Winter in Southern Colorado is a beautiful mix of snow-covered peaks and crisp mornings. But let’s face it, when a blizzard hits or the driveway turns into an ice rink, even simple tasks like putting out the trash can become a challenge.

If you’ve ever had garbage left behind because it was buried under a drift or impossible to access, you know the frustration. Luckily, with a few easy adjustments, you can ensure smooth trash removal no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.

Here are a few tips for winter-ready curbside garbage pickup.

Keep Your Trash Accessible

Snow can pile up quickly, turning your trash bins into frozen fortresses. Help Mountain Disposal’s trash collectors—and yourself—by clearing a path to the curb.

• Shovel Smart: Clear a wide path to where you set out your bins. A couple of extra feet of cleared space makes a big difference for our collectors and keeps you from slipping while hauling the trash out.
• Avoid Plowing Piles: If possible, place your bins where snowplows won’t bury them. This could mean setting them a few feet farther from the road or angling them slightly toward a cleared space.

Being proactive about keeping your bins accessible not only makes life easier for our collectors but also ensures your trash is picked up on schedule. It’s a small effort that can save you from dealing with overflowing bins or missed collections.

Prevent Freezing Lids and Bags

Cold weather brings frozen lids, slippery bags, and stuck trash. Avoid these annoyances with a few clever tricks:

• Loosen Frozen Lids: Spray a bit of cooking oil or silicone spray along the edges of your bin’s lid to prevent it from freezing shut.
• Double-Bag Wet Waste: Moisture can turn into icy chunks that get stuck at the bottom of your bin. Double-bagging liquids and wet trash keeps everything easy to dump.
• Empty Bins Before Storms: If you know a snowstorm is coming, take the time to empty your bins of debris or leftover trash. This reduces the risk of frozen buildup.

Remember, a little prep work goes a long way towards smooth trash pickup. You’ll save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.

Mind the Placement

Proper bin placement can make or break your pickup day, especially when icy conditions complicate things.

• Face the Street: Always position bins so their openings face the road. This allows Mountain Disposal’s collection trucks to grab and empty them easily.
• Stay Upright: Strong winds can topple bins, scattering trash bins everywhere. Position bins securely on flat surfaces.
• Avoid Traffic Hazards: Place bins close to the curb but not in the road to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

Thoughtful placement not only ensures your trash is collected but also helps prevent accidents or spills. Take an extra moment to position your bins correctly, it’s worth it for peace of mind.

Check for Hidden Hazards

Snow and ice can conceal all sorts of dangers, including sharp objects and slippery spots. Keep an eye out for these hidden hazards:

• Clear Icy Patches: Salt or sand any icy spots near your bins to prevent slips.
• Inspect Your Bin Area: Make sure the ground near your bins is free of debris, rocks, or anything that could create a tripping hazard.

Creating a safe area around your bins shows consideration for our waste collectors who face a lot of challenges when winter weather hits. It also protects you and your family from potential injuries.

Be Considerate of Collection Delays

Winter weather can throw a wrench into collection schedules. Mountain Disposal strives to be at every stop within the hour of scheduled pick up. We are successful in that goal 98 percent of the time!   However, snow-covered roads, icy driveways, and heavy storms sometimes lead to delays.

• Keep Bins Out: If a delay occurs, leave your trash out until the truck arrives.

Understanding that delays are often unavoidable during severe weather helps you plan better and stay patient. After all, our waste management team works hard to serve the community, even in the harshest conditions.

How Mountain Disposal Makes Winter Pickup Easy

At Mountain Disposal, we understand Southern Colorado winters. From rural routes to snow-packed driveways, we’re here to keep your trash pickup smooth and hassle-free.

Our drivers are equipped to handle tough weather. Whether it’s snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, we’re committed to serving your community year-round.

Schedule your service today and leave the winter trash worries to us!