10, § 2, 2-22-10; Ord. No. 425-10, § 1, 8-9-10; Ord. No. 243-11, § 1, 5-2-11; Ord. No. 39-20, § 74, 2-3-20; Ord. No. 685-22, § 1, 6-27-22)
Cross reference— Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.
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
The Revised Municipal Code defines 'yard rubbish' as tree branches, twigs, grass, shrub clippings, weeds, leaves and other general yard and garden waste, and folds it into 'compost material' alongside household garbage and kitchen scraps. The manager of transportation and infrastructure collects trash, recyclable material and compost material together under a volume-based pricing plan tied to container size, and sets the rules for how yard rubbish must be prepared and stored for pickup. Sod and dirt are excluded from the yard rubbish definition and must be handled separately.
Violations & Fines
Leaving yard rubbish accumulated in violation of city collection rules can bring an abatement order under § 48-43, and illegal dumping of trash draws administrative citations starting at $150 for a first offense, up to $999 for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put grass clippings in my trash cart in Denver?
What happens if yard rubbish piles up illegally in Denver?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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