Trash, Recycle, Compost
The Town partners with Waste Management for weekly trash and bi-weekly recycling pickup.
Trash Pickup: Every Thursday Morning
- Set Out By: 7:30AM
Recycling Pickup: Every other Thursday
- Set Out by 7:30AM
- Crested Butte uses one bin for single-stream recycling. Please put all of your recyclable items in the large green polycart with the yellow lid.
Holiday Delays: If pickup falls on or after a holiday, service moves to Friday the following week.
- Observed Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
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.
- 96 Gallon - $40.56
- 64 Gallon - $27.23
- 32 Gallon - $24.62
Note: There is no charge for the initial cart delivery/swap with this new program. Bear-resistant trash carts are available at no additional cost. After the initial delivery, existing customers will be able to change cart sizes once per year in August for $25.
All residents must indicate their cart preference by August 29, 2025, even if planning to keep an existing cart. If Waste Management doesn't receive a response, you will retain your existing cart and the Town will adjust your account to the 96-gallon rate.
WM will compile the responses received and swap carts by the end of September. The Town will adjust your account, starting in October.
For questions or help completing the form, please call WM at 970-349-1032 x 3
Save As You Throw FAQs
- I currently have multiple bins assigned to my account, but I can’t request multiple bins via the app. What do I do?
Please call Waste Management (WM) at (970) 349-1032x3 and explain your needs. They will account for your request of bin size manually or WM staff will direct you how to use the app to request multiple containers.
If your request is for more than one (1) container per residential unit, WM will bill you directly for the extra container.
- I understand there are three (3) container sizes with different rates. Will this charge be in addition to my current rate?
No. Your monthly charge for refuse/recycling will be the rate assigned to the size of refuse container selected.
- What is the effective date of the new billing amount?
The new rates will be reflected on your October 2025 billing.
- I’m switching out a bin that I previously purchased. Will WM dispose of it even though it’s not theirs?
Yes
- I’m not able to use the QR code. What do I do?
You may try to use WM’s website application or you may call WM at (970) 349-1032 x3 to finalize your container selection.
- When will the new bins be dropped off?
Waste Management estimates they will change out your existing container with your new container selection the week of September 22nd.
- 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.
- Is there a fee for changing out my current refuse container?
No, as long as your request is received by the August 29th deadline.
Alternative Recycling Options
Waste Management Drop-Off
Recyclables can be dropped off Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM at the Riverland Transfer Station (467 Riverland Dr). Refer to the list below for accepted items.
Gunnison Recycling Center
Open 24/7 at 10th & Rio Grande Ave (west of the airport).
For more information, call 970-641-0044.
Recyclable Items
Aluminum, Tin, and Steel Cans
- Recycle clean pet food cans, coffee and drink containers, and canned goods. These are accepted crushed or uncrushed.
- Foil and food trays are not accepted.
Glass
- All colors of bottles and jars are accepted. Please remove lids (they can be recycled separately).
Paper and Cardboard
- Accepted items include brown paper bags, office paper, newspapers, magazines, flattened cardboard, and dairy or juice cartons.
- Do not include craft paper, paper towels, cafeteria waste, or fluorescent paper.
Plastics #1–7
- Accepted plastics include wide-mouth containers (like yogurt or butter tubs), clear deli clamshells, personal care and prescription bottles, plastic pails, Nalgene bottles, and clean flower or garden pots.
- Unacceptable plastics include anything with food residue (please rinse!), frozen entrée trays, shrink wrap, plastic bags, Styrofoam, compostable cups or bottles, and chemical containers (such as motor oil, antifreeze, or pesticides).
Composting In Crested Butte
The Towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte have partnered with Elements Mountain Compost to launch a year-long residential compost drop-off pilot program.
Location:
The drop-off site is on the east side of the Chamber of Commerce building at the 4-Way parking lot. View drop off pin.
Membership:
Compost memberships are $17 per month. Limited scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis.
Early Sign-Up Bonus:
The first 50 participants will receive a free compost bucket, which can be picked up at either Crested Butte or Mt. Crested Butte Town Hall.
For questions about the program or your membership, email info@elementscompost.com
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: