Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy communities. In Lakewood, residents play an active role in managing their household waste through a well-organized curbside collection system that empowers individuals to take responsibility for their trash and recycling needs.
References:
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Lakewood
Lakewood has a unique approach to waste collection. Unlike many cities, Lakewood does not directly provide waste collection services or contract with haulers on behalf of residents. Instead, property owners and residents are responsible for setting up their own waste collection services.
Residential Trash Collection
Residents must follow these key steps for trash collection:
- Hauler Selection
- Check with HOA first for existing waste hauler contracts
- Refer to the list of licensed waste haulers in Lakewood
- Compare services by providing your address
- Consider neighborhood recommendations
- Collection Guidelines
- Bag trash to prevent litter and deter pests
- Keep carts clean
- Do not obstruct street or sidewalk traffic
- Containers should not be at the curb for more than 48 consecutive hours per week
Recycling Services
Lakewood emphasizes proper recycling practices:
- Print and post acceptable materials list from your waste hauler
- Avoid ‘wishcycling’ (putting non-recyclable items in recycling)
- Call your hauler to confirm material acceptance
- Do NOT bag recyclables
- Ensure recyclables are clean, empty, and dry
- Break down cardboard
Recycling Drop-Off Options
- Quail Street Recycling Center (1068 Quail St.)
- Free drop-off with accepted materials
- Apartment residents without recycling can use this facility
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
For properties with one to four household units, the City of Lakewood provides curbside bulk item collection. Multi-unit properties with five or more units can have furniture and large bulk items collected by the city.
Yard Waste & Seasonal Services
The city’s Division of Refuse and Recycling offers once-per-week curbside service for yard waste collection alongside household refuse and recyclables.
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
Collection hours and days may change during holidays. Residents should:
- Refer to the Holiday Collection Schedule
- Be aware that collection might be compressed into four instead of five days
- Check specific holiday set-out hours
How to Find or Request Services
- Contact licensed waste haulers
- Verify collection day using the city’s collection day map
- Report service issues directly to your hauler or HOA
Effective waste management in Lakewood requires active participation from residents. By understanding and following local guidelines, you can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official City of Lakewood website or contact local waste management services directly.
https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Sustainability-and-Community-Development/Sustainability/Programs-and-Policies/Zero-Waste-and-Circularity/Trash-and-Recycling
Residents, business owners, and property managers are responsible for setting up their own waste collection services directly with the hauler of their choosing.
Regular Collection Hours: Monday through Friday – 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. *Holiday Collection Hours and days of collection are subject to change to accommodate