Division of Refuse and Recycling

Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative

In May of 2009, the City of Lakewood will be switching to an Automated Refuse Collection System. This system will be more efficient, more economical and more environmentally responsible than the current system.

Advantages of Automated Collection

For residents:
  • Sturdy wheeled carts are easy to maneuver
  • Capacity of carts is equal to three or four regular trash cans
  • No carrying/lifting heavy trash
  • Carts with tight lids keep rodents and pets out
  • Clean neighborhoods with no litter on streets after pick-up
  • Dimensions of the cart are 43.25" (H) by 29.75" (W) by 35.25" (depth from front to back handle)
For City of Lakewood:
  • Improved efficiency
  • Decreased fuel costs
  • Decreased vehicle repair costs
  • Decreased number of vehicles necessary for refuse collection
  • Reduced employee injuries
  • Reduced fuel usage and emissions

How will automated refuse collection work?

  • Starting in May 2009, each Lakewood home will receive a 96 gallon, wheeled refuse collection container. When the container is delivered to your home, begin using it for all general refuse.
  • Residents will place this container on their tree lawn by 6:30 AM on their collection day and a refuse truck with a mechanical arm will lift the containers off the street, empty it into the truck and return the container to its original position.
  • The City will make accommodations for those with special needs.
  • Recyclables and large item collection will remain the same.

Will recycling collection change now that we have the new refuse cart?

  • Mandatory recycling will become effective on July 1, 2009
  • The recycling collection will remain the same with residents separately packaging their mixed blue bag recyclables, paper recycle, and yard waste.
  • Please do not place recyclables in the wheeled refuse cart.

Will large item collection change?

  • Large items will be collected by a separate truck on your regular collection day.
  • Continue to place large items on the curb the night before the collection day or by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day.

Can I mark the cart to identify my address?

  • The carts are City property and cannot be defaced.
  • Serial numbers on the front of the cart are registered to specific addresses.
  • If you absolutely need to label the container, label it in a neat and inconspicuous manner.

What will happen if I don’t remove the emptied cart after collection?

  • Carts that are not removed the same day as collection are in violation of Division of Refuse and Recycling Regulations and City Ordinance.
  • Property owners are notified by mail of the violation.
  • Penalties may apply for continued violations in accordance with City Codified Ordinance 1777.02.

A big part of this Initiative is to increase recycling efforts citywide. Throughout 2009, the City will place a stronger emphasis on raising residents’ awareness about our recycling programs and encourage all residents to recycle. In Lakewood, residents can recycle all glass bottles and jars, metal food and beverage containers, all plastics with the recycling symbols #1-7, plastic grocery bags, paper, cardboard and yard waste.
More information about recycling »

Remove the Refuse and Recycling brochure that is attached to the container. It contains valuable and helpful information. If you did not receive one with your container please call 252-4322 and one can be mailed to you or it can be downloaded here.

Frequently Asked Questions: