Trash

Every effort will be made by an authorized agency representative to contact the violator and seek a resolution for the violation. Any conflicts or disputes that arise from the enforcement of these rules and regulations will be addressed by the Manager or an authorized representative. Repeated or severe violations may lead to the issuance of a notice of violation, which could include a court summons.

• To report illegal dumping, call 311 (720-913-1311) or report an issue on denvergov.org.
• Do not confront the individuals engaging in dumping.
• Obtain as much information as possible, including the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate number, and descriptions of the person(s) involved.
• An inspector will follow up on the information provided.

For dead animal removal in streets or alleys, please call 311 (720-913-1311) or Report an Issue on denvergov.org.

• Gather loose branches into tied bundles.
• Make sure each bundle weighs no more than 50 pounds and is no longer than 4 feet in length and not larger than 4 inches in diameter.
• A maximum of 10 branch bundles per household will be collected during each scheduled Large Item Pickup. Place bundles at least 2 feet away from any service carts for collection.
• Do NOT place branches in a city-issued trash, recycling, or compost cart.

Residents are responsible for removing and disposing of tree stumps and any branches that exceed 4 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length. There are several licensed haulers available for residents to hire for the removal of such materials.

Interested in composting instead?

Drop off branches for composting at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off, located at East Cherry Creek Dr. South & Quebec St.

Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., Saturdays 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.

• Denver residents only.
• No branches should exceed 4 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter.
• No individual pieces or bundles can weigh more than 50 pounds.
• A maximum of 10 branch bundles is permitted per week.

Property owners must clear debris and manage the pruning of trees on their property, as well as those in the adjacent public right-of-way.

• For inquiries regarding the condition of public right-of-way trees, contact Denver Forestry at forestry@denvergov.org.
• Visit DenverGov.org/Forestry to find a list of licensed and insured tree care contractors for private property, and make sure any hired contractor is licensed and insured.
• In the event that emergency removal of a fallen branch is necessary to clear a street, the city can assist through an established on-call contract; however, the costs incurred will be billed to the responsible property owner. For assistance, call 311 or (720-913-1311) if you have any questions.

Remember! The City has collection programs available for free paint recycling, battery disposal, and electronic waste. Additionally, the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off is available for excess recycling and compostable material. There are also extensive networks of donation opportunities to give items new life. Search the Waste Directory to learn more.

Hazardous waste should never be discarded in the trash, poured down drains or storm sewers, or left at the curb or in alleys. Denver provides free or low-cost options for the safe disposal and recycling of hazardous products through its Paint Recycling, Electronic Waste, Battery Disposal, and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program. Learn more here.

Denver residents serviced by Solid Waste Management may schedule a FREE appliance collection by appointment. Appliance collections are done by the City to ensure that metals are recycled and Freon gases from refrigerated appliances are handled in an environmentally safe manner.  

Accepted appliances for collection:

• Stoves/ovens 
• Hot water heaters
• Furnaces
• Dishwashers
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators*
• Freezers*
• Air conditioners*
• Washers & dryers

*contains Freon gas

To schedule an appliance collection appointment, call Solid Waste Management (SWM) at (720) 913-1311.

If you are an Xcel Energy customer, you can earn a $50.00 rebate by recycling your refrigerator.  Schedule a pickup.

Denver Housing Authority customers are provided with dumpsters for the disposal of household trash only. Automated trucks are used to lift and empty the dumpster. DHA residents may use any dumpster located around the property.

• Keep the area around the dumpster clear of trash and large items at all times. Do not place items next to or within 2 feet of the dumpsters. Bag all of your trash in heavy-duty bags. Always keep the dumpster lid closed to reduce litter and pests. If the closest dumpster is full, please take your trash to the next closest dumpster that has space available. Do not place furniture, construction debris, sod or dirt in dumpsters. Only set out large items on scheduled Large Item Collection days (every 9 weeks). Maximize space in your dumpster by placing items in the rear of the dumpster first.
• Report illegal dumping by calling 311 (720-913-1311) as soon as possible. Record a license plate number and state of origin, description of the vehicle and a description of the person(s). Please do not approach or confront the person(s).