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

Section 8-1-4, part of Title VIII's property maintenance chapter, treats household trash and yard waste composting differently. Subsection (A) flatly bans composting household trash. Subsection (B) permits yard waste composting only inside a compost holding unit meeting seven conditions: the unit cannot exceed five feet in any dimension; it must be built of wood, wire, metal or plastic, but not plastic bags; it may be stationary or rotating; it must sit in the backyard, screened or fenced so it is not visible from a public right-of-way; it must be maintained to minimize odors; it cannot be allowed to attract rodents or become a health or safety hazard; and it must sit at least three feet from any adjoining property line.

Enforcement runs through Section 8-1-16: any violation of the chapter, including Section 8-1-4, is punishable by a fine under the general penalty section, Section 1-8-1, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. The condition of real property that violates Sections 8-1-4 through 8-1-14 is also declared a public nuisance abatable under the Code's nuisance abatement provisions, and the City Manager or a representative can serve notice requiring compliance, by personal service, mail, or posting the property, before pursuing abatement at the responsible party's expense.