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City Cast Denver

Denver has shifted from a free trash and recycling pickup model to a 

 to try and allow for more effective recycling, trash, and composting services. About 70,000 households now use compost carts, which were previously $9 a month and are now free under the new program.

Why did the city make this change? Blame it on contamination issues, as the city says people would throw everything and anything into the enormous, opaque containers and spoil any chance of diverting and reusing what was in the bins. 

better recycling and composting habits through ongoing education efforts and support instead of fines. Here’s what you need to know about the city’s new approach and system.

Frequency: Weekly (But always double check the specific schedule for your neighborhood.)

 can vary between $9-$21 based on the cart size you choose. 

, you can create an account with Denver Utilities Online, call 311, or exchange in person at the SWM Cart Maintenance Facility. Residents with limited incomes 

You can download Denver’s Trash and Recycling App to be informed of service delays. The city also has a fun 

 to help you get better at sorting your recycling.

, 9 months ahead of the city’s original timeline. Here’s 

 be composted through city services? Check out 

If you live in an apartment (meaning you’re not eligible for city composting services) 

Up to five large items and 10 extra bags can be collected. Acceptable items include furniture, rugs, mattresses, exercise equipment, and more; but hazardous materials, electronics, and similar items are not accepted. You can 

Once the holidays hit, here’s where to find 

Did the city miss your recycling, compost, or trash pickup day? Need to report illegal dumping in your alley? You can make a report through the 

 or its trash and recycling app, or call 311. Got a question that hasn't been answered here?

Navigating Denver’s New Trash Rules

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s officially time to get your gardens ready! To help, the city is offering 

 to residents from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 3

. Here are some tips on how to take advantage of the spring deal!

, the city has tons of chipped wood to provide to residents for free. The three locations to dig your own mulch are:

Denver Central Platte Campus — 2000 W. Third Avenue

Cherry Creek Transfer Station — 7301 E. Jewell Avenue

The Havana Nursery will have free mulch loader service for trucks and one axle trailers.

 be available at the Denver Central Platte Campus at 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. For this year’s free compost giveaway, the city is having participants 

Since the program is mostly do-it-yourself, make sure to bring your own shovel and bags or containers to put the mulch and compost in. You might also want to have a tarp on hand to protect your car or cover your trailer from dust and debris.

For compost pick-up, come prepared with a 5-gallon bucket, shovel, and your coupon confirmation number, which you’ll be given when you sign up.

Also, be sure to bring proof of residency, like a driver’s license or utility bill.

Have other gardening questions or need some tips on where to start? 

Here are some tips on how to take advantage of Denver's free mulch program.

How to Snag Free Mulch and Compost

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

 to fund sidewalk improvements and property owners will be seeing that fee appear for the first time on this year’s stormwater bills. Curious about the details? We’ve got you covered!

A majority of property owners will pay a flat fee of $150 per year, which is split over biannual stormwater bills. Property owners with more than 230 feet of sidewalk are charged an additional $3.50 for every foot over 230 feet. Every property owner will be charged a fee, regardless of the condition of current sidewalk infrastructure — even if a property currently doesn’t have an existing sidewalk — because the fee covers both repairs and future construction.

You can apply for assistance with covering these fees though 

, which is assessed based on income and household size. If your household is already receiving a rebate for trash fees, you’ll automatically receive the rebate for the sidewalk fee as well.

Curious what your sidewalk fee might be? Use the 

The city is expecting to collect around $40 million per year to go to sidewalk construction and improvements. Earlier this month, City Council 

 for the master plan that will guide the build out of the sidewalk network across the city. The project outlines 300 miles of new sidewalks and improvements to more than 1,200 miles of existing sidewalks, which could take around nine years to complete.

While the master plan is being put together, city officials have said they will begin working on some of the more damaged sidewalk spots, but haven't yet provided more specifics. To 

, like gaps and elevation differences of an inch or more, check out the city’s online portal.

Check here for updates! 

We break down what the fee is and where it's going.

What's The Deal With Denver's New Sidewalk Fee?

Tax Day (April 15) is looming — don’t get caught off guard. Avoid that procrastination panic and get your ducks in a row nice and early using these local tax prep resources.

The 2-1-1 statewide services database is a great starting point. Whether you want to file in-person, do it yourself online, or get assistance remotely, 2-1-1 can point you to 

, including a list of tax credits you could potentially qualify for.

One of the trickiest parts of filing (at least in my opinion) is knowing what forms and documentation you need and where to get them. There are 

 that offer handy tax document checklists. I particularly like 

 offers free tax prep services and tax-related legal services for qualified low-income filers year-round. It’s currently hosting 

 to low- and middle-income families and individuals by IRS-certified volunteers.

Colorado tax filers will once again get some bonus cash through the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. This year’s will amount will range from $177 to $1,130 depending on income and filing status. Here are 

 is the IRS alternative to tax filing softwares like TurboTax or H&R Block whose filing services often come at a hefty cost. FreeTaxUSA offers free self-filing for most federal tax situations, and state filing for only $14.99. Additional support from tax experts can be purchased. Here are some 

this list of IRS-approved filing partners

 offering free federal and state filing options for people with an income under a certain amount.

Tax Day (April 15) is looming. Here are some free, local resources to help with filing. 

Where to Find Free Tax Help in Denver

Make Denver better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

Help Your Denver Neighbors

Help Your Neighbors

I know the DMV isn’t everyone’s favorite place to hang out, but if you haven’t updated your Colorado driver’s license to a REAL ID, it’s time to make that appointment. After years of delays, the Department of Homeland Security will require an 

enhanced form of identification called “REAL ID”

 to get through airport security beginning May 7.

 to increase air travel security post 9/11. The law set minimum requirements for identification documents presented to TSA for domestic flights — like a driver’s license or personal identification card. REAL ID also includes a gold star and a barcode that’s difficult to counterfeit.

Originally meant to go into effect in 2008, the law was delayed several times and will finally go into effect on May 7, 2025.

The good news: Colorado has been making all new ID cards and driver’s licenses REAL ID-compliant since 2012, so there’s a good chance you already have one and might not realize it — if there is 

If not, you will need to update to a REAL ID if you want to board a domestic flight or enter military bases, nuclear facilities, and/or some federal offices. However, valid passports will still be accepted.

If you have a current Colorado ID or driver’s license, 

. All new IDs will be REAL ID-compliant, so you don’t need to do anything beyond the normal renewal process.

If your legal name has recently changed or this is your first time getting a Colorado ID, you’ll need to 

 of what you’ll need to bring with you — including 

. Note that all documents must be originals; photocopies are not accepted.

Beginning May 7, all Coloradans need to have an updated form of identification called REAL ID 

Colorado's REAL ID Requirements

What’s the Deal With REAL ID?

With President Trump officially in office for his second term, 

questions and concerns loom larger than ever

 for immigrant and refugee communities across the country — and right here in Denver. In response to the uncertainty, local groups are reminding the Mile High community about the support services that are available. Here’s our list:

This national campaign aims to help make newcomers aware of — and confident in — their guaranteed rights regardless of documentation status.

NILC lists the basic rights guaranteed to every person living in the U.S., including the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.

The CRIC lists immigrant/refugee protections that are specifically in accordance with Colorado state law.

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network

RMIAN provides free immigration legal and social services to immigrant children and to adults in immigration detention.

International Student & Scholar Services of CU Boulder

This is a list of free and low-cost immigration legal services across the state.

The City of Denver provides contact information for the consulate offices of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Peru.

🏠 Shelter, Food, and Basic Necessities

A Denver City Guide for Immigrants and Refugees

This guide from the Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs offers information on everything from where to find food assistance and legal guidance to contact info for all city departments and emergency services.

This nonprofit provides temporary housing and communication assistance to people who are released from Aurora’s immigration detention center.

Centro provides immigrants in the city with workforce training and development opportunities and direct access to jobs.

Project Worthmore helps local refugee families get settled into the community through language programs, food shares, community navigators, and more.

This nonprofit supports immigrants with disabilities and their families by offering educational training, help navigating social services, and more.

This statewide organization offers opportunities to donate and volunteer to provide legal and health assistance, public education, and policy advocacy.

CRRN deploys trained volunteers to respond to, record, and help navigate ICE interactions. Anyone in the community is welcome to call the hotline at 1-844-864-8341.

This organization accepts donations to help fund and administer grants to qualified nonprofits providing pro-bono or low-bono legal assistance for migrants.

This fund collects and distributes grants to nonprofits providing direct essential services — like food, clothing, and employment support — to immigrants and refugees.

Is Denver Actually a ‘Sanctuary City’?

Should We Be Saying ‘New Immigrants’ Instead of ‘Migrants’?

Here are some ways Denverites can support our immigrant community members in these uncertain times

Immigrant and Refugee Support Services in Denver

How to Support Your Immigrant Neighbors

Many marginalized communities are bracing for the potential impacts of a new presidency — and 

 it will likely bring with it. So we recently reached out to community organizer Tran Wills to learn more about 

 with local volunteer efforts right now. Plus, here are just a few 

Denver orgs looking for support through volunteers, donations, and specific skill sets.

This small but mighty organization helps transgender, queer, and other LGBTQ+ individuals and their families relocate to Colorado from other states in the U.S. with harmful or restrictive legislation and environments. (Please be patient if you reach out to help — they’ve been overloaded with requests, so it may take some time for them to get back to you!)

Other organizations supporting the queer community at large:

Supporting young people experiencing homelessness, Urban Peak runs both shelter and full-time housing services while offering things like hot meals, counseling, case management, and more to individuals between the ages of 12 and 24.

Find more ways to support youth in all aspects of life:

Serving young men who are new to Denver and Aurora from outside the U.S., Street Fraternity provides a place to socialize, receive mental health support, acclimate to a new culture or language, and address other struggles of daily life in a safe space.

Other ways to support folks navigating geographical transitions:

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many (more) folks are flocking to Colorado for abortion services. Colorado Doula Project offers financial, emotional, and logistical support for people seeking this healthcare.

Other organizations working on reproductive health support and access:

Since 1972, Servicios de la Raza has been supporting Denver’s Spanish-speaking community and beyond with everything from mental health support and substance misuse treatment to food access and clothing needs.

Other organizations offering various types of mental health support:

Every week Joy’s Kitchen rescues, sorts, and redistributes surplus or “imperfect” foods that would otherwise be thrown away to people across the metro area in need. Volunteers are needed to help with organization and distribution of food boxes across the city.

And there are so many organizations doing great work that need your time, resources, and expertise to keep on keepin’ on:

Find other Denver volunteer opportunities 🎧

Many marginalized communities are bracing for the potential impacts of a new presidency — and the major policy changes it will likely bring with it. 

Supporting Marginalized Denver Communities

After the Election: How to Support Your Community

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

By the end of this month, you’ll be able to 

 that will be mailed to your home via the U.S. Postal Service. Though an official date hasn’t been set yet, check 

 to see when the federal program reopens. Each household can get four nasal swab rapid tests to detect the current virus strains, while supplies last.

COVID-19 tests have a shelf-life for when they can best detect the virus, but some expiration dates on diagnostic tests have actually been extended. 

 to search your test by manufacturer or name to see if it’s still a viable option.

 was approved by U.S. regulators last month to target the most recent virus strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

 for ages 6 months and older — and especially for people who have underlying health conditions, are over 65, or are pregnant. Previous vaccines no longer cover the current strain, and if you’ve been previously infected, your immunity wanes overtime.

If you want to get a vaccine somewhere other than your primary care office, the Denver Department of Public Health recommends using 

 to schedule an appointment at a pharmacy near you. You can also check with your local Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, and King Soopers.

Denver Health’s School-based Health Centers

 to help you find a vaccine site. Prefer assistance over the phone? Call the CDC’s vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233.

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

at anyone, but if there’s a dead skunk on the street, who do you call to get it cleaned up? Or if there’s a loose dog wandering the roads, who should you tell? Well, I’ve got those answers and then some 👇

For potholes on Denver streets, residents can call 

 at DenverGov.org, including the option to upload a photo of the offending pothole. For highways and other metro area counties, 

here’s a list of phone numbers and websites

In Denver, downed power lines should be reported immediately to 

. Under no circumstances, should you ever approach a downed power line. If the downed line is in contact with another object, call 

If you encounter a person experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, Denver residents are encouraged to contact the 

. If you, or a person you encounter, are in crisis you can also 

 for free confidential mental health support services.

For concerns about a stray or at-large dog, Denverites should contact the Denver Animal Protection Officer Dispatch line at 

. For other animal-related questions or complaints, contact 

📧 Send us your questions and complaints!

Pothole? Loose animal? Downed power line? Here's who you can call for help. 

Who Do I Yell At? 

It’s no secret that downtown has seen better days. Restaurants keep closing, office buildings are emptier than ever, and yet another “clean and safe” initiative has launched to combat negative perceptions. So what is there to be done? Well, we have a few 

Simple — provide a place for people downtown to go to the bathroom. Offering multiple clean, safe, and accessible restrooms would take the pressure off businesses to offer bathrooms to the public, and hopefully, well, lead to less sanitary concerns.

Downtown is plagued by abandoned storefronts. Imposing a “vacancy tax” on landlords who are allowing storefronts to sit empty could be just the nudge they need to find that next great tenant — or sell!

Miss wandering around the ‘80s-era Tabor Center when it was a mall? Have a hankering to go ice skating on the downtown rink in front of the long-demolished May D&F? Wish you could time travel back to the Brown Palace’s opening day in 1892? An immersive, virtual reality version of “Old Denver” is ripe for invention!

Denver’s internationally known for our big blue animals — see 

. What’s stopping us from adding another to our public art ranks? Picture this: A big blue dragon peering at you from the top of, say, Union Station or the Cash Register Building.

How many times have you missed your turn or passed up a prime parking spot, only to find yourself driving blocks out of your way before circling back to where you began? Plus, two-way streets can slow traffic (yay for pedestrian safety!) and increase visibility for businesses. A win-win for everyone.

Innovative, interesting, out-there, and completely free ideas that could be the magic solution to downtown’s ongoing woes.



public services

Navigating Denver’s New Trash Rules

How to Snag Free Mulch and Compost

What's The Deal With Denver's New Sidewalk Fee?

Latest articles

Navigating Denver’s New Trash Rules

How to Snag Free Mulch and Compost

What's The Deal With Denver's New Sidewalk Fee?

Where to Find Free Tax Help in Denver

What’s the Deal With REAL ID?

How to Support Your Immigrant Neighbors

After the Election: How to Support Your Community

Latest articles

Where to Find Free Tax Help in Denver

What’s the Deal With REAL ID?

How to Support Your Immigrant Neighbors

After the Election: How to Support Your Community

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

Who Do I Yell At?

5 Big Ideas to Fix Downtown Denver