What You Need to Know About Garbage Laws in Colorado

You know what's rude? Using your Grand Junction neighbor's trash bin without asking. We all know the holidays are a time of heavy trash volume. If your trash bins are full, what can you do?

Read More: Is It Illegal to Throw Trash Out of a Car Window in Colorado?

Did you know that it is technically a crime to throw your garbage away in someone else's trash bin without permission? We'll explain and review what some options might be for residents of Western Colorado.

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Throwing Trash In Someone Else's Bin

In the state of Colorado, dumping trash is illegal and so is littering. Leaving trash in someone else's bin is often considered littering in most cities as it fits the definition of "leaving waste in inappropriate places." It's not your bin, and you left garbage in it. Leaving large amounts of trash is considered illegal dumping, and considered worse than simple littering.

Setting Items By The Curb

In most places in the Centennial state, it's ok to take items that have been thrown out with the trash along the curb. Some places may have local rules about trash picking or curbside pickups, so if you are unsure you should check with the city or county you are in. If you are stepping onto private property, you could be trespassing.

Read More: Breaking The Law? Is It Illegal To Dumpster Dive In Colorado

I've Got Too Much Trash

To request an extra garbage pickup for your home in Grand Junction, Colorado, you can contact the City of Grand Junction's Solid Waste Division. They typically offer options for additional pickups for a fee. You can also take all that extra trash from the holidays to the landfill if you don't want to schedule an extra pick-up at home.