Aurora Recycling Rules - Curbside Sorting Guide
Aurora, Colorado residents must follow local recycling and curbside sorting rules to ensure proper diversion of materials and avoid collection delays. This guide summarizes what belongs in single-stream or cart-based recycling, how to prepare common items, collection basics, and the local enforcement framework so you can comply and report problems.
What belongs in curbside recycling
Most curbside programs accept common residential recyclables, but exact lists vary by contract and collector. Commonly accepted items include paper, cardboard, rigid plastic containers, glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. Remove food residue, empty liquids, and collapse boxes to save space. Check your cart labeling before placing items out for collection. [1]
- Paper and cardboard: flatten boxes, keep dry.
- Plastic bottles and containers: rinse and discard caps if required by your program.
- Metal cans: rinse, labels may remain.
- Glass bottles and jars: rinse and remove lids when asked by the collector.
- Do not place plastic bags, hoses, textiles, or electronics in curbside carts unless specifically accepted.
How to prepare materials for collection
Prepare recyclables to reduce contamination: empty and rinse containers, remove large food scraps, keep materials dry and loose (not bagged) unless your collector instructs otherwise. Break down large boxes to save space in the cart.
- Set carts at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day unless your service specifies a different time.
- Place carts with wheels facing your home and lids closed.
- Avoid overfilling carts; excess loose material may be left behind.
Collection service, carts, and schedules
Collection schedules and cart sizes depend on your service area and contract; the City of Aurora provides resident guidance and collection notices through its solid waste pages and contractor communications. Contact your service provider or the city for schedule changes, bulk pickup, and special collection requests. [1]
- Report missed pickups or request new carts via the city's solid waste service contact options.
- Large-item or bulky waste programs may require an appointment or fee.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of waste and recycling rules is administered by the City of Aurora through its Public Works and Code Enforcement units or through contract provisions with the city's waste hauler. Specific monetary penalties and escalation policies are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the municipal code for governing language and enforcement authority. [2]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement can include orders to correct, removal of improperly placed materials, and referral to municipal court as provided in municipal rules or contractor terms.
- Enforcer & complaints: City of Aurora Public Works and Code Enforcement (see Help and Support links).
- Appeals: appeal or review routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or contact Code Enforcement for procedures.
Applications & Forms
No specific resident application or permit is required to use curbside recycling under typical residential service; there is no resident-facing form published on the cited municipal pages for curbside recycling enrollment. For special collections or bulk-item pickup, the city or contractor may publish request forms or online service requests on their service pages. [2]
Common violations
- Placing prohibited items in the recycling cart (plastic bags, electronics).
- Leaving carts in the street after collection day or blocking sidewalks.
- Dumping or commercial-scale disposal in residential bins without authorization.
FAQ
- What if I am unsure whether an item is recyclable?
- When unsure, check your cart label and the city's recycling guidance before placing the item in the cart; if still uncertain, set the item aside for special collection or disposal.
- Can I use plastic bags to contain recyclables?
- Do not bag recyclables unless your program explicitly allows plastic bags; bags often cause contamination and processing problems.
- How do I report missed pickup or illegal dumping?
- Report missed pickups and illegal dumping through the city solid waste contact channels or the contractor's resident services links listed below in Help and Support / Resources.
How-To
- Identify accepted items: consult your cart label or the city's recycling guidance.
- Prepare items: empty, rinse, and collapse containers and boxes; keep materials dry.
- Place your cart at the curb by the required time with wheels facing your property.
- Report service issues: contact the city's solid waste services or use the online request portal.
Key Takeaways
- Know your cart labels and local accepted-material list to avoid contamination.
- Rinse and dry recyclables, and do not use plastic bags unless allowed.
- Contact city solid waste or code enforcement to report missed pickups or violations.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Aurora - Garbage & Recycling
- Aurora Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
- City of Aurora Public Works
- Aurora Code Enforcement