Understanding the Thornton Trash Schedule

Living in Thornton, Colorado? Wondering when your trash and recycling will be picked up each week? This guide provides everything you need to know about the Thornton trash and recycling schedule.

How Trash and Recycling Collection Works in Thornton

The City of Thornton provides trash and recycling collection services to over 32,000 homes. Here’s an overview of how it works:

• Trash collection occurs weekly on a designated day depending on your address.

• Recycling collection occurs every other week on a designated day depending on your address.

• Collection services are provided by the city’s Environmental Services Team.

• Services are funded through user fees – the current monthly fee is $13.50 which appears on your city utility bill.

• The $13.50 fee includes weekly trash collection and bi-weekly recycling collection, and is for one 96-gallon trash cart.

• Extra trash cart fees:

  • 2 carts – $16/month

  • 3 carts – $25.20/month

  • 4 carts – $34.40/month

• You must use city-provided trash and recycling carts.

• Cart lids must be closed and items cannot stick out above the rim.

Finding Your Trash and Recycling Collection Day

Your collection day depends on where you live in Thornton. There are a few ways to find your scheduled pickup day:

• Check the online lookup tool – Enter your address on the Trash & Recycling Calendar page to view your scheduled collection days.

• Reference the collection map – Maps are provided on the city’s website showing different collection zones throughout the city. Find the map for your area and match your street to the color-coded collection day.

• Call the city – You can call Environmental Services at 720-977-6200 for assistance.

• Check your bill – Your utility bill lists the day of the week for trash and recycling pickup.

• Download the Recycles app – The city provides a mobile app called City of Thornton Recycles where you can set calendar reminders and alerts for collection days.

Trash Collection Schedule and Guidelines

Here are some key things to know about when regular trash is collected in Thornton:

• Trash collection occurs once per week on your scheduled day.

• Pickup can occur anytime from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on collection day.

• Carts must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.

• Trash should be bagged inside carts. Do not overfill. Lids must be closed.

• No trash should be placed outside carts. Any extra trash found will not be collected.

• Cart wheels should face the house. Place cart at least 1 ft away from other objects.

• Do not place carts in the street. Carts should be on the curb or driveway apron.

• Empty carts should be removed from curbside by the next day after pickup.

• On holidays, pickup is delayed by 1 day. See the holiday collection schedule.

Recycling Collection Schedule and Guidelines

Recycling is collected every other week on your scheduled day. Here are some key recycling guidelines:

• Recycling pickup occurs once every 2 weeks. Check the online calendar for your recycling weeks.

• Collection can occur anytime from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on your scheduled day.

• Carts must be curbside by 7 a.m.

• Do not bag recyclables – place loose in bin. Cardboard can be bundled or bagged.

• Plastic bags, foam, and plastic wrap are not accepted. Bag recyclables at local grocery stores.

• Cart lid should be closed. Do not overfill.

• No extra recycling should be placed outside carts. It will not be collected.

• Follow all the same cart placement guidelines as trash collection.

• On holidays, pickup is delayed by 1 day. See holiday collection schedule.

Holiday Collection Schedule

On the following holidays, collection is delayed by 1 day all week:

• Memorial Day (May 29, 2023)
• Independence Day (July 4, 2023)
• Labor Day (September 4, 2023)
• Thanksgiving (November 23, 2023)
• Christmas Day (December 25, 2023)

So if your normal pickup is Monday, it moves to Tuesday. Friday moves to Saturday.

Large Item and Extra Waste Collection

For large items like furniture and appliances that don’t fit in your trash cart, Thornton offers a couple options:

• Click and Haul Service – This is an appointment-based pickup service for large items and extra trash. Fees start at $65 for up to 6 cubic yards (about two pickup trucks full). Schedule Click and Haul online.

• Landfill Drop-off Days – Twice per year, Thornton residents can take large items and extra waste to a contracted landfill for free drop-off. View the landfill day schedule.

• Carpenter and Trail Winds Parks – Drop-off trash, recycling, branches, scrap metal, and compost for free at either park. Thornton residents only.

Hazardous and Electronic Waste Disposal

Thornton has special guidelines for properly disposing of hazardous materials and e-waste:

• Household hazardous waste – Includes chemicals, oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, etc. Drop these items off on scheduled days at Adams County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

• Electronic waste -Includes computers, TVs, phones, DVD players, etc. Drop these items off on scheduled days at Adams County E-Waste Recycling.

• Sharps/needles – Place used sharps in sealed rigid containers labeled “sharps” and place in trash.

• Prescription drugs – Drop off at designated Rx take-back boxes at police stations. Do not flush or place in trash.

View the full guidelines for hazardous and electronic waste disposal.

Yard Waste and Composting

Thornton offers a few options for yard waste and food scraps:

• Compost cart – Sign up for a paid compost collection cart ($6.50/month). Food and yard waste is picked up weekly.

• Drop-off events – Branches, leaves, compost, and other yard waste can be dropped off on scheduled weekends at the Infrastructure Maintenance Center. For Thornton residents only.

• Carpenter Park and Trail Winds Park – Drop off branches, leaves, grass clippings, and other compost items. Thornton residents only.

Thornton also encourages backyard composting. Learn more about composting programs.

Key Contacts for Trash and Recycling

• Environmental Services Office – 720-977-6200, [email protected]

• Click and Haul Service Appointments – Schedule Online or 720-977-6200

• Utility Billing – 720-977-6800, [email protected]

• Infrastructure Maintenance Center – 720-977-6500 (branches/compost drop-off info)

• Adams County Hazardous Waste – 720-523-6800

• Adams County E-Waste Recycling – 720-523-6850

This covers the key details you need to know about trash and recycling collection in Thornton, Colorado. Be sure to reference the city’s website for the most up to date schedule and collection maps. Reach out to Environmental Services with any other questions!