Residential Collection Services

Trash and Recycling Collection Guidelines

• Trash containers/dumpsters are either green or black, recycling containers/dumpsters are blue.
• Set your trash or recycling container between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on collection day. If your container is not out by 8 a.m. you may miss service.
• Allow 4 feet of clearance on all sides of your container. Obstructions such as cars, fences, poles, overflow trash, recycling containers, and other items can prevent the automated trucks from emptying your container.
• Set your container in the street with the wheels and lid hinge pointing to the curb and the front facing the street. The automated trucks cannot service containers that are set out backwards.
• Be sure to bag and secure your trash prior to placing it in the trash container, but DO NOT bag recyclable materials in the recycling container. Plastic bags are not recyclable and interfere with the collection and sorting process.
• Make sure you know what can and cannot be recycled, see the Single Stream Guidelines (PDF) for more information or use the “What Goes Where?” Wizard tool to find out how to dispose of almost anything! To request new recycling guidelines stickers for your recycling container, call (970) 375-5004.
• DO NOT place glass, plastic bags, Styrofoam®, food waste, or trash in your blue single stream recycling container. This could result in your entire container becoming contaminated and your account being charged a contamination fee.
• If you have a manual wildlife-resistant container (containers with two metal clasps over the lid), be sure to unlock it the morning of collection. Automated containers (containers with plastic dials and latches) do not need to be unlocked.
• Keep the lid on your trash container fully closed. Overfilled containers with a lid that won't close may be subject to overfill charge.
• Material in your container should be loose enough for to come out when tipped during servicing.
• Remember trash and recycling containers must be removed from the public right-of-way by 8 p.m. on the day of collection. Please return your trash can to your property on non-collection days and store it out of public view.
• If you missed your regular trash collection day, you can request a special pick up by calling (970) 375-5004.
• DO NOT dump electronics or household hazardous waste in your trash or recycling. Putting these materials in your trash and recycling is a violation of City of Durango code and Colorado state law. The City offers many options for proper disposal of various items:
  • Spring and Fall Cleanup for yard waste and large, bulky items
  • Electronics and battery drop-off service at the Durango Recycle Center.
  • Household hazardous waste collection events