Navigating Trash and Recycling Pickup in Boulder, Colorado

Knowing your local trash and recycling schedule is key to keeping your neighborhood clean and reducing waste. This article will explain trash and recycling collection in Boulder, Colorado so you never miss a pickup day.

Overview of Trash and Recycling in Boulder

The City of Boulder provides municipal trash service to residents while contracting with private haulers for recycling collection. The major private haulers serving Boulder include:

• Western Disposal
• Republic Services
• Waste Connections

Most single-family homes have city-provided trash carts picked up 1-2 times per week. Recycling is collected every other week by your designated private hauler. The city aims to maximize recycling and composting to reach its zero waste goals.

Finding Your Trash and Recycling Schedule

Trash:

• Boulder residents can find their municipal trash pickup schedule using the collection day lookup tool on the city’s website. Just enter your address.

• The city also provides a trash collection map and schedule overview on their website.

Recycling and Compost:

• Your recycling and compost (where available) schedule depends on your private hauler.

• Haulers like Western Disposal offer online scheduling tools. Enter your address to see customized pickup dates.

• Check your welcome packet from your hauler or call their customer service line for assistance.

Trash and Recycling Pickup Process

Trash:

• The city provides wheeled carts in 32, 64 or 96-gallon sizes. Place your cart at the curb by 7am on pickup days.

• Extra trash must have prepaid bag stickers attached. Stickers can be purchased at local grocery stores.

• Review weight limits listed on your cart to avoid overweight fees.

Recycling and Compost:

• Use your hauler-provided carts for recycling and compost (where available). Do not put materials in plastic bags.

• Place extras in cardboard boxes, paper bags or labeled cans beside carts.

• Have bulky items like textiles and scrap metal scheduled for pickup by your hauler. Fees may apply.

Holiday Schedule Changes

• Major holidays will delay trash, recycling and compost pickup by one day.

• Your hauler will communicate major schedule changes via email, phone or their website.

Missed Pickups

• Report missed trash pickups to the City of Boulder.

• For recycling or compost issues, contact your private hauler directly.

Special Waste Disposal

Boulder offers various options for disposing of or recycling household hazardous waste, electronics, and other specialty items.

• The Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials accepts household hazardous waste, electronics, textiles, and other tricky materials.

• Use the A-Z Recycling Guide to see where to properly dispose of any item.

• Review the Hazardous Materials Management website for disposal events, guidelines, and more recycling resources.

Going Zero Waste

Boulder is committed to reaching zero waste. You can reduce your environmental impact by:

• Recycling and composting as much as possible. Use the Waste Wizard to see what’s recyclable.

• Bringing reusable bags when shopping and using reusable containers.

• Choosing products with minimal, recyclable packaging.

• Donating or selling any unwanted items in good condition.

• Composting food scraps and yard waste at home if possible. The city offers composting workshops and rebates on compost bins.

By understanding your collection schedule, recycling properly, and reducing waste, you can help Boulder progress its sustainability efforts. Contact the city’s Zero Waste Team if you have any other questions!