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

Section 58-59(a), in Chapter 58's precollection-practices provision, folds yard debris into the same rule that governs draining liquid from garbage and rinsing food cans: tree trimmings not more than two inches in diameter, hedge clippings, and similar materials must be cut to securely fit into the solid waste/recycling container so the opening between the level rim and lid does not exceed a 45-degree angle before placement for collection. Thornton runs no dedicated brush or leaf truck route under this section; trimmings and clippings that fit the two-inch limit go into the customer's regular container alongside other solid waste, subject to the 350-pound combined weight cap set in Section 58-60(d).

Customers who generate more yard debris than a standard container holds can arrange a special collection under Section 58-63(h), billed at the special-collection rate the city council sets by ordinance, and the city periodically runs a fall leaf collection program referenced in Section 58-63(b) as one of its special programs. Separately, Section 22-96 bars burning yard waste at all: it is unlawful to burn rubbish, wastepaper, solid waste, refuse, yard waste, or other flammable materials anywhere in the city, including on one's own property, without first obtaining an emissions permit issued by the state, so residents cannot dispose of branches or leaves by burning them in a yard or fire pit.