In order for the automated collection trucks to be able to safely empty your cart, it must be set out in the correct location.
CURB SET OUT |
ALLEY SET OUT |
Set your cart in the street with the wheels against the curb with the front facing the street. The automated trucks cannot service containers set out backwards. Leave at least 2 feet from any obstructions.
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Set your cart in the flow line of the alley with the front facing the alley. The automated trucks cannot service containers set out backwards. Leave at least 2 feet from any obstructions. Place your cart on the specified side of the alley (East, West, North or South) as instructed. Do not block access to your neighbor's driveway, gate or garage. |
Maximize space in your cart by flattening all cardboard boxes and then lay them flat across the top of the rest of your recyclables and then close the lid. This will help ensure that cardboard doesn't get stuck in your cart and will enable you to fit more cardboard in your cart.
If you still regularly have significant amounts of extra recycling that will not fit in your cart, please call 311 (720-913-1311), visit online at 311 Help Request or PocketGov to see about "UPSIZING" to a larger recycling cart or receiving a second recycle cart if you already have the larger cart size.
The time a driver arrives to empty your rcart depends on many factors and may not always be the same. This is why it is important to set out your cart by no later than 7 AM, as it ensures your cart will be ready for collection no matter what time in the day the driver comes. Carts may be set out as early as the night prior to your collection day and should be returned to your property within a day after collection has occurred.
Recycle collection is every-other week. Call 311 (720-913-1311) or visit View My Service Schedule to determine your recycling collection schedule.
All trash, recycling and compost carts must be stored on your property in between collections. You may set your carts out as early as the night before your collection day and then return your carts to your property within a day after collection occurs.
Keeping carts out of the alley and off the streets will:
It is your responsibility to manage and care for your city-issued carts. Take pride in your neighborhood and bring your carts back. |
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Denver Recycles reserves the right to remove recycling carts that are improperly used. Improper use includes trash in carts, carts left in the public right-of-way (including the alley), abuse or destruction of carts outside of normal wear and tear, and other uses deemed inappropriate by the City.
Approximate cart measurements are as follows:
65 gallon = Cart weighs 32 lbs. empty
Height = 42”, Width = 27”, Depth = 32”
95 gallon = Cart weighs 40 lbs. empty
Height = 46”, Width = 30”, Depth = 36”
To find out your cart serial number, please call 311 (720-913-1311), visit online at 311 Help Request or PocketGov.
DAMAGED CART: If your cart is damaged, please call 311 (720-913-1311), visit online at 311 Help Request or PocketGov.
MOVING IN?
MOVING OUT?
NOTES: Denver Solid Waste Management only services residential homes of seven or fewer units that are located in the City and County of Denver. If you reside in a larger apartment or condominium property, please contact your landlord or HOA for collection information.
When your collection day and street sweeping day are both scheduled for the same day you have three options for setting out your containers. | ![]() |
Option 1: Set your containers on the apron (edge) of your driveway.
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Option 2: Set your containers off the street on the edge of the curb-line.
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Option 3: Set your containers on the opposite side of your street.
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Residents are responsible for:
Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments remind homeowners that they are responsible for trees on the public right-of-way. If a Public Right-of-Way (PROW) tree or tree part is blocking a roadway, it must be removed immediately. Removal can occur one of three ways:
Residents are responsible for the removal and disposal of tree stumps and all branches over 4 inches in diameter and/or 4 feet in length. A list of registered haulers is available on this page. These are private companies and fees are charged.
Has time and weather washed out or made it hard to read the decal on the lid of your recycling cart? If so, we can mail you an updated decal that you can apply to your purple cart.
To get a recycling cart lid decal, call 311 (720-913-1311) or complete the form below.