Pitkin County Waste and Recycling Code

The new Waste and Recycling Code took effect in January 2019.  The goal of the code is to offer subscribers of trash service options in the size of trash can they need, increase diversion of recyclable materials, and allow the county to collect more diversion data (which will allow us to streamline and modify diversion programs).

Haulers had until July 2019 to implement the new program with their customers. 

For more information on the program contact:

The Pitkin County Solid Waste Center at 970-429-2880 or by email at WasteandRecyclingOrd@PitkinCounty.com. 

Check back often for updates and education materials on the new program.

Exemption Process

Residential customers, group accounts and commercial customers may apply for and be granted an exemption from the recycling requirements established by Waste and Recycling Code CRS 30-15-401.  The process shall include:

  1. Short-term exemptions (up to twelve months), long-term exemptions (up to five years) or modifications to the recycling requirements may be issued upon the submittal of an exemption application and subsequent approval by the County Manager or designee.

  2. A written application shall be submitted to the Solid Waste Manager or designee by the customer or their registered hauler – the application shall provide all relevant details pertaining to the exemption request including but not limited to;

  • Name, location and contact information of the customer and property owner (if different).

  • Current solid waste collection service details including number, volume capacity, collection frequency and hauler for each trash, recyclables and organics container.

  • Requested exemption, rationale and supporting data – which may include dimensions, photographs, material quantities, waste audit results, locations where the registered hauler cannon reasonably provide year-round recyclables collection service, disposal and qualified facilities used by self-haulers, regulations that could be violated, cost justification (such as lien, receivership, foreclosure, tax record or service cost estimate information) and/or other data needed to substantiate the exemption request and shall verify that full payment of any outstanding fines against the customer/waiver applicant has been made (if applicable).

  • Following a review of submitted data and any follow-up required for verification (including site visits for customers requesting an exemption on the basis of extreme space constraints), the Solid Waste Manager or designee may approve with or without modification or may deny the exemption request – exemption modifications may include partial exemptions such as allowing smaller recyclable containers, less frequent collection, sharing recyclable containers or other options that balance customer needs against the intent of the ordinance or regulations promulgated hereunder .

  • An appeal process for denied exemption requests will be as described under Registration Hauler Requirements.

  • Exemptions may be renewed up to one (1) additional year if a renewal form provided by the County is submitted no less than thirty (30) days before the exemption expiration period – renewal applications will be expected to include workable solutions to resume recyclables collection service (such as shared recyclable containers, centralized collections or other) wherever possible

Please return exemption request to:

Pitkin County Solid Waste Center
Attn: Waste and Recycling Exemption
PO Box 457
Basalt, CO  81621 

Waste & Recycling Ordinance FAQ

  • A 1991 Pitkin County requires that all trash customers have recycling available. The 2018 ordinance update will increase recycling, keep more waste out of the county landfill and create a consistent program that can be implemented throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

  • Recycling will continue to be available and will be part of regular trash collection service for all trash customers.

  • Rate changes will depend on your hauler and the services you select. Homes, businesses and institutions that already have trash and recycling services are not expected to see a significant change in rates – and those who increase their recycling have the potential for a rate reduction.

  • Yes, but they may will still be required to pay for recycling as part of their collection service. Pitkin County has determined that recycling is a pivotal part of effectively managing the county’s resources and protecting public welfare.

  • Many utilities (water, sewer, electricity) use volume-based rates, which are tied to your level of service. Unlike flat rates where you pay the same no matter how much trash you have, this system will provide lower rates if you create less trash (often by recycling more). Rates will not increase as recycling increases.

  • Temporary exemptions may be granted in special circumstances (these are not expected to be long-term solutions, however). As recycling increases, less trash is typically created and may allow smaller trash containers (which can provide room for recycling containers).

  • Retailers, hotels, schools and other businesses and institutions may be required to provide recycling containers wherever trash containers are located in common areas.

  • Composting will not be required by this ordinance. However, organics collection will continue throughout the valley on a voluntary basis.

  • A public review process will be completed before the ordinance can be finalized and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Public meetings will be scheduled for June and July. The earliest the ordinance would become effective is 2019.