Denver Recycling Guide and Drop Off Locations

Denver makes a significant impact on preventing needless waste. In fact, as stated in their 2019 annual report, Denver Recycles can divert up to 54,169 tons of materials from landfills in a single year. Though we continue to make our way toward a more sustainable future, there are still some very easy steps we as citizens of Denver can take with our recycling habits to help tackle an industry-wide problem that's been wreaking havoc on recycling facilities and the vital process of managing waste.

Tackling the Trash Problem In Denver Recycling Facilities

Everything from contaminated recyclables and broken glass, to flammable containers, jammed-up or broken down equipment, and unsanitary working conditions... Denver's recycling facilities are facing some great challenges as they deal with inappropriately discarded waste. Let's pitch in with some convenient guidelines to keep non-recyclable trash from ending up in recycling bins.

What Can Be Recycled In Denver Colorado?

You might actually be surprised by what DOES NOT belong in your Denver recycling cart. Yeah, you're probably aware that you can't ditch that old can of gasoline or motor oil along with your newspaper and seltzer cans, but did you know that you CAN NOT recycle such things as shredded paper, foil lids from yogurt containers, or tissue paper?

What CAN Be Recycled in Denver:

• Steel and aluminum cans
• Glass jars and glass bottles
• Plastic bottles
• Paper cups
• Aerosol Cans

Must be empty and clean from food or debris

• Flattened cardboard
• Food Boxes Flattened
• Paper towel tubes
• Pizza boxes

Must be flattened and free of food, grease, or debris

• Food and beverage cartons
• Newspaper
• Magazines
• Mixed paper

Must be empty

What CAN NOT Be Recycled in Denver:

• Plastic bags or garbage bags
• Scrap metal - bulky metals, cookware, or hangers
• Tanglers such as cords, hoses, or chains
• Regular garbage
• Yard waste or compost
• Food, so clean any recyclables of food waste
• Candy or food wrappers
• Cassettes, DVD's, CD's or plastic cases
• Containers larger than 3 gallons
• Plastic tubes such as toothpaste or hair gel tubes
• Potato chip bags
• Juice pouches
• K-cups or individual coffee creamers
• Paper towels, tissue paper, or napkins
• Styrofoam or packing peanuts
• Flower Pots
• Shrink Wrap
• Bubble envelopes
• Electronics or light bulbs
• Glassware or vases
• Window glass
• Ceramics
• Plastic buckets
• Hazardous materials such as batteries, motor oil, cleaning products, chemicals, - pesticides, and gasoline

Also NOT Accepted are:

• plastic containers marked as Compostable or PLA
• foil coated cardboard
• waxed cardboard
• shredded paper
• foil bags
• or foil yogurt lids

Drop Off Locations for Recycling and Non-Recyclable Materials

Got recyclables or other materials that need to be disposed of properly? Denver has many resources and locations to get rid of just about everything in the appropriate manner. Here is some very useful info categorized by type of material.

Please note that you may need to contact your location in advance of drop-off for accepted materials and accommodations.

Drop-Off Locations for Recycling, Compost, and Electronics

Taking all items normally accepted in their pick-up service, Denver's Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off provides a convenient and NO-COST way for Denver residents to keep extra recyclables out of the landfill and to compost yard debris, food scraps, and non-recyclable paper.

Hazardous Waste Collection:

For details on how to properly dispose of hazardous materials such as fluorescent bulbs, corrosive chemicals, paint, and motor oil, consult the household hazardous waste section of the City of Denver website.

Need a dumpster? Looking to get rid of a lot of junk in the Denver area?

Contact Sam's Hauling today!