Need to clear out old furniture, clean up renovation debris or properly dispose of electronics? This guide explains how to dispose of junk in Denver, from city services and donation centers to hazardous waste programs, yard waste options and Denver dumpster rentals. You’ll find everything you need for DIY cleanups and commercial projects alike.
Not sure what to do with that old box spring, broken TV or empty fuel container? You’re not alone. Disposing of a large or unusual item in Denver depends on what it is, what condition it’s in and which services you have access to. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about bulky waste disposal.
Yes, but getting rid of old furniture isn’t as simple as dragging it to the curb. Large items like couches, mattresses and dressers are too big for regular trash bins and require special disposal methods.
Depending on the condition of your furniture, you may be able to donate it, schedule a pickup through the city or rent a dumpster for a larger cleanout.
Mattresses and box springs require special handling due to their size and materials. Options include:
You must recycle electronics through approved programs to prevent hazardous waste from entering landfills. As of July 1, 2013, it’s illegal to dispose of electronics in the trash in Colorado under the Electronic Recycling Jobs Act (SB 12-133).
That’s because many devices contain toxic materials — including arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium — that harm both human health and the environment if not handled properly. Denver offers several convenient drop-off options and discount programs to help residents recycle electronics safely and affordably.
Large appliances like refrigerators, ovens and washing machines don’t belong in your city trash bin — but there are several responsible ways to get rid of them in the Mile High City.
Whether you’re replacing a broken appliance or clearing out a rental property, follow proper disposal methods to recycle metals and safely handle refrigerants like Freon.
If you're enrolled in the city's composting program, you can place small branches (under 4 inches in diameter), grass clippings and leaves directly in your green compost cart for curbside pickup. Just make sure to set it out by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Need help remembering your pickup day? Check Denver's collection calendar and waste directory to sign up for reminders and get guidelines for tree limbs, yard trimmings and more.
You can’t dispose of large logs, dirt and rocks in compost carts. For heavy yard debris or landscaping waste, it's best to rent a dumpster to handle the load efficiently and keep your project moving.
For larger cleanups or alternative composting options, several local programs and facilities can help. Best ways to compost yard waste in Denver:
Other composting and yard waste disposal options in Denver include:
Denver residents can use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program to schedule one free hazardous waste pickup appointment per calendar year, or use drop-off locations for paint and other materials. A $15 copayment applies per appointment.
Many common household products contain hazardous materials that harm people, pets and the environment if disposed of improperly. Items like paint, cleaners, pesticides, batteries and automotive fluids should never be thrown in the trash, poured down drains or left curbside. Fortunately, Denver offers safe, convenient options for residents to dispose of these toxic products responsibly.
Both residents and businesses can drop off unwanted or leftover paint at participating PaintCare drop-off locations, which include many paint, hardware and home improvement stores throughout the state.
Best of all, there's no charge for dropping off paint at any PaintCare site, making paint recycling a convenient and free way to safely dispose of your unused paint. To find the nearest paint drop-off location, visit the PaintCare website and use their location finder tool.
Household batteries shouldn’t go in your purple recycling cart — but that doesn’t mean they need to end up in the landfill. Many batteries contain chemicals and metals that are harmful to the environment if tossed in the trash. Fortunately, Denver offers several responsible options for recycling both single-use and rechargeable batteries.
The best way to dispose of batteries depends on the type — whether they’re alkaline, lithium-ion, rechargeable or car batteries. Always check with the drop-off location to confirm which types are accepted.
Most tire retailers accept used tires for a small fee, typically $2 to $2.50 per tire, which helps fund Colorado's tire recycling programs.
Tires are banned from landfill disposal under Colorado Senate Bill 141 (SB05-141). This means tires should never go in your regular trash. Tire disposal locations in Denver include:
If you're managing a remodeling job or commercial construction site in Denver, it’s important to dispose of debris properly while supporting the city’s environmental goals. Sustainability programs, government agencies and environmental standards like LEED certification and Denver’s Zero Waste by 2030 plan all play a role in how construction and demolition waste are best handled.
From clean fill requirements to jobsite recycling expectations, Denver is committed to reducing landfill use and promoting greener building practices. Understanding the rules helps contractors stay compliant and support the city’s broader vision.
Have an old couch or exercise equipment you need to get rid of? Through Denver’s Solid Waste Management program, you can schedule large item pickup for free, as part of your regular curbside service. Use this program to get rid of up to five large, non-hazardous items, like furniture, toys, bicycles and bundled branches, and up to 10 additional bags of trash no larger than 32 gallons each.
Accepted Items:
Prohibited Items:
Name | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Denver Solid Waste Management | Curbside trash, recycling, compost; bulk & appliance pickup by appointment | (720) 913‑1311 • 3‑1‑1 |
City-wide recycling program; enroll, request carts, check pickup schedules | (720) 913‑1311 | |
Seasonal yard waste drop-off (leaves, grass, branches ≤ 4″ in diameter, pumpkins) | Designated sites like Cherry Creek Recycling Center, 7400 Cherry Creek S Dr., Denver, CO 80231 | |
One free toxic waste appointment per year (copay $15) | 800-449-7587 |
Looking to donate your gently used furniture, clothing or household goods in the Denver area? These local donation centers help keep reusable items out of the landfill by giving them a second life in the community — many even offer pickup options for added convenience.
Accepted Items:
Prohibited Items:
Need to recycle electronics, drop off yard waste or compost food scraps in the Denver area? These facilities accept a wide range of materials that aren't always picked up curbside, helping you divert more waste from the landfill.
Facility | Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
Blue Star Recyclers | 953 Decatur St #C, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 534‑1667 | E-waste, rechargeable batteries (coupon program) |
Eco‑Cycle | 1901 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80301 | (720) 564‑2220 | E-waste, recyclables |
CHaRM (via Eco‑Cycle) | 6400 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303 | (303) 444‑6634 | Hard-to-recycle materials, electronics, appliances, plastics |
Home Depot, T-Mobile & other locations | (877) 2‑RECYCLE | Rechargeable & single-use batteries, cellphones | |
Batteries Plus | 2600 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222 | (303) 504‑0101 | Batteries (alkaline, rechargeable) |
Best Buy, AutoZone | Multiple locations | Batteries & small electronics |
Sherwin‑Williams: 5225 Leetsdale Dr & 5315 W 38th Ave, Denver | (303) 321‑2519 / (303) 424‑6541 | Latex, oil-based, spray paints (free) |
Facility | Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
Pickup & various community drop-off locations | Food scraps, yard waste, compostable items | |
Jensen Sales Co. | 10301 E 107th Pl, Brighton, CO 80601 | (303) 659‑3348 | Yard waste, landscape materials |
6400 Pickup service | (720) 807-0562 | Food waste, compostables | |
Jordan Road Transfer Station | 7120 S Jordan Rd, Englewood, CO 80112 | (303) 766‑9219 | Yard debris, residential trash |
Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) | 3500 S Gun Club Rd, Aurora, CO 80018 | (720) 876‑2650 | Yard waste, landfill materials |
Facility | Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
Big O Tires | 1940 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 | (303) 936‑2214 | Used tires |
Go Green Tires | 2660 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 | (303) 935‑1831 | Used tires, tire recycling |
Discount Tire | Multiple locations | Used tires (call for availability) |
Les Schwab Tire Center | 2001 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80211 | (303) 455‑9424 | Tire recycling (call ahead) |
Denver Walmart Tire & Lube Express | Multiple locations | Used tires (fees may apply) |
Colorado Tire Recyclers | 5101 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80216 | (303) 853-0789 | Tire drop-offs, bulk waste tire removal |
Facility | Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
Denver Scrap Metal | 4920 Washington St & 5101 York St, Denver, CO 80216 | (303) 297‑1818 | Scrap appliances, metal by weight |
Iron & Metals Inc. | 5555 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80216 | (303) 292‑5555 | Scrap metal & appliances |
4975 Pontiac St, Commerce City, CO 80022 | (720) 515‑1328 | Mattresses & box springs |
When you’re tackling a big cleanup, remodeling project or yard overhaul, a Denver dumpster rental makes it easy to get rid of bulky debris all at once. Skip the hassle of city pickup limits or multiple drop-offs — check prices and rent a dumpster online or by phone today.
If you’d rather load and haul your own debris, Denver’s landfills and transfer stations offer a direct drop-off option. These sites are best for smaller loads or one-off items that don’t require the convenience of a dumpster at your home.
Facility | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) | 3500 S Gun Club Rd, Aurora, CO 80018 | (720) 876‑2650 |
Denver South Transfer Station | 7750 Cherry Creek S Dr, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 994‑8175 |
Jordan Road Transfer Station | 7120 S Jordan Rd, Englewood, CO 80112 | (720) 994‑8175 |
Front Range Landfill | 1830 Weld County Rd 5, Erie, CO 80516 | (303) 673‑9431 |
STS South Transfer Station | 1600 W Harvard Ave, Englewood, CO 80110 | (720) 880‑7770 |
STS North Transfer Station | 3711 E 54th Ave, Denver, CO 80216 | (720) 880‑7770 |
Foothills Landfill | 8900 Highway 93, Golden, CO 80403 | (303) 371‑5115 |
Sedalia Landfill | 5970 Hwy 85, Sedalia, CO 80135 | (720) 733‑8584 |
No matter what you need to dispose of — from bulky furniture and electronics to yard waste and hazardous materials — Denver offers convenient and responsible options to keep your project on track. Ready to simplify your cleanup? Check dumpster rental pricing for Denver online or call our expert team to get a personalized quote today.