Manitou Springs, CO Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Chapter 7.10's stated purpose in Section 7.10.010 is to minimize dangerous wildlife-human conflict from unsecured waste and recyclables. Section 7.10.020 defines 'yard waste' narrowly as grass clippings, lawn rakings, leaves, garden vegetation, brush and other woods, free of other waste, distinguishing it from an 'attractant' like food scraps or pet food. Section 7.10.030(A) generally requires collection bins holding waste or attractants to be wildlife-resistant or securely stored indoors, but subsection C carves out yard waste (along with cardboard and other non-edible household items): those don't need a certified wildlife-resistant container as long as they aren't commingled with attractants, though they still must be kept in a container as described in Section 6.24.020.

General curbside timing still applies to any collection bin under Section 7.10.030(B): bins go out at or after 6:00 a.m. on pickup day and must come off the curb, alley or right-of-way by 8:00 p.m. that same day. Enforcement runs through Section 7.10.090's graduated system: a first violation draws only a written notice with a compliance schedule and no penalty if timely corrected, while subsequent violations trigger a graduated fine set by city council, on top of the general misdemeanor penalty in Section 7.10.100 tied to Section 1.01.100.