Republic Services of Fort Collins, CO
Republic Services is committed to providing reliable and consistent recycling, organics, and trash solutions for the City of Fort Collins, CO. In early 2023, Fort Collins City Council adopted a contract with Republic Services for residential trash and recycling collection. The new service will start on September 30, 2024. The Contracted Residential Trash and Recycling program is designed to increase opportunities for composting and recycling, provide equitable, consistent pricing across the community, as well as increase safety and reduce emissions by reducing the number of trash trucks on residential streets.
Fort Collins, CO Customer Service
Customer service hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:30am-6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am-1:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Office location:
1941 Heath Parkway
Fort Collins, CO. 80524
Office hours:
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm
Saturday and Sunday- CLOSED
Easily check your recycling and trash schedule
Be prepared for pickups with quick online access.
Holiday schedule
We observe the following holidays. If your service day falls on or after one of these holidays, it will be delayed by one day.
New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Fourth of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
SERVICE LEVEL SELECTION
Who is included in the City of Fort Collins contracted residential trash and recycling collection program?
The program provides recycling and trash collection service to all single-unit and small multi-unit homes (with seven or fewer units) within Fort Collins City limits.
To check whether your residence falls within Fort Collins city limits,
To view a map of city limit boundaries,
To order carts for the new City program and set up an account , call 970-416-2012
Choosing the right cart size for your needs
Choosing the right trash container cart size is essential for effective waste management. The variety of service levels in the City program accommodate different household needs and preferences. Service prices listed below are monthly, residents are billed quarterly.
- 35-Gallon (XS): $11.10/mo ($33.30/qtr) - XS is serviced once every two weeks instead of every week. Recycling and yard trimmings are still serviced weekly - Suitable for single individuals or avid recyclers.
- 35-Gallon (S): $19.10/mo ($57.30/qtr) - Preferred for families of 2 and seniors.
- 65-Gallon (M): $37.10/mo ($111.30/qtr) - Appropriate for a family of four.
- 95-Gallon (L): $55.10 ($165.30/qtr) - Optimal for households of more than four members.
- 2 x 95-Gallon (XL): $109.10 ($327.30/qtr) - Designed for larger households with greater waste disposal needs.
Consider your household size and waste output to select the most efficient option for your needs. Remember that all trash, recycling, and yard trimmings must fit inside your cart with the lid closed.
Fort Collins Contracted Residential Trash and Recycling Video
Inclusive services at no extra cost
The pricing listed above for waste services includes recycling and yard trimmings at no additional cost.
- ii. Yard Trimmings and recycling carts are available in both 95-gallon and 65-gallon sizes
- An additional 95-gallon recycle cart can be requested
- Residents can opt-out of yard trimmings collection for a $5 monthly decrease in customer bill (price decrease does not apply to XS service customers)
Opting-Out
Residents who do not wish to receive trash, recycling, and yard trimmings collection services from Republic Services may elect to opt-out of the City of Fort Collins’ contracted program. The opt-out fee is a policy of the City of Fort Collins, not Republic Services.
Why is the City charging an opt-out fee?
The City of Fort Collins charges an opt-out fee to provide a baseline of predictable revenue for the contracted hauler so we can negotiate a cost-effective price for the contracted service. Without a guaranteed quantity of residents, the hauler would not be able to provide the same type of lower, volume-based prices enjoyed by many homeowners’ associations.
The $11.10 monthly opt-out fee was included in the contract to ensure the participation of a sufficient number of customers to make the new arrangement financially viable. For a price similar to what most households paid in 2022 for only trash and every-other-week recycling, the new contracted program includes weekly collection of trash and recycling as well as seasonal yard trimmings collection (April-November), plus pick up of two bulky items per year. Overall it was decided this was a net gain for the community, both in terms of service improvement and diversion of materials from landfilling.
Is it legal to charge an opt-out fee?
Municipalities in Colorado can legally charge an opt-out fee to anyone who wishes to use a different hauler than the awarded contractor or who wishes to haul their own trash and recycling to the appropriate facilities. State authorization comes from the Code of Colorado Regulations CRS 30-15-401(7.5)(b).
The state statutory provision, along with the Colorado Supreme Court case of Colo. Union of Taxpayers Found. v. City of Aspen, 418 P.3d 506 (Colo. 2018), provides the City with the sufficient legal authority to charge the opt-out fee to residents, even if they do not receive services through the City’s program.
Exceptions to paying the opt-out fee
In rare circumstances, a household may be granted a variance from the program and will not be required to pay the opt-out fee. For more information, including the qualifications for a variance, visit
Who is eligible for a variance:
A household may request a variance that will exclude them from the program, including any services, charges, or fees (including the opt-out fee). There are two situations in which a household may be granted a variance:
1) Shared Service Variance: Two residences agree to share XS cart service. One residence receives a variance to the program. The other residence receives and is billed for XS cart service, and the two residences decide how to split the cost between themselves. Note: the XS cart service includes a 35-gallon trash container collected every two weeks, weekly recycling collection, seasonal weekly yard trimmings collection, and collection of two eligible bulky items per year.
2) Excess Waste Variance: Residence regularly generates more trash than the XL (two 95-gallon carts) cart service can accommodate. In this situation, the residence receiving the variance could contract with the provider of their choosing or haul their own trash and recycling to the appropriate facilities.
The City will review variance applications as they are received. Applicants must provide proof that they meet the qualifications of the variance they have applied for, meaning that 1) the applicant along with a residence that they share service with regularly produce less than 35 gallons of trash every two weeks OR 2) the applicant regularly produces more than two 95 gallons of trash every week. Applications will not be approved until City staff completes a site visit to verify the information provided on the application form. Approved variances are valid for two years.
To apply for a variance, fill out
For questions about variances, email contractfortrash@fcgov.com or call 970-416-2148.
Door-to-door Service
Door-to-door service will be provided for no additional charge to residents with disabilities who cannot pull their carts to the curb.
To request door-to-door service due to a disability, fill out a reasonable accommodation request form. Fill out the
If you need any assistance completing this form, please contact Republic Services at 970-416-2012.
Service information and guidelines
Billing Update
During the transition from current service to Republic Services, City of Fort Collins customers will see the following changes in how they are billed for service:
Direct billing from Republic Services
Beginning September 30, all customers who are impacted by the City program, either through receiving services or through opting-out, will be billed directly by Republic Services.
Fort Collins customers whose trash and recycling collection costs are currently a part of HOA dues: Your HOA can continue to have a group account through the City program. Your HOA will choose a “standard trash cart size” for your community, either the S 35 gallon ($19.10/m) or the M 65 gallon ($37.10/m). Either size would include weekly recycling, seasonal (April-November) yard trimmings, and the collection of two bulky items a year. The cost of the standard cart size selected by your HOA may be covered as a part of your total HOA dues. Each household will also have individual accounts with Republic and can select a service size different than the standard cart size. Important to note:
Households will receive a credit balance on their individual Republic account if: the household selects a service level less than what is paid for by the Group Account, opts-out, receives a program variance, and uncorrected missed pick-ups. Credit balances can be used for additional bulky item scheduling, or can be requested as refunds.
Households will receive a bill on their individual Republic account for: overflow trash or a household selects a service level larger than what is paid for by the Group Account.
- Exceptions include HOAs that have received an exemption from the City contract to continue to use their current provider.
- To find out if this will affect you, contact Republic Services or your HOA
- Payment can be made through Republic Services App or online at
www.republicservices/fortcollins website.
Billing cycle
- Republic Services bills at the beginning of each quarter.
- Fort Collins residents who are not current Republic Services customers may receive two bills during the same month: one from Republic Services and one from their previous service provider.
- This is because Republic bills at the start of the service period, which may not be the case for other service providers.
- Republic’s first bill is for the Oct-Dec 2024 service period.
- Residents who are not currently with Republic will need to contact their current service provider to ensure the transfer of their services.
- Fort Collins Customers who are already Republic Services Customers can expect most aspects of billing and payment to stay the same.
For questions about your bill or trash rates and services, please contact Republic Services at 970-416-2012 or fortcollinsservice@republicservices.com.
In a hurry to contact customer support?
The quickest and easiest way is through your online account using the Republic Services Mobile App.
Note: After you receive your first invoice from Republic Services, please set up an online account for online bill pay, service alerts, enroll in auto-payment, and more.
Access your account anytime to:
- Contact customer support
- Pay your bill
- Report a broken cart/request repair
- See your pickup schedule
- Notify us of a missed pickup
- Schedule an additional pickup
- Sign up for service alerts
- Request new/additional services
Change of service FAQs
Your answers for waste and recycling services in Fort Collins, CO during the transition of service providers.
Republic Services is a leader in the U.S. Environmental Services Industry since 1996. We are a People-Centered Company committed to providing a superior customer experience while fostering a sustainable planet for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer, and healthier world.
Republic Services was no exception when it came to incurring significant increases in its key costs like disposal, fuel, parts, labor, and insurance and was very proud to be able to absorb these alarmingly consistent increases for almost 2 years before having to engage in the first price increase since purchasing Gallegos Sanitation in 2020, effective January 1, 2023. Fort Collins customers were included in that strategic rollout along with all Republic customers in the Front Range and Southern Wyoming to maintain our ability to continue servicing communities as they grow and allowing us to grow with them.
On June 22, 2023, The City of Fort Collins signed a contract with Republic Services to be the contracted hauler to provide trash, recycling, and yard trimmings collection services to all single family and small (less than 8 units) multi-family residences within Fort Collins City limits.
- WM Customers: WM’s last day providing service for these customers in the City of Fort Collins is Friday, September 27 2024. Make arrangements to join the City program and receive services from Republic Services or opt-out choose another hauler or self-haul to ensure continuation of service.
- Waste Connections (Ram) will continue servicing these customer types if they opt-out of the City program. Contact WC to communicate your plans.
The City of Fort Collins has long been a pioneer in its commitment to overall waste reduction, and up to now, has utilized a licensed open market collection system. In 2023 though, along with numerous other items, the city embarked on a mission to actively pursue a zero-waste footprint by 2030.
By partnering with a single hauler like Republic Services, a nationally recognized leader in the environmental services field with a proven record of assisting entities like the City of Fort Collins in achieving their economic and environmental goals; the city has acquired a key element in continuing to focus its economic and environmental goals.
Did we mention that during this time, Republic Services will be investing in a clean fleet? As part of our commitment to the environment, Republic will be collecting your trash, recyclables and yard waste in clean emission/non fossil fuel burning trucks that not only run more quietly but emit a fraction of the emissions of its diesel cohorts. We are excited to be chosen to continue to partner with the City of Fort Collins’ occupants to effect change in our climate future.
**Of particular concern was the stagnant recycling rates identified in the 2020 annual reporting that showed only a 52% overall diversion rate within the city and the residential sector at only 29% by itself. This information was gathered from all the haulers servicing the Fort Collins community. Our Climate Future is the combined waste, climate and energy plan for Fort Collins and can be viewed at
Please join us in supporting the endeavors needed to see progress in all the following. Fort Collins wishes to continue building upon the existing program while having goals that include:
- Reducing the number of trucks on residential streets to reduce wear and tear on your streets as well as increase safety in residential neighborhoods.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Increasing diversion of recyclable materials and yard trimmings while encouraging responsible disposal but hopefully strategic re-use of bulky items as much as possible.
- Providing transparent and cost-effective pricing for waste collection service throughout the community while ensuring an elevated level of customer service.
Yes, your household may experience some changes. Beginning September 30th, Republic will be the single hauler for all impacted residences within City limits (see question 3 for details of who is impacted).
Services through the City program: Your trash will still be picked up on a weekly basis (unless otherwise noted). Recycling and yard trimmings will now be scheduled for weekly pick up instead of every-other-week. This provides more opportunities to fill your carts with recyclable materials and divert materials from the landfill. The collection of two bulky items a year is also included in your service, at no additional cost.
In the City program, your monthly costs will be based on the size of the trash cart you select, so your household can “right-size” your service with the size and prices that best meet your needs.
Your household will receive new City-branded carts from Republic for your trash, recycling, and yard trimmings. Here is how cart deployment may impact your household:
Current Republic Customers: Your new carts are being delivered between August 1st-September 27. Republic will reach out to your household with a more specific delivery window once delivery schedules are written for your neighborhood. Your cart delivery will be on your regular trash collection day. Please leave your carts out after they’ve been emptied, Republic will pick up your current carts at no cost to you, and will deliver your brand new City of Fort Collins carts. You can start using these carts and putting them out for collection as soon as you receive them.
Current non-Republic customers: v. Your new carts will be delivered between August 1st-September 27th. Republic will reach out to your household with a more specific delivery window once delivery schedules are written for your neighborhood. Contact your current hauler to cancel service before the beginning of the City program and find out when your carts will be picked up and to ensure your service is cancelled. Republic Service will begin servicing your new carts the week of September 30th. If you wish to receive service from Republic before then, contact them at 970-416-2012.
Those who opt-out or have a variance: If you currently have Republic carts and are opting out of the program, please follow the same instructions to set out carts for pick up as current Republic customers. If you currently have a different hauler, please follow instructions to set out carts for pick up as current non-Republic customers. If you currently do not have carts, no action is required.
Important to note: The City will not enforce code violations for carts (new and old) that are in front of any home joining the City program during the cart deployment delivery window. Your household or households in your neighborhood may have two sets of carts for an amount of time. Don’t worry, the City will not issue any warnings, citations, or fees for these carts.
Yard Trimmings
Yard trimmings carts are emptied into a truck and delivered directly to a farm for composting. Bags, even paper bags, cannot be processed at the composting facility and are considered contaminants. If a truckload contains too many contaminants, the entire load could be rejected by the farm and sent to the landfill.
Important: Bagged yard trimmings placed outside the cart will not be collected.
- Order an additional cart: You can order an additional cart for $15/month by calling 970.416.2012. Yard trimmings collected from carts will be composted
- Schedule a bulk pickup: If you have a large amount of yard trimmings, you can request a bulk pickup for $4 per 32-gallon bag by calling 970.416.2012. Yard trimmings collected through bulk pickups will not be composted and will be sent to the landfill. If you have extra bags of trash that need to be picked up (up to 3) you can leave them out next to your can but will be charged $4 per 32-gallon bag. If you have more than 3, please call 970-416-2012 to schedule a bulk pick-up for the same rate per bag.
Between November 30 and April 1, yard trimmings carts will not be serviced. You have the following options:
- You have lots of options for managing yard trimmings after November 30. Learn more here:
https://www.fcgov.com/recycling/leaf-recycling . - Schedule a bulk pickup with Republic by calling 970.416.2012. Bulk pickups of yard trimmings cost $4 per 32-gallon bag. Yard trimmings collected through bulk pickups will be landfilled.
Through the City program, seasonal weekly yard trimmings collection is intended to be included in the base level of service along with weekly trash and recycling collection. It is a priority of the program that households have the opportunity to receive yard trimmings service to help limit the amount of organic material that goes to the landfill. Using a yard trimmings cart is one way that you can help Fort Collins make progress towards our zero-waste goals outlined in the Our Climate Future plan.
Because of complications during program rollout, some households were not enrolled in yard trimmings service. Knowing that yard trimmings collection season was ending soon, we prioritized making it as easy as possible for every household that wants a yard trimmings cart to receive one for the beginning of yard trimmings collection in the spring on April 1.
