New! announcing the districts' new trash & recycling program

---

An optional District-run contract trash and recycling service with WM (Waste Management) that provides community-wide pricing and consistent service.

The District's Trash Collection Program is authorized pursuant to Colorado House Bill 20-1074, which permits water and sanitation districts to contract for solid waste and recycling services. The approved bi-partisan legislation further authorizes Special Districts, at their discretion, to implement mandatory participation for such services.

Even with this authority in place, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District policy provides for VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION ONLY. Enrollment in the District's Trash Collection Program is limited to qualifying properties that elect to opt-in, and the District will provide opt-out opportunities consistent with adopted program terms and conditions.

• If you are currently a WM customer, you will need to opt-in to the program with Cottonwood Water in order to get the discounted price. 
• Please confirm the transfer of your account from WM to the District's program by April 1, 2026.
• Any overlap payment you made to WM for services will be reimbursed by WM, upon confirmation by the District of your participation in our program.

• Weekly trash, bi-weekly recycling 
• Two 96-gallon totes (one for trash and one for recycling) provided by the District
• Consistent pickup day - every Thursday
• One free annual community bulky item disposal day - date to be determined
• If you need to dispose of bulky items, such as furniture, before the event, please contact WM to make arrangements. WM will charge residents directly.

Approximately $16.13 per month for one year (2026)

• $12.00 fixed rate
• plus variable fees (fuel and recycling costs)

The service is billed through the District on your monthly Cottonwood Water & Sanitation District bill. Unlike individual trash collection contracts, the District's program is billed monthly in arrears like your water and wastewater fees.

Yes.  Additional totes may be leased directly from WM for a monthly fee. WM will bill customers directly at a $5 base rate plus an energy and recycle material offset charge per month. The approximate total cost per home would be $5.80/month for each extra 96-gallon trash tote and $7.52/month for each extra 96-gallon recycling tote. Please contact WM to order additional containers.

No. Opting in is 100% voluntary.

Available to residential properties where community trash collection services are not provided by an HOA (please refer to the map at the top of this page).

You have the opportunity to opt out between November 2-16, 2026. If you are satisfied with the program and choose to stay, you will automatically be enrolled for the next two years.

The 2026 base fixed rate is guaranteed through the end of 2026. After that, rates are subject to change. Future pricing will be shared with program participants by November 30 of each subsequent year.

Pick up day is every Thursday for trash and every other Thursday for recycling. Please check the WM website for holidays and more information.

No. Only WM totes may be used.

Please contact us to discuss potential options with WM.

No. WM uses automated collection equipment and all trash and recycle items will need to be inside the totes they provide for collection.

Program start-up date: May 1, 2026

When you move, Cottonwood Sanitation & Water District will create a final bill for you, which will also final your trash collection service. The water & trash billing will be transferred to the new tenant or owner.