Aurora property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service aligns with the City of Aurora requirements and applicable county-level site design standards (Adams / Arapahoe / Douglas) — all with a turnkey program.
In Aurora, residential trash & recycling are not city-provided services. It is the responsibility of multifamily management (or HOA/residents) to arrange service with a city-licensed trash & recycling hauler. Local code also requires proper screening/enclosures for trash and recycling areas on-site. (City Trash & Recycling · Aurora Code Ch. 114 Solid Waste · UDO §4.7.8 Screening of Service Areas)
- NOI & Property Value Lift: Sustainability amenities that increase retention and curb appeal.
- Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep recycling reduces overflow and contamination.
- Compliance Simplified: Aligns with City hauler-access rules and county site-design standards.
- Code-Backed Design: Enclosures, signage, and right-sized service documented for inspectors.
At a Glance: City of Aurora & Surrounding Counties
City of Aurora
- Mandate Type: Mandatory access / service arrangement — management must contract with a licensed trash & recycling hauler (city does not provide service).
- Applicability Threshold: No explicit unit-count threshold found for multifamily recycling; general duty to arrange service and maintain compliant storage/enclosures.
- On-Site Standards (UDO):
- Enclosures: Sized to accommodate both a dumpster and a recycling bin; completely screened from public view.
- Placement: Service areas and loading docks screened to sufficient height to hide trash/recycling.
- Key City Links: Trash & Recycling (City) · Municipal Code Ch. 114 · UDO §4.7.8 (Screening) · Trash Haulers (Art. III) · §114-27 Storage
Unincorporated Areas (Adams, Arapahoe & Douglas Counties)
- Mandate Type: Generally site design / enclosure standards for trash & recycling areas; subscribe to appropriate services per local rules/permits.
- Applicability Threshold: No countywide unit-count trigger located for multifamily recycling mandates; projects must meet design/enclosure requirements.
- County Design References:
- Adams County: Development Standards — Recycling & Trash Handling Facilities (Chapter 4 / §4-22). DSR Chapter 4 (PDF)
- Arapahoe County: Land Development Code — requires screened and setback waste areas. LDC (PDF)
- Douglas County: Zoning Resolution includes siting and enclosure expectations for trash/recycle facilities. DCZR §27 (PDF)
Fines & Penalties Snapshot (Aurora Code Enforcement)
Noncompliance with local solid waste and property maintenance codes may result in civil or administrative citations under Aurora Municipal Code Ch. 114 and Code Enforcement Title 1. Typical penalty ranges include:
- First Violation: Warning or fine up to $100 per day.
- Repeated Violations: Escalating fines up to $1,000 per day or abatement fees charged to property owner.
- Code Enforcement Authority: Aurora Neighborhood Services / Code Enforcement Division (AuroraGov.org).
Refer to Aurora Code §1-13 Penalties and Ch.114 Solid Waste Violations for current fine schedules.
Property Manager Compliance Checklist (Aurora & Counties)
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Arrange Required Services | Maintain active agreements with a city-licensed hauler for trash and recycling (organics where contracted/best-practice). | Aurora: Trash & Recycling · Trash Haulers (Art. III) |
| ☑ Enclosure & Screening | Design enclosures to fully screen trash and recycling; ensure size accommodates dumpster + recycling bin; locate away from public view. | Aurora UDO §4.7.8 |
| ☑ Container Placement & Signage | Place recycling containers as convenient as trash; maintain clear labeling; keep lids closed; prevent overflow/contamination. | City Guidance |
| ☑ Resident Education & Records | Provide move-in and periodic recycling info; retain hauler agreements and service logs; be inspection-ready. | Aurora Code Ch.114 |
| ☑ New Development Reviews | Confirm county-specific site design standards for trash/recycling during site plan—especially enclosure sizing, access, and screening. | Adams DSR · Arapahoe LDC · Douglas DCZR |
Need a fast compliance check? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Aurora property — we’ll right-size your containers, draft resident education, and prepare inspection-ready documentation.
Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.