Centennial City Ordinances: Compost Plastics & Pesticides

Environmental Protection Colorado 4 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Centennial, Colorado regulates materials in municipal organics and controls certain pesticide uses through local enforcement and state authorities. This article summarizes how Centennial addresses compostable plastics and pesticide limits, who enforces the rules, typical compliance steps, and what residents and businesses should do to avoid violations. Where specific amounts or procedures are not published on an official Centennial source, this article notes that fact and points to the controlling municipal code and city contact for complaints and questions.[1][2]

What the rules cover

Local rules typically distinguish between: (1) materials accepted in city-run or contracted organics/composting programs, including bans on certain plastics labeled compostable but not accepted by the local processor; and (2) restrictions on pesticide application within city property or on licensed activities. Exact program details depend on the City of Centennial contracts and the municipal code.

Check your hauler's organics guide before placing items in curbside composting.

Composting plastics - scope and typical requirements

Centennial's organics program acceptance is governed by the city's service contracts and the municipal code definitions of prohibited materials. Many municipal programs do not accept compostable plastics marked "compostable" unless the local processor certifies they can handle them. Where the municipal code or program guidance is silent, processors' rules govern collection acceptance.

  • Items often rejected: rigid plastics, plastic bags, and compostable plastics not certified for the local facility.
  • Labeling: rely on processor acceptance lists rather than generic "compostable" labels.
  • Questions about collection rules: contact the city's solid waste or public works office.[2]

Pesticide limits - scope and typical requirements

Pesticide limits in Centennial may be defined by municipal restrictions on applications on city-owned land, licensing requirements for commercial applicators, and state pesticide laws that apply within city limits. For municipal-specific prohibitions or permitted uses, consult the municipal code and the departments listed in Help and Support. If a specific local numeric limit or prohibition is not shown on the municipal code page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement authority: Code enforcement and the City of Centennial's Community Development or Public Works departments typically manage compliance for local bylaws, with city staff authorized to investigate complaints and issue remedies. For legal code text and ordinance sections, consult the municipal code cited below.[1]

  • Monetary fines: specific fine amounts for composting contamination or unlawful pesticide applications are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the municipal code for any listed amounts or schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: the municipal code may provide for initial warnings, civil fines, and continuing daily fines for ongoing violations; where not listed, escalation details are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease activity, removal or remediation orders, seizure or removal of prohibited materials, and referral to court may be used by the city as authorized by ordinance; specific remedies and procedures are in the municipal code.[1]
  • Inspection and complaints: residents can file complaints with the city's code enforcement or public works office; use the official city contact page for submission and follow-up.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits for contesting fines or orders follow procedures in the municipal code; if time limits are not posted on the cited page, they are not specified on that page.[1]
  • Defences and discretion: common defences include lack of knowledge, permits or variances, and demonstrable compliance efforts; availability of these defenses depends on ordinance language and discretion described in the code.[1]

Applications & Forms

No specific application form for exemptions to composting or pesticide rules is published on the cited municipal code page; when forms exist they are usually available from the city's permitting or code enforcement office. For forms and submission instructions, contact the city portal listed in Resources.[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Placing non-accepted plastics into organics collection - typical outcome: warning or requirement to remove contamination; fines if repeated or severe.
  • Applying restricted pesticides on city property without authorization - typical outcome: cease-and-desist, remediation order, and possible fines.
  • Commercial applicator operating without required local permits - typical outcome: administrative penalties and permit requirements.

FAQ

Can I put compostable plastic bags in my curbside organics bin?
Only if the city or the contracted composting processor explicitly accepts that specific material; check your hauler's accepted-items list or contact the city's public works office.[2]
Who enforces pesticide rules inside Centennial?
Local enforcement is handled by city departments for municipal property and by state agencies for licensed pesticide activities; consult both the municipal code and state pesticide program for jurisdictional details.[1]
What should I do if I find illegal dumping of plastics into organics?
Report to the city's code enforcement or public works complaint portal and preserve evidence such as photos and dates; use the official contact link in Resources.

How-To

Steps to comply and resolve common issues.

  1. Confirm acceptance: check your hauler's organics list or the city's guidance for accepted materials.
  2. Document: take photos of labels and materials if you believe a product is improperly marked or causes contamination.
  3. Report: use the city's official complaint/contact page to submit a report with evidence and your contact details.[2]
  4. Appeal or request review: follow municipal code appeal procedures if you receive an enforcement action; check the code for time limits and formats.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Verify local acceptance rules before placing items in organics collection.
  • Enforcement may include warnings, remediation orders, and fines; specific amounts may not be published on the municipal code page.
  • Use the city's official contact channels for complaints, forms, and questions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Centennial municipal code (ordinances)
  2. [2] City of Centennial - official site and contact

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