Denver's Recycling Mission: Your Apartment's Guide to Success

May 7, 2024
denver recycling rules

Recycle, Compost, Trash: Collection Schedules

If your trash or recycling collection wasn't completed on your scheduled day, please leave carts out for crews to collect before the end of the week. Crews are tracking routes that need to be completed.

Denver, the Mile High City, is known for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant urban lifestyle balanced with an eco-conscious outlook.  Recycling plays a critical role in Denver's sustainability goals, and apartment communities are crucial to the city's success. Let's dive into how your apartment complex can be part of Denver's waste reduction mission.

Recycling Rules in Denver: The Essentials for Apartments

  • Participation is a Must: Denver mandates recycling services for all multi-family residences. It's not just a good idea; it's the law!
  • Knowing What's Recyclable: Denver's program accepts:
  • Paper and flattened cardboard
  • Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (#1, #2, #4, and #5)
  • Metal cans (steel, aluminum)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Cartons (like milk or broth cartons)
  • Keep it Clean: Items contaminated with food or items like plastic bags must go in regular trash. Emphasizing this with your residents is crucial.

How to Make Recycling Easy in Your Denver Apartment Community

  1. Collection Options:  Denver offers recycling pickup for buildings with fewer than 8 units. Larger complexes will need to partner with a private hauler specializing in apartment properties. The city can help guide you: [invalid URL removed]
  2. Bin Placement is Key:  Ensure recycling bins are just as visible and accessible as trash bins throughout your property.
  3. Communication and Education:  Provide clear guides (with visuals!) to residents. Include recycling info in welcome packets, newsletters, or community events. The City of Denver offers resources.
  4. Stay Up-To-Date: For any updates or changes to Denver's recycling programs, bookmark the Waste Reduction and Recycling website: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Recycle-Compost-Trash/Recycle

Why Does Recycling Matter in Denver?

  • Landfill Limits: Recycling helps extend the lifespan of landfills, a vital concern in a growing city.
  • Protecting Our Playground: Denverites treasure their access to nature. Recycling helps keep our mountains and waterways pristine.
  • Community Pride: Organized and effective recycling programs foster a sense of environmental responsibility among residents.
  • Attracting Conscious Renters: Sustainable practices are increasingly important to renters, making your community stand out.

Additional Resources

Let's Keep Denver Green – Together!

Complying with the city's ordinances and empowering your residents to recycle effectively means your apartment is taking a leading role in making Denver a more sustainable city.

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Helpful Resources