Denver Curbside Recycling Schedule & Guide

Sun Feb 22 2026

Understanding Denver’s Curbside Recycling Basics

Denver is committed to environmental sustainability, and its residential curbside recycling program plays a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills. Designed for single-family homes and small multi-family properties (typically up to seven units), this program simplifies the process of recycling common household materials. By participating correctly, Denver residents contribute to resource conservation, reduce pollution, and help foster a greener community. Understanding and following the guidelines for what to recycle, how to prepare it, and when to place it out for collection is key to the program’s success and ensuring your materials are properly processed.

How to Find Your Specific Denver Recycling Schedule

Knowing your exact collection day is the first step to successful curbside recycling. Denver’s collection schedules are address-specific and can vary based on your location within the city.

Using the Official Denver Waste Services Tool

The most accurate way to determine your recycling schedule is through the City and County of Denver’s official online lookup tool.

Visit the Denver Waste Services Website: Navigate to the official Denver.gov portal for Solid Waste Management.
Enter Your Address: Locate the “Lookup Your Collection Schedule” or similar tool. You will need to enter your street address and potentially your zip code.
View Your Schedule: The tool will display your specific recycling collection day(s) and often your trash and composting schedules as well. You may also be able to sign up for email or text reminders.

Collection generally occurs once every two weeks. It’s important to verify your schedule regularly, especially after moving or if there are public holidays, as collection days might shift.

What’s Accepted & Not Accepted in Your Bin

To avoid contamination and ensure your recyclables are actually recycled, it’s vital to know precisely what belongs in your Denver recycling cart.

Accepted Materials (Place Loose in Cart):

Plastics: Bottles, jugs, and tubs (e.g., yogurt containers, butter tubs). Look for the recycling symbol, but focus on shape (bottles/jugs/tubs) as number codes are less reliable. Rinse them clean.
Paper: Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, phone books, paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes, tissue boxes), flattened cardboard (must fit in cart).
Metal: Aluminum and steel (tin) cans. Rinse clean.
Glass: Bottles and jars of any color. Rinse clean.

Not Accepted Materials (Keep Out of Your Recycling Cart):

Plastic Bags, Plastic Film, or Plastic Wraps: These jam sorting machinery. Take them to designated store drop-offs.
Styrofoam: All forms (cups, peanuts, packing blocks).
Food Waste: Compost food scraps or dispose of them in the trash.
Electronics (E-waste): Computers, TVs, printers. These require special disposal.
Clothing & Textiles: Donate or dispose of in trash.
Batteries: Take to special hazardous waste drop-off sites.
Hazardous Waste: Paint, chemicals, motor oil.
Ceramics, Dishes, Drinking Glasses: Not the same as recyclable glass.
Shredded Paper: Too small for sorting equipment; compost or bag for trash.
Medical Waste/Sharps: Special disposal required.
Garden Hoses, Wires, Ropes: Tanglers that damage equipment.

Preparing Your Recyclables for Successful Pickup

Proper preparation is just as important as knowing what to recycle. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

Rinse Clean: All food and beverage containers (bottles, jars, cans, tubs) should be rinsed to remove food residue. This prevents contamination and keeps your bin clean.
Empty and Dry: Ensure containers are empty and as dry as possible.
Loose, Not Bagged: Place all accepted recyclables directly into your recycling cart. Never put recyclables in plastic bags, as these bags are contaminants and will send the entire bag’s contents to the landfill.
Flatten Cardboard: Break down cardboard boxes to save space in your cart. They must fit entirely within the cart with the lid closed.
Lids On/Off?: Policies vary. For Denver, it’s generally recommended to keep plastic caps and lids on plastic bottles/jars if they are clean and empty, but always check the latest Denver Waste Services guidelines for specific recommendations. Metal lids can often be recycled if placed inside a metal can.

Curbside Collection Day Logistics & Rules

To ensure your recycling is picked up efficiently, follow these collection day guidelines:

Placement Timing: Place your recycling cart at the curb or alley by 7:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Do not put it out the night before unless specifically permitted by local rules, to prevent litter or obstruction.
Cart Position: Position your cart with the wheels against the curb or alley, and the lid opening facing the street.
Clearance: Leave at least three feet of clearance around your cart. This means away from other carts, parked cars, mailboxes, utility poles, trees, or other obstacles that could hinder the automated collection arm.
Lid Closed: Ensure the lid of your recycling cart is fully closed. Overfilled carts with open lids may not be collected, and contents could spill.
Missed Collection: If your recycling was not collected on your scheduled day, and you followed all guidelines, contact Denver Waste Services promptly to report the missed pickup. There’s typically a window (e.g., 24-48 hours) to report this for a return pickup.

Troubleshooting Common Recycling Issues in Denver

Even with the best intentions, issues can arise. Here’s how to address some common problems:

Missed Pickup: If your cart was out on time, positioned correctly, and contained only accepted materials, report a missed collection to Denver Waste Services online or by phone. Check first if it’s a holiday week that shifted schedules.
Damaged Cart: For a damaged or broken recycling cart, contact Denver Waste Services for repair or replacement. There may be a fee for replacements due to negligence.
Overflowing Cart: If you consistently have more recyclables than your cart can hold, you might be able to request an additional cart (check for associated fees) or utilize Denver’s drop-off recycling centers for excess materials.
Unsure About an Item: If you’re not certain if an item is recyclable, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the trash. “When in doubt, throw it out” helps prevent contamination.

For specific questions or issues, Denver Waste Services is your primary contact.

How to Verify in Denver Today

To ensure you have the most current and accurate information for your Denver curbside recycling:

Check Your Address Online: Visit the official City and County of Denver Solid Waste Management website and use their “Lookup Your Collection Schedule” tool. Enter your specific residential address to confirm your recycling collection day and frequency.
Review Accepted Materials List: On the same official website, locate the most up-to-date list of accepted and non-accepted materials for Denver’s curbside recycling program. Pay close attention to any recent changes or specific local nuances.
Contact Denver 311 or Waste Services: If you have unique items or specific questions not covered online, call Denver 311 or the Solid Waste Management department directly. They can provide personalized guidance and confirm details for your specific situation.

Decision Checklist for Your Denver Recycling

Have I verified my specific address’s recycling schedule using the official Denver Waste Services tool?
Are all items placed in the recycling cart clean, dry, and loose (not in plastic bags)?
Have I excluded all non-accepted materials such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, or food waste?
Is my recycling cart positioned correctly at the curb with proper clearance by 7:00 AM on collection day?
Is the cart lid fully closed, and the cart not overflowing with recyclables?
Do I know the official contact information for Denver Waste Services if I have questions or issues?

Common Recycling Mistakes to Avoid in Denver

Placing recyclables inside plastic bags; bags are considered contaminants and can cause entire loads to be landfilled.
Including non-recyclable materials like food waste, electronics, textiles, or construction debris in the recycling cart.
Not checking the specific collection schedule for their address, leading to missed pickups or incorrect placement days.
Placing the recycling cart too close to mailboxes, cars, or other obstacles, preventing automated collection.
Leaving food residue or liquids in containers, which contaminates other recyclables and can lead to non-collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Recycling

Q: How often is curbside recycling collected in Denver?

A: Curbside recycling in Denver is typically collected once every two weeks. You can find your specific collection day using the official Denver Waste Services online lookup tool.

Q: Can I put plastic bags in my Denver recycling cart?

A: No, plastic bags are a major contaminant and should never be placed in your curbside recycling cart. They can jam sorting machinery. Many grocery stores offer drop-off programs for plastic film and bags.

Q: What if I have more recyclables than my cart can hold?

A: If you regularly have excess recyclables, you might be able to request an additional cart from Denver Waste Services (fees may apply). Alternatively, you can take excess materials to local recycling drop-off centers.

Q: What should I do if my recycling was missed?

A: First, ensure you followed all guidelines (cart out by 7 AM, correct items, proper placement). If so, report the missed collection to Denver Waste Services as soon as possible, typically within 24-48 hours, for a potential return pickup.

Q: Are pizza boxes recyclable in Denver?

A: Pizza boxes are recyclable if they are relatively clean and free of excessive grease and food residue. If the box is heavily soiled with grease or cheese, the soiled parts should be composted or put in the trash, and only the clean portions recycled.