Colorado Springs Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk 2026

📝 What This Means for You

• You choose your hauler. New residents must sign up with a private hauler of their choice. Service does not start automatically. Contact a hauler directly to set up service.
• Your collection day is set by your hauler. Most haulers assign a collection day based on your address and route. Ask your hauler what day they collect on your street.
• Recycling schedules vary. Most major haulers offer bi-weekly (every other week) single-stream recycling as an add-on or included service. Some offer weekly recycling. Ask your hauler.
• Holiday policies differ by hauler. Each hauler has its own observed holidays and delay policy. See the Holiday Schedule section below for details on the major providers.
• Billing is typically quarterly. Most haulers bill every three months in advance. Rates vary by cart size and service level.
• Carts are provided by the hauler. When you start service, your hauler delivers a cart (usually 96 gallons for trash). Keep it accessible and return it if you switch providers.

⏰ Standard Set-Out Rules (Most Haulers)

• Place carts at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day (some haulers specify 6 a.m.; check your provider).
• Set out the evening before is generally allowed; confirm with your hauler.
• Cart lids must be fully closed. Overfilled carts may be left uncollected.
• Carts must be placed at least 3 feet from vehicles, mailboxes, and obstructions.
• All trash should be bagged inside the cart.
• Bring carts back in after collection. Do not leave carts at the curb overnight after service.

♻ Republic Services Recycling Drop-Off Center

Republic Services operates a single-stream recycling drop-off center in Colorado Springs for residents who want to drop off recyclables outside of curbside service:

• Address: 545 Air Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80929
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. • Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Phone: (719) 719-7605 (pricing per car load for large vehicles/trailers)
• No plastic bags accepted.

🌿 Yard Waste Options

• Most major haulers (Republic Services, Waste Connections, WM) offer seasonal yard waste collection — typically March through November — as part of service or as an optional add-on. Confirm availability with your specific hauler.
• Yard waste is typically collected in a separate cart or in paper yard waste bags, on the same day as trash and recycling.
• Most haulers do not accept yard waste in the regular trash cart (branches and large volumes in particular). Bundle brush and cut to manageable lengths (typically 4 feet or less).
• Composting at home is encouraged. Backyard composting is a practical option for food scraps in Colorado’s dry climate.
• The El Paso County HHW Facility (3255 Akers Dr.) accepts household recyclables including cardboard on Wednesdays and select Saturdays — not yard waste, but useful for overflow recycling materials.

🎄 Christmas Tree Disposal

Christmas tree disposal options in Colorado Springs include placing the tree in your yard waste cart (cut to fit), scheduling a special pickup with your hauler, or taking it to a mulching/composting drop-off. Many haulers temporarily accept full trees at the curb in early January — contact your specific provider for their policy. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands before any disposal option.

🚙 Option 1 — Contact Your Hauler

Most major haulers in Colorado Springs offer scheduled bulky item pickup for an additional fee. Contact your specific hauler to ask about their policy, available items, scheduling lead time (typically 24–48 hours), and cost per item. Expect fees of $25–$75+ per large item. Do not place bulk items at the curb without scheduling ahead — they will not be picked up automatically with regular service.

📦 Option 2 — El Paso County Clean Sweep Events

The El Paso County Clean Sweep program holds periodic free events for El Paso and Teller County residents to dispose of tires, mattresses, and large TVs/computer monitors. These events require registration in advance. Check communityresources.elpasoco.com for upcoming Clean Sweep event dates and registration.

• Electronics (any size TV or computer monitor) — limit 3 per vehicle
• Tires, mattresses (registration required)
• Free for El Paso and Teller County residents only. No business waste.

🏭 Option 3 — Self-Haul to Transfer Station or Landfill

Colorado Springs area residents can self-haul large items to local transfer stations or landfills for a fee. Important: Colorado state law requires all loads at landfills to be covered or secured — uncovered loads are charged double the normal rate. Always cover or tarp your load before driving to a disposal facility.

🏠 New to Colorado Springs?

Trash service does not start automatically when you move in. You must contact a private hauler and sign up for service. Ask neighbors which hauler serves your street — most streets have a dominant provider, which means fewer trucks per week and lower road wear. All major haulers offer online sign-up. Billing is typically quarterly, paid in advance.

🐘 Bear-Smart Waste Storage

Colorado Springs borders bear habitat, and wildlife encounters with unsecured trash are common particularly in west-side and foothill neighborhoods. Best practices: do not put carts out the night before in high-activity bear areas; use a wildlife-resistant or bear-proof cart if available from your hauler; keep lids fully latched at all times; never leave food scraps loose in or around your cart. SOCO Waste and some other providers offer bear-resistant carts. Check with your hauler for availability.

❄ Winter Weather & Wind Delays

Colorado Springs experiences significant snowstorms and high-wind events that regularly delay collection. Haulers typically notify customers via email or app when delays are expected. Secure cart lids before windstorms — open or overflowing carts create litter problems and may not be collected. After a heavy snowstorm, clear snow away from your cart and the path to the curb to help collection crews.

🚫 5 Common Mistakes Colorado Springs Residents Make

• Assuming the city handles trash — there is no city collection service; you must have a private hauler
• Placing bulk items at the curb without scheduling a pickup — haulers will not take them without prior arrangement
• Putting plastic bags in the recycling cart — they jam sorting equipment at every hauler
• Not signing up for holiday delay notifications — each hauler communicates delays differently
• Leaving carts out unsecured in bear areas — always fully latch lids