Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What services are included in the City’s waste & recycling program?

• Weekly trash collection. There are three cart sizes to suit your needs.
• Biweekly recycling collection with a 95 gallon cart. You may add additional recycle carts for an additional charge.
• Drop off events, including bulky item, leaf recycling and yard waste events for all Arvada residents who participate in the program at any level, including minimum service level.
• On-demand curbside bulky item pick up for $15.53 per item for households who select Service Level 1, 2 or 3.
• Door-to-curb services for physically impaired residents on request.

Services are monthly but billed as a part of your bi-monthly water and trash bill. Call 720-898-7575 to request new service or change your current service level.

2. Are there start up fees or additional fees?

No, there are no startup, administrative or fuel fees for residents joining the program. The service level fees published are what you will pay for your selected service level. The fees listed are monthly. They will appear on your bi-monthly City of Arvada utility bill. You may change your service level once per year for no additional fee.

Additional services (such as on-demand curbside bulky item pick up, additional waste or recycling carts and bag tags for extra bags of trash) are available for additional fees should you choose to use them. 

3. How do I purchase bag tags for additional bags that don't fit in my cart?

There are two options available: 

1. Purchase extra “bag tags” for $3.62 each for any bags that do not fit into your waste cart. You can purchase bag tags at City Hall (8101 Ralston Road) or call 720-898-7070 for more information.

   *Please bring the exact amount in cash or pay by check. Change cannot be provided. 

2. Add an additional waste cart to your plan. If you choose Service Level 3 (95 gallon waste cart), you can add additional carts for less than $5. It may be less expensive to have an extra cart. 95 gallon carts hold 7 to 8 tall kitchen bags.

Residents are also encouraged to consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn for healthier grass. Leaves can also be mulched and left on the lawn.

4. How do I change cart sizes or add an additional cart?

Residents can change their service level (bigger or smaller carts) once per year for free. Additional service level changes in a one year period will incur a $15 fee for cart delivery. Additional carts can be added to your current service level for a small additional cost. Current costs are available on the Trash & Recycling page. 

Please call Republic at 720-898-7575 to coordinate either changes or additional carts.

5. If I join the City’s program and I don’t like it, can I switch to minimum service?

The City’s waste hauling contract includes a 99.9% service guarantee and penalties for poor service or non-compliance. Our aim is to provide residents of Arvada with high-quality, worry-free waste and recycling collection service. But, if the program turns out to not suit your household, you may change to the minimum service level and pay the associated monthly fee.

You can change service levels once per year at no additional charge.

6. Am I required to recycle?

The organized waste hauling ordinance calls for all eligible households to have access to curbside recycling. That means having a recycling cart is an important part of the program and a recycling cart will be provided to all households. Other haulers are likewise now required to provide customers with recycling carts. 

Customer Service staff are available to assist you in learning how to recycle. No one will be forced to place their recycle cart out for collection.

7. Does the City provide alley pick up when a house backs to an alley?

Yes, the City’s program provides alley service. To verify alley pick up at your exact address, please contact the Customer Service Line at 720-898-7575.

8. I sold my house and am moving out. What do I need to do to end my waste and recycling service?

The City will handle trash service the same way they currently transfer water service when a house is sold. Leave the carts at the property. Provide information to your title company when they request it. Once the new owner takes possession, they can change their service level by calling the Customer Service Line for Arvada at 720-898-7575.

9. Do I have to pay the Minimum Service fee if I do not intend to use the service?

Residents who choose to hire their own hauler receive benefits from the City’s waste hauling program such as access to yearly bulky item and fall leaf drop off events.

They also benefit from reduced truck traffic in their neighborhoods, which will reduce wear and tear on the roads as well as reduce noise and air pollution. This is a community program that offers benefits for the entire community. The City worked hard to negotiate a lower minimum service rate for residents that choose to hire a different hauler. Other cities have higher minimum service rates.

10. How much of the Minimum Service fee goes to the City?

Any single-family residence or multi-family residence (containing seven or fewer units) without a Homeowners Association (HOA) that chooses Minimum Service will pay $5.28 per month. From that fee, $4.40 goes to Republic as per contract and $0.88 goes to the City of Arvada.

Any single-family residence or multi-family residence (containing seven or fewer units), that are within a Homeowners Association without a current waste hauling contract, and choose not to join the City’s waste hauling program, will be billed a minimum service fee of $5.28 per month. From that fee, $4.40 goes to Republic as per contract and $0.88 goes to the City of Arvada.

Any single-family residence or multi-family residence (containing seven or fewer units), that are within a Homeowners Association with a current waste hauling contract, and choose not to join the City’s waste hauling program, will be billed a minimum service fee of $0.88 per month.

The $0.88 to the City supports the waste and recycling program, including bulky item and leaf recycling drop off events, 2 employees, office space, billing-system upgrades and postage.

11. What happens if I refuse to pay the Minimum Service fee?

While your water service will remain uninterrupted, non-payment of the Residential Waste and Recycling Program monthly minimum service fee may result in a lien placed on your property.