Trash, Recycle, Compost

Save As You Throw FAQs

What is "Save-As-You-Throw"?

NEW for 2025 - Waste Management is shifting to a Save As You Throw program for waste collection.

With the new Save As You Throw approach, you can choose from three sizes of WM-provided trash carts or keep your existing personal trash cart. Your monthly service charge (on the Town utility bill) will range depending on the size of trash cart chosen. Your existing recycling cart and service is included in the trash price. There is no change to your recycling service.

When can I change bin sizes?

A new bin selection period will open August 2026. Currently, WM will charge a $25 fee if you change bin sizes.

What is the effective date of the new billing amount?

The new rates will be reflected on your December 2025 billing statement.

I need my old bin taken away. What do I do?

Mark your bin with the stickers Waste Management provided with your new bin, and leave that bin out on any regular trash day beginning December 11, 2025. Waste Managment will take it away!

Do I need to have an empty refuse container before it is changed out?

No.  Waste Management will collect your refuse container along with applicable contents the day your refuse container gets swapped out.  

Who do I contact if I have questions about this program?

For trash bin logistics, please contact Waste Management directly at (970)-349-1032.

For program related questions or concerns, please contact the Town of Crested Butte Sustainability department at (970)-349-5338 ext. 107 or sustainability@crestedbutte-co.gov.

Composting In Crested Butte

Sign Up Here!

Composting is now easier than ever in Crested Butte! The Towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte have teamed up with Elements Mountain Compost to bring residents a convenient, affordable way to reduce waste and support healthy soils.

Membership:
Join the program for just $17 per month, with limited scholarships available for those who need support. Questions about getting started or managing your membership? Email info@elementscompost.com.

Where to drop off:
Visit the compost site located on the east side of the Chamber of Commerce building at the 4-Way parking lot. (View drop-off pin.)

Compost FAQs

Who can participate in the drop off compost program?

Any resident living between Crested Butte South and Mt. Crested Butte can join the compost program!

Where do I drop off my food scraps?

The drop off location is located on the east side of the Chamber of Commerce building at the 4-way parking lot in Crested Butte. 

What can I compost?

Elements Mountain Compost accepts all types of food waste, even compostable dishware!

Won't my food scraps get gross and stinky in my house?

If you avoid putting meat, dairy, oily, or cooked foods in your compost bucket, and take it to the drop off site regularly, you can avoid odors in your home. 

Note: Elements Mountain Compost accepts meat, dairy, oily, or cooked foods in your compost bucket, but you may want to avoid letting those types of food scraps sit in your bucket for too long to avoid those stinky odors!

What do I put my food scraps in until I drop it off?

Any container with a lid will do, but if you want a proper "compost bucket", you can purchase one from Elements Mountain Compost. The Town may have some extra free ones, so check in at sustainability@crestedbutte-co.gov when you sign up! You may also purchase metal compost containers from most hardware stores. 

Wildlife-Resistant Trash Containers

To reduce wildlife encounters and protect public safety, the Town enforces regulations on trash storage and curbside placement. These rules apply to both residential and commercial properties.

Residential Trash Guidelines

• Residents may set out up to three 35-gallon cans per week.
• On non-pickup days, trash cans must be stored indoors (in a garage or building).
• On pickup days, cans may be placed curbside only between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM and must be returned inside by 6:00 PM.

If indoor storage is not possible:

• Use an approved wildlife-resistant polycart.
• Polycarts may be placed at the curb after 6:00 PM the night before pickup and must be removed by 6:00 PM on collection day.

About Wildlife-Resistant Polycarts:

• Polycarts feature latching lids designed to deter wildlife.
• Pick up polycarts from:
  • Ace Hardware, Gunnison: 970-641-1212
  • Waste Management: 970-349-1033

Commercial Trash Guidelines

Containers holding wildlife-edible waste must be stored in one of the following:

• An approved wildlife-resistant polycart
• A wildlife-resistant dumpster
• A container stored indoors

Waste grease must be placed in:

• A wildlife-proof grease container, or
• A container stored inside a building

Grease containers must be secured and placed on a level surface.

Suppliers:

• Wildlife-proof grease containers: www.bearsaver.com
• Drum lids and rings:
  • www.newpig.com
  • www.dawginc.com
  • www.dandbsafety.com