In Fort Collins, private trash haulers collect curbside trash, recycling and yard trimmings. For single family homes or small multi-family residences with seven or fewer units per building within Fort Collins City limits, the City has a contract with Republic Services. Residents can opt-out by paying a fee and choosing their own hauler.
Fort Collins uses Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) — the less you throw away, the less you pay. Save money by reducing, reusing, recycling and composting. PAYT includes:
City Contracted Program pricing is below.
Put materials out by 7 a.m. on trash day. If your hauler misses a pickup, contact them directly. City program customers call 970-416-2012.
The City's trash program helps more people compost and recycle. It keeps prices consistent and makes streets safer with fewer trash trucks.
Five service levels available.
Cost depends on trash cart size. Republic Services bills every quarter.
| XS cart service (35 gallon trash cart collected every two weeks) |
$11.41 a month (billed $34.23 quarterly) |
| S cart service (35 gallon cart) |
$19.67 a month (billed $59.01 quarterly) |
| M cart service (65 gallon cart) |
$38.24 a month (billed $114.72 quarterly) |
| L cart service (95 gallon cart) |
$56.82 a month (billed $170.46 quarterly) |
| XL cart service (2 x 95 gallon carts) |
$112.55 a month (billed $337.65 quarterly) |
Customers can decline yard trimmings and save $5/month (except XS cart).
Billing & Payment
Republic Services bills quarterly. Each bill covers the next quarter. For example, your January bill covers January, February and March.
Call 970-416-2012 for billing questions.
Not paying service or opt-out fees violates City Code and may result in action.
Group Billing
Group accounts can arrange group billing. See FAQ below or call Republic Services at 970-416-2012.
Who's Included?
All single-family homes and small multifamily residences with seven or fewer units per building in Fort Collins city limits, including mobile home communities using cart service. Does not apply to buildings with eight or more units, large apartments, condos, or residences using dumpsters.
Exceptions
Limited households may apply for a program variance. Homeowners Associations with exemptions are not included. Contact your HOA to check.
Households can opt-out and pay $11.41/month. Call Republic at 970-416-2012.
More Information on City Program
Missed Pick-ups
Report missed pickups: Call Republic at 970-416-2012.
Follow Republic's instructions for cart placement. If carts stay out longer than 12 hours, bring them in overnight to avoid code warnings.
Common missed pickup causes:
- Carts not out on time. Republic collects 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Set carts out by 7 a.m.
- Blocked cart access. Keep 3 feet clearance on sides, 16 feet overhead clearance
- Wrong service day. Check your day using Republic's online tool or call 970-416-2012
Service Standards
Republic must collect missed pickups (except if the cart is blocked or not out) within two business days of when a customer reports the miss by calling 970-416-2012. If the correction is not made within the required time period, customers are eligible for a one-month credit.
Report uncorrected pickups to the City: email contractfortrash@fortcollins.gov.
Important: The City logs reports but may not respond. To fix missed pickups, call Republic directly.
Variances
Households can request variances to remove them from the program. The variance approval process is detailed in City Code. Available variances:
Shared Service Variance
Two properties share XS cart service. One gets a variance, the other pays for XS service.
Excess Waste Variance
Homes that make more than 190 gallons of trash can hire other companies or self-haul.
Remote Dumpster Variance
Program customers who also pay for dumpster service at a second Fort Collins location.
Habitability Variance
90-day variance for uninhabitable properties unsafe for more than 30 days.
Apply for Variance
For Spanish applications or PDFs: email contractfortrash@fortcollins.gov or call 970-416-2148.
Variance questions: email contractfortrash@fortcollins.gov or call 970-416-2148.
Door-to-door Service
Free door-to-door service for residents with disabilities who cannot pull carts to the curb.
Request Accommodation Service
For Spanish applications or PDFs: email contractfortrash@fortcollins.gov or call 970-416-2148.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
HOAs with trash contracts signed by April 28, 2023 could apply for exemptions before Dec. 31, 2023. Contact your HOA to check exemption status.
Exempt HOAs must follow Chapter 12, Article II and Chapter 15, Article XV of City Code. For requirements summary: email contractingtortrash@fortcollins.gov.
Yard Trimmings
Weekly yard trimmings collection runs April 1 - Nov. 30. Opt-out and save $5/month.
Yard trimmings go to a composting facility, keeping material out of landfills.
How to Use Yard Trimmings Carts
Place trimmings loose in cart—no bags. Cart lid must close completely. Open lids or overflow will not be collected.
Accepted Items
- Leaves
- Lawn clippings
- Garden waste
- Untreated wood, twigs
- Small branches (under 3" diameter, fit with lid closed)
Not Accepted
- Bags (even paper): Cannot be processed at composting facility
- Food scraps: No regional composting infrastructure yet
- Treated wood: Contains harmful chemicals
- Non-organic materials: Plastics, metals, other non-decomposing items
Extra Yard Trimmings
Service includes one cart (65 or 95 gallon). For more:
Note: Bulk pickups go to landfill, not composted.
No collection Nov. 30 - April 1, but bulk pickups still available.
Note: Opt-out customers already have reduced rates. No separate credit appears.
Bulk Items
Two free bulk items per year included.
Free Collection Items
Items under 60 pounds with no dimension over 6 feet:
- Old vacuums
- Dining chairs
- Luggage
- Nightstands
- Card tables
- Wicker chairs
Fee-Based Collection
Larger or heavier items cost extra based on size (over 6 feet) and weight (over 60 pounds).
Contact Information
Republic Services
970-416-2012 | RepublicServices.com
Contact Republic for:
- Starting, stopping or changing service
- Reporting missed pickups
- Scheduling cart delivery, exchange or pickup
- Updating contact information
- Billing
- Collection schedules
- Alley service
City of Fort Collins
970-416-2148 | contractfortrash@fortcollins.gov
Contact the City for:
- How and why the program began
- Household variances
- Service feedback
FAQs
What is a contracted system?
A contracted system is when a municipality contracts with one hauling company to provide collection services city-wide. The contract gets lower prices for many homes. People who want other companies pay the opt-out fee. This system reduces trucks in neighborhoods, makes prices consistent, and increases recycling and composting opportunities.
Why did the City adopt a contracted program?
The contracted program is the most affordable way to meet Fort Collins' zero waste by 2030 goal.
Fort Collins' 2021 residential diversion rate was stuck at 29% (52% community-wide including commercial and industrial).
The program aligns with adopted plans:
- Big Move 2: Zero Waste Neighborhoods
- Principle ENV 5: Create a Zero Waste System
- Environmental Health 4.3 Zero Waste
Benefits include:
- Improve Air Quality: Fewer trucks reduce emissions
- Enhanced Recycling Education: Contract includes education requirements, with Spanish resources
Have other cities done this?
Over 70% of U.S. cities use contracted systems or municipal utilities. On the Front Range, over 10 cities have contracted systems including Commerce City, Dacono, Edgewater, Frederick, Greenwood Village, Golden, Lafayette, Lone Tree, Louisville, Morrison and Sheridan.
Why did the City select Republic Services?
Three companies submitted proposals: Republic Services, Sweetman Sanitation and Waste Management. A City assessment team with outside consultants evaluated proposals and interviews. Republic's proposal best met evaluation criteria.
How long does the contract last?
Five years from Sept. 30, 2024. The City will run a new competitive process before the contract ends and may switch haulers.
Why is there an opt-out fee?
The $11.41/month opt-out fee provides steady revenue for the contracted hauler, keeping prices low for program participants. The opt-out fee incentivizes program use, so the City can experience the benefits of using a single hauler.
Is the opt-out fee legal?
Yes. Colorado law (CRS 30-15-401(7.5)(b)) and the Colorado Supreme Court case Colo. Union of Taxpayers Found. v. City of Aspen (2018) give cities authority to charge opt-out fees.
Why do prices include an administrative fee?
The $1.35/month City Administrative Fee covers contract management costs including program rollout, management, compliance and customer service.
What is the administrative fee used for?
The City uses the $1.35/month fee to cover program management, contractor compliance and customer service costs.
Is there group billing?
Yes. Homeowners Associations, Mobile Home Parks or Metro Districts with existing group accounts can continue under the City program. The group representative chooses Small (35-gallon, $19.67/month) or Medium (65-gallon, $38.24/month) service for the community. Republic bills the group account.
Each household also has an individual Republic account to customize service.
Important:
- Republic bills individuals directly for overflow trash or larger service than the group pays for
- Households get credit for smaller service than group pays for, opt-outs, variances, and uncorrected missed pickups
How will the program prevent big price increases?
Price increases are limited and predictable:
- Contract includes 3% yearly increases communicated in advance
Additional price increases only happen for specific reasons (like new rules) and the City must approve them.
What is the City's role?
The City manages the contract and provides community information.
Republic handles billing and customer service.
The City holds Republic to high service standards. Customers get one-month credits for issues like missed collections not picked up within two business days. Republic faces penalties for not meeting response times or exceeding three-minute hold times.
The City can exit the contract for persistent issues.
Why do carts have the City logo?
This reduces changes when contracts switch. Carts stay with households regardless of hauler, reducing costs.
Fort Collins received a grant from The Recycling Partnership, offsetting cart costs. This saves residents $0.25/month/household.
Can I put service on hold for extended trips?
Yes, suspend service for one month or more once per year. You'll pay the XS rate ($11.41/month) during suspension. No fees to start or end suspension.