Trash and Recycling Services

The City of Littleton is committed to the environment and making progress toward its environmental programs and initiatives. In December 2022, Littleton City Council created the Environmental Stewardship Board and tasked the appointed group of residents with drafting an environmental stewardship action plan that includes recommendations to enhance the city’s sustainability efforts. Two significant recommendations include the exploration of a contracted hauler(s) and providing every building with recycling and composting options.

In October 2025, City Council adopted the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan, a regional effort developed in partnership with the cities of Centennial, Englewood, and Sheridan. The plan outlines strategies to reduce waste and improve recycling and composting over the next decade, based on extensive research including waste composition and baseline studies. This supports Littleton’s long-term sustainability goals by promoting environmental stewardship, reducing landfill use, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and regional collaboration.

Future initiatives will return to council for consideration with details on implementation, feasibility, and costs. Suggestions for Littleton include introducing community-wide composting programs, improving data collection from waste haulers, and improving access to recycling for all residents.

FAQs

What is the South Metro Waste Diversion Plan?

The South Metro Waste Diversion Plan is a regional effort to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and increase recycling, composting, and reuse across participating communities. The City of Littleton is working with three neighboring jurisdictions to identify practical strategies that improve access to recycling services, reduce waste, and support long-term environmental sustainability.

More information is available at SouthMetroWasteDiversion.com.

I just moved to Littleton. How do I set up trash and recycling services?

The City of Littleton does not currently provide trash hauling or recycling services, nor can the city endorse or recommend any trash or recycling services. For now, Littleton property owners can choose which company they would like to provide recycling and/or trash removal at their residence. The city encourages neighbors to talk to each other about trash and recycling services and attempt to coordinate service for their street, block, or neighborhood.

The city code restricts truck-loading operations between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. if within a certain distance of residential areas. See the Noise Control chapter of the City Code, 7.3.5 (E) for details.

How will future initiatives affect my garbage bill?

At this stage, no changes to rates or services have been proposed or decided. The city is currently focused on education, outreach, and evaluating options. If any future changes are considered, residents will be informed and have opportunities to learn more and provide input.

I don't currently recycle. What are the benefits of recycling?

Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources by turning used materials into new products.

It can also:

Reduce environmental impacts
Support more efficient use of materials
Help communities manage waste more sustainably over time

The city's goal is to make recycling easier to understand and more accessible for all residents.

Where does recycling go? I've heard it ends up in the landfill.

Recyclable materials collected in Littleton are taken to sorting facilities where they are separated and prepared for reuse.

While contamination (placing non-recyclable items in recycling bins) can cause some materials to be disposed of, properly sorted recyclables are processed and used to make new products. That's why clear guidelines and correct sorting are important, as they help ensure materials are successfully recycled.

What are the benefits of composting?

Composting keeps food scraps and yard waste out of landfills and turns them into a useful soil product.

Benefits include:

Reducing landfill waste
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions
Creating nutrient-rich material that supports soil health and increases water retention

Expanding composting access is a proven strategy for communities to improve overall waste diversion.

What do we mean when we say...

Waste diversion

Waste diversion refers to keeping materials out of landfills by recycling, composting, or reusing them instead.

Hauler licensing

Hauler licensing is a system where the city sets standards and requirements for waste and recycling service providers operating in the community. It can help improve consistency, safety, and service quality. No decisions have been made, as this is one of several tools being explored.

Equal space ordinance

An equal space ordinance ensures that properties, especially multi-family and commercial buildings, have adequate space for recycling (and sometimes composting) services alongside trash. The goal is to provide more equitable access to recycling opportunities across the community.

Contracted or single-hauler system

In a contracted or single-hauler system, the city selects one service provider (or a limited number of providers) to deliver waste and recycling services to residents. This is one of several service models used in different communities and may be evaluated as part of long-term planning.

Construction and demolition (C&D) recycling ordinance

A C&D recycling ordinance requires certain construction and demolition projects to recycle or divert materials like wood, concrete, and metal instead of sending them to the landfill.

Universal recycling ordinance

A universal recycling ordinance requires that recycling services be available at certain types of properties, such as multi-family housing or businesses. The goal is to expand access and increase participation in recycling programs.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) refers to legislation passed by the State of Colorado where producers of products such as packaging materials and paper products must fund and manage a statewide recycling program. The law aims to provide convenient recycling access to all Coloradans, with no added cost to consumers or local governments.

More information is available about EPR here: HB22-1355 Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling | Colorado General Assembly

Do you have a question we didn't cover here?

Email sustainability@littletonco.gov. We're continuing to share information and welcome your feedback as Littleton explores ways to improve waste diversion and recycling access.