CCCityCheck

What Day Is Trash Pickup in Denver, CO?

Updated November 2026

Quick Answer for Denver

  • Trash day: Wednesdays, collected by Denver Solid Waste Management
  • Recycling: biweekly on Wednesdays — no plastic bags, no styrofoam
  • Next holiday delay: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026)
  • Bulk pickup: request online — 1 free/year

Trash pickup in Denver is weekly on Wednesdays. Denver Solid Waste Management collects trash, recycling (biweekly on Wednesdays), and yard waste (spring through fall). Bins out by 7:00 AM.

Quick Facts

Trash Provider

Denver Solid Waste Management

Municipal service

Trash Pickup

Wednesdays (weekly)

Set out by 7:00 AM

Recycling Pickup

Wednesdays (biweekly)

14 materials accepted

Pickup Schedule

Trash Collection

Once per week

Wednesdays

Recycling Collection

Every other week

Wednesdays

Yard Waste

Seasonal (spring through fall)

Mondays

Schedules vary by neighborhood. Check with Denver Solid Waste Management for your exact pickup day.

Recycling Rules

Denver accepts 14 materials for curbside recycling. No plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.

Accepted

  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines & catalogs
  • Office paper & mail
  • Aluminum cans
  • Steel / tin cans

NOT Accepted

  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Plastic bags & film
  • Styrofoam (EPS)
  • Paper coffee cups
  • Batteries (household alkaline)
  • Electronics (e-waste)
Recycling rules for Denver

Bulk Pickup

How to Schedule

Request online

Free Pickups Per Year

1 free

1 free pickup per year, then $32+ per additional

Bulk pickup details for Denver

Holiday Pickup Schedule

Federal holidays delay trash pickup in Denver by one day. Next: Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026).

New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 19, 2026
Presidents' DayFebruary 16, 2026
Memorial DayMay 25, 2026
JuneteenthJune 19, 2026
Holiday schedule for Denver

Composting in Denver

Available

HB 22-1355 creates a phased approach to organics diversion. Large venues and grocery stores first; full mandate not yet in effect.

Hazardous Waste

Paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash in Denver.5 drop-off locations for household hazardous waste.

Hazardous waste drop-off in Denver

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is trash pickup in Denver?
Trash pickup in Denver, CO is weekly on Wednesdays. Set out your bins by 7:00 AM. Denver Solid Waste Management handles residential waste collection. Recycling is collected biweekly on Wednesdays.
Can I recycle pizza boxes in Denver?
Yes — Clean portions are recyclable. Greasy sections can go in compost where available, otherwise trash. Many programs now accept the whole box. In Denver, pizza boxes are accepted in curbside recycling.
How do I schedule bulk pickup in Denver?
To schedule bulk pickup in Denver, request online. You get 1 free pickups per year. Maximum 8 items per pickup.
Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Denver?
Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) affects trash pickup in Denver. Pickup on this day and the rest of the week delayed by one day. Check with Denver Solid Waste Management for your specific route. Most federal holidays delay pickup by one day for the rest of the week.
What goes in the recycling bin in Denver?
Denver accepts 14 types of materials for curbside recycling, including cardboard, paper, glass bottles (check locally), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic #1, #2, and #5 containers. Do NOT put plastic bags, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items in recycling. Rinse all containers before placing them in the bin.
Does Denver have composting?
Yes, Denver offers composting. Drop-off composting is available at designated locations.
What do I do if they missed my trash pickup in Denver?
If your trash was missed in Denver, first confirm it was your scheduled pickup day and that bins were out by 7:00 AM. Then call Denver Solid Waste Management at 311 (or your hauler's direct line) to report the miss. Most cities require you to report within 24 hours. Keep your bins at the curb until the makeup collection, which is typically within 1-2 business days.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Denver?
Denver has approximately 4 household hazardous waste drop-off locations. Items like paint, batteries, electronics, and motor oil cannot go in regular trash. Auto parts stores accept motor oil for free. Best Buy and Staples accept electronics. For everything else, use your city's HHW collection events or permanent facility.

Related Pages

More Denver Resources

Pickup schedules and rules are based on published municipal data. Schedules vary by neighborhood and route. Always confirm with Denver Solid Waste Management for your specific address. This page is for informational purposes only.