Waste Management Services in Denver, CO
Find trusted dumpster rental, junk removal, septic pumping, and specialty services in Denver. Compare verified providers and get free quotes.
Waste Management Services in Denver, Colorado
Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) provides municipal waste collection for 715K+ residents through pay-as-you-throw system. The city generates approximately 1.4 million tons of MSW annually. Major composting rollout in 2025 and bi-weekly recycling represent significant service changes.
Residential Service
Pay-as-you-throw rates based on trash cart size. Small 35-gal: $9, Medium 65-gal: $14, Large 95-gal: $21. Recycling and composting included free. No rate increase for 2025.
Dumpster Rental
20-yard, 7-day rental
Providers
Licensed haulers serving Denver
Waste Haulers Serving Denver
Compare licensed waste management providers offering residential, commercial, and specialty services in Denver:
Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI)
municipal- Residential collection
- Recycling
- Composting
- Large item pickup
Waste Management
national- Commercial collection
- Dumpster rental
- Industrial services
Alpine Waste & Recycling
regional- Commercial collection
- Zero waste services
- Recycling
Republic Services
national- Commercial service
- Roll-off containers
- Construction debris
Denver Waste Management Costs
Understand typical pricing for waste services in Denver. Costs vary by provider, service level, and property type.
Residential Services
Pay-as-you-throw rates based on trash cart size. Small 35-gal: $9, Medium 65-gal: $14, Large 95-gal: $21. Recycling and composting included free. No rate increase for 2025.
Commercial Services
Private haulers. Competitive Denver market. Mountain West pricing. Varies by service frequency and container size.
Dumpster Rental
7-day rental. Mountain West competitive pricing. High altitude impacts operations. Construction boom drives demand.
Junk Removal
Quarter truck ~$175-$295, half truck $295-$445, full truck $485-$690. Mountain region rates.
Denver Waste Regulations & Requirements
Dumpster Permits
Right-of-way permits required from Denver Public Works for dumpsters on streets. Fees vary. Private property placement no permit.
Recycling Requirements
Bi-weekly recycling collection started January 2025 (reduced from weekly). Free composting service rolling out March 2025. PAYT system incentivizes reduction.
Special Regulations
- Pay-as-you-throw system (2023) - pay based on trash cart size selected
- Composting rollout March 2025 - green bins for food scraps and yard waste
- Bi-weekly recycling effective January 2025 (reduced from weekly)
- Large item pickup reduced from every 4 weeks to every 9 weeks (2025)
- Free recycling and composting included - no additional cost
- Choose smaller trash cart to reduce monthly bill
- Mile-high altitude impacts vehicle operations and emissions
Recycling in Denver
Denver provides bi-weekly recycling collection (changed January 2025). Blue bin single-stream system. Composting program launched March 2025 with green bins accepting food scraps and yard waste. Both included free with trash service under PAYT system.
Accepted Materials
- Recycling: Paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, junk mail
- Recycling: Plastic bottles & containers (#1-7), glass, metal cans
- Composting: All food scraps, meat, dairy, bones, bread (green bin)
- Composting: Yard waste, leaves, branches, grass clippings, plants
Not Accepted
- Plastic bags (return to stores)
- Styrofoam
- Electronics (separate free collection)
- Batteries & hazardous waste (special collection)
- Construction debris (requires dumpster)
Special Waste Programs in Denver
Take advantage of these specialized collection and disposal programs available to Denver residents:
Composting Rollout (2025)
Citywide green bin composting launched March 2025. Accepts all food scraps and yard waste. Free service included with trash collection. Processed into compost.
Request green bin at denvergov.org or call 311 | Free
Pay-As-You-Throw System
Cart-based pricing (launched 2023). Choose small, medium, or large trash cart. Smaller cart = lower monthly bill. Recycling and composting free to incentivize diversion.
Cart size changes: call 311
Large Item Pickup
Scheduled bulky item collection every 9 weeks (reduced from 4 weeks in 2025). Includes furniture, appliances, mattresses. Set out on designated day.
Check collection schedule at denvergov.org
Drop-off Centers
Denver Solid Waste centers accept recyclables, compost, bulky items, e-waste, HHW. Self-haul option for residents.
Locations and hours at denvergov.org | (303) 311-3311
Sustainability Goals
Denver targeting waste reduction and increased diversion through PAYT system, composting expansion, and resident education programs.
denvergov.org/sustainability
What Makes Denver Waste Management Unique
- Pay-as-you-throw system (2023) incentivizes waste reduction - choose cart size to control costs
- Major composting rollout March 2025 - green bins citywide for food scraps
- Bi-weekly recycling (started Jan 2025) balances service with budget constraints
- No rate increase for 2025 despite service expansion - cost stability
- Mile-high altitude (5,280 ft) impacts vehicle operations and routing
- Rapid population growth creating infrastructure expansion needs
- Outdoor recreation culture generates seasonal waste (ski equipment, camping gear)
- Professional sports venues (Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies) create event waste challenges
Contact Denver Waste Services
Get help with waste collection, recycling questions, or service requests:
Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI)
Solid Waste Management
Ready to Set Up Waste Service in Denver?
Compare quotes from verified providers and get the best rates for your property.
Get Free Quotes