Community Protection

Find a list of resources for waste disposal below. Do not leave unwanted items in alleys. 

Paint:

• Liquid paint is legally not allowed in your Denver trash bins. Any unwanted latex (water-based) paint can be left out for a couple warm sunny days which causes it to dry out/solidify. After is has fully solidified, it is safe to put in the trash. Be careful not to cause a spill.

• Paint Care offers free paint disposal drop off. Find a store near you that will accept various volumes of paint. Follow the program’s instructions on type and condition of paint and paint container. 
• Please do not fill unwanted paint containers with water and leave outside.

Solid Waste:

Items prohibited from going into Colorado landfills:

• Lead-Acid batteries (car battery)
• Electronic wastes
• Waste tires
• Liquid wastes- including but not limited to, liquid paint; automotive fluids; or liquid household chemicals.

See links below for information on how to dispose of these items:

• Denver County
• Jefferson & Adams County
• CDPHE

 Automotive Fluid Waste:

 These items can be taken to your local automotive store for safe disposal

Electronic Waste:

• Denver's E- Recycling- Electronics contain a variety of harmful, and in some cases even toxic substances, that when discarded can pose risks to our health and the environment. Do not dispose of e-waste in your trash. Denver Recycles offers Denver residents an "E-cycle Coupon" for recycling televisions, computers, and other electronic items. The E-cycle coupon will allow Denver residents to drop off their televisions, computers , and other electronic items at a significantly discounted rate. Denver residents may request an E-cycle coupon by completing the online form.
• Aurora's E-Waste recycling events

 Sharps:

• DDPHE's Sharps Disposal Program- "Sharps" is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin. DDPHE offers sharps disposal kiosks and other resources to safely dispose of syringes. 

The division responds to complaints about asbestos contamination, inspects facilities undergoing remodeling or demolition that contains asbestos, and reviews permits.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in thousands of building materials over time. It is still imported and can be found in new construction. Asbestos fibers are typically microscopic and undetectable with the naked eye.

What are the health effects of asbestos?

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that causes cancer. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. Asbestos fibers can transfer onto clothing and into vehicles which can expose others.

How do I protect myself and my family?

If you suspect there are asbestos-containing materials in your home, be aware of the following.

• If materials are disturbed (during demolition, construction or remodeling), they may release fibers that can pose a risk to your health.
• Generally, you can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. The material must be tested. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos. It is always recommended to have your home inspected for asbestos by a trained and certified asbestos building inspector prior to impacting any amount of building materials.
• If the material to be impacted is larger than 32 square feet, by law you must call a Colorado certified asbestos consulting firm.
• If asbestos has been improperly impacted. Restrict access to any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos. Do not sweep, dust or vacuum the materials. Instead, wipe the material with a wet cloth or use a HEPA vacuum.
• If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos, take a shower, thoroughly wash your hair, and wash your clothing twice.
• Asbestos-containing materials that aren’t damaged or disturbed are less likely to pose a health risk. Usually, the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.

Learn more about Radon here through our Health Family, Health Homes program.

The Environmental Protection and Response Section investigate environmental health concerns for:

• Air Quality issues such as fugitive dust, smoke, opacity, odors, and idling vehicles
• Water Quality issues such as illicit discharges to the storm system and surface water
• Solid and Hazardous Waste issues such as abandoned waste (illegal in city right of way) and discharges to the ground

Our mission is to ensure the overall health and safety for our residents and visitors through education and regulation.

If you have an environmental concern, please contact us at 720-913-1311 or 311 in the Denver Metro Area. When contacting 311 with an environmental concern, residents are encouraged to provide detailed descriptions, pictures and labels to help assist a prompt and safe collection.

Denver has over 400 businesses that emit air pollution and are required to report their emissions and apply for permits to emit. The External Facility Compliance Program is designed to reduce the incidents of illicit air emissions through inspection of permitted facilities, education of those working at permitted facilities, investigations of concerns, and enforcement of regulations that affect air quality.

Air emission permits are issued through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The type of permit needed is determined by the volume and type of emissions. More information on air emission permitting can be found on the CDPHE website.

If you have an environmental concern, please contact us at 720-913-1311 or 311 in the Denver Metro Area.