GARBAGE

You do not have to put up with garbage strewn over the neighborhood, with overflowing dumpsters, nor with inadequate garbage cans.

If you have a garbage complaint, you can call the tenants, landlord, or owner directly.   (For tools and tips that you can use to identify property owners and landlords, follow this link:  Who owns the property?)  Ask your neighbors to clean up the mess.

You can also call the city's environmental officers and ask for enforcement.  Call Environmental Enforcement at 303-441-3239.  

When you call, be sure to have the address of the property about which you have a complaint.  You will get the chance to leave a message for Officer Terry Steinborn.  Ask her to call you back and report the results of her investigation to you.  

With regard to garbage, the city's laws entitle you to expect that:

• Garbage may not be allowed to accumulate in such a way as to create a fire, health, or other safety hazard. 
  

• Disposal of garbage must be frequent enough so that it does not putrefy on the premises. 
  

• Garbage must be stored in a non-absorbent container with a tight fitting lid or in a sealed, plastic garbage bag. 
  

• Plastic garbage bags may only be put out 12 hours prior to scheduled trash pick-up. 

See:  (Boulder Revised Code 6-3-3 and 6-3-5)   

The maximum penalty for violation of the garbage ordinance is $1,000 plus 90 days in jail.  Typically, though, the fines are much smaller than this.

If the trashy area is between the sidewalk and the street, say that the owner is failing to maintain the area as directed under Boulder Revised Code 8-2-2.  When you quote the section of the Municipal Code for which you seek enforcement, the city employee with whom you speak will know that you are and informed and empowered citizen.  Be sure to ask for a call back to inform you as to the resolution of the matter. You will not be identified and asking for a call back may prompt the City into better enforcement of the existing laws.