Aurora Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk 2026

⏰ Universal Set-Out Rules (All Aurora Haulers)

• Carts must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day (most haulers; confirm with yours as some require earlier).
• Trash must be in an approved, secure trash container. Loose, uncontained trash is not acceptable and is a city code violation.
• Trash containers must be stored out of view of the adjacent street — in the garage, backyard, or properly screened in the rear side yard — except on collection day.
• All garbage must be bagged inside the cart with the lid fully closed.
• No storage PODs or dumpsters on the public street. These may only be placed on private property (including driveways) via the city’s Temporary Use Permit program.

♻ Recycling: Weekly or Biweekly Depending on Hauler

Most major Aurora haulers offer single-sort curbside recycling. Frequency varies: some offer weekly recycling, others every other week. Recycling is generally included or available as an add-on with your trash service. Confirm with your hauler.

• Waste Connections: recycling every other week
• Mountain High Disposal: recycling every other week
• Waste Management and Republic Services: confirm directly (varies by plan)

🚗 Recycling Drop-Off — Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS)

For extra recycling loads or hard-to-recycle items, Aurora residents can use the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS), located inside Aurora:

• Address: 3500 S. Gun Club Road, Aurora, CO
• Hours: Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Fees apply for some hard-to-recycle items. Call 720-876-2650 or check the DADS website to confirm what is accepted and current rates.

🌿 Curbside Organics & Yard Waste Options

• Waste Management: Offers organics and yard waste recycling in select Aurora zip codes. Call 303-797-1600 to find out if your address qualifies.
• Wompost: Composting services available for select Aurora zip codes. Call 720-446-8948 or email for availability.
• Other haulers may include yard waste in your trash cart (bagged, depending on hauler rules).

🌱 Backyard Composting

Aurora encourages home composting as an alternative to curbside yard waste collection. Backyard composting turns food scraps and yard waste into rich soil amendment. The city provides resources and guidance at auroragov.org/organics.

🎄 Christmas Tree Collection 2026

Check with your specific hauler for Christmas tree collection policies. Most Aurora haulers collect live, undecorated trees at the curb during the first two weeks of January. Trees should be free of all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands before set-out. Alternatively, trees can be dropped off at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) at 3500 S. Gun Club Road.

🏞 City Neighborhood Cleanup Events — Free, 4 Times Per Year

The City of Aurora organizes free neighborhood cleanup events approximately four times per year, rotating through different neighborhoods. Residents can set out bulky items at the curb on scheduled cleanup dates at no cost. Events are free for residents on scheduled dates.

• Wait time for your neighborhood’s cleanup can be 2–10 weeks depending on schedule.
• Check the current cleanup schedule at auroragov.org/trash for your neighborhood’s next event date.

🚚 Private Hauler Bulk Pickup

Some Aurora haulers (Waste Connections, Waste Management, Republic Services) offer bulky item pickup through your regular service contract. Fees and availability vary. Check with your hauler whether bulk items can be scheduled, and what the cost and process are. Items may need to be scheduled in advance.

🚗 Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) — Self-Haul

Aurora residents can self-haul trash, yard waste, and oversized items to DADS at 3500 S. Gun Club Road. The facility charges approximately $55 per carload (confirm current rates when you call). Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Call 720-876-2650.

🌟 Free Paint Drop-Off — PaintCare Program

Unused paint can be returned for free through the PaintCare program at many retail locations where paint was purchased throughout Aurora. Visit paintcare.org for a complete list of drop-off locations near you. Call ahead to confirm hours and that the location is currently accepting paint.

💊 Free Medication Drop-Off

Unused or expired medications can be dropped off for free at the Aurora Police Department or other participating pharmacies throughout Aurora. These drop boxes accept prescription and over-the-counter medications year-round. Do not flush medications or put them in the trash.

📜 Key City Code Requirements

• Weekly service is mandatory. All homes in Aurora are required to have weekly trash service with a licensed hauler. Failure to maintain service is a code violation.
• Approved containers required. Trash must be kept in an approved, secure trash container. Many haulers provide carts for a small fee.
• Containers must be stored out of street view. Trash and recycling containers must be stored in the garage, backyard, or properly screened in the rear side yard, except on collection day.
• No PODs or dumpsters on the street. Storage pods and dumpsters are not allowed on the public street. Use the city’s Temporary Use Permit program for private property placement.
• No yard waste in the street. It is a city code violation to blow or sweep leaves, grass clippings, or weeds into the street, sidewalk, gutter, or alley.
• Trash must be removed weekly. Each household is responsible for removing trash, litter, and garbage from its property on a weekly basis.

📞 Major Hauler Customer Service Numbers

• Waste Management: 303-797-1600
• Republic Services: 844-737-8254
• Waste Connections (Denver): Check wasteconnections.com/denver
• Mountain High Disposal: Check mountainhighdisposal.com/aurora

🏠 New to Aurora or Just Moved In?

Aurora requires all homes to have weekly trash service. If your HOA hasn’t arranged service, you need to sign up with a licensed hauler before moving in. Check auroragov.org/trash for the current list of licensed haulers and call a few to compare rates and days available in your neighborhood. For HHW disposal, call 1-800-449-7587 to schedule the At Your Door pickup for $10.

🚫 5 Common Mistakes Aurora Residents Make

• Leaving trash containers visible from the street except on collection day — this is a code violation
• Putting electronics in the trash — illegal in Colorado; use the e-cycle events at Pedal Point
• Assuming there is a city bulky item program — Aurora doesn’t have one; use neighborhood cleanup events, your hauler, or DADS
• Putting plastic bags in the recycling cart — they jam sorting machinery; take to grocery store drop-off instead
• Blowing or sweeping leaves into the street — this is a city code violation; bag and set at curb or compost

📦 DADS — Your Self-Haul Option

The Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) at 3500 S. Gun Club Road in Aurora is a convenient self-haul option for large loads, hard-to-recycle items, and bulky items that won’t fit in your regular cart. It is open Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–8:30 p.m. and Sat 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Fees vary by load. Call 720-876-2650.