Compost 8.5"x11" is a letter-size sign published by the City and County of Denver that shows, in English and Spanish, what belongs in a compost bin. It covers food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard debris, and it says plainly: NO TRASH • NO BASURA. It is an informational sign, not an application or a permit. On FillingPDF you can fill out the form online and download or print the completed PDF; the original file and the other Recycling, Compost, and Trash posters are published by Denver at denvergov.org.
Last updated
What is Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO?
The Compost 8.5"x11" sign is a bilingual English and Spanish poster from the City and County of Denver that tells people what belongs in a compost bin: food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard debris, with trash kept out.
The sign is organized in three groups:
- Food scraps: baked goods, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, fruits and vegetables, meat and bones, prepared food, and spoiled or moldy food. A reminder tells you to remove fruit stickers.
- Food-soiled paper: paper towels, napkins, coffee filters, paper tea bags, sugar and flour bags, greasy pizza boxes, un-coated paper plates, and wooden popsicle sticks and skewers.
- Yard debris: branches, brush, flowers, grass clippings, leaves, pinecones, pine needles and weeds. Branches may be 4 feet maximum and no larger than 4 inches in diameter.
Every item is printed in English and in Spanish. The bottom of the sign points to the free Denver Trash and Recycling App, to 311 (720-913-1311) and to DenverGov.org/CartSmart for questions.
Denver lists this file with its downloadable Recycling, Compost, and Trash posters, which come in English and Spanish; the compost sign is one of three, next to the Recycling and Trash posters. The file name describes it as a compost building sign in the 8.5x11 size. It contains no lines to complete, and it does not grant any permission.
Who needs to file Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO?
The sign is for anyone who needs to know what goes in a Denver compost bin and what does not. That includes residents, and the people responsible for a building or shared bin area who want to post a reminder at the place where compost is collected. The file name describes it as a compost building sign, and it is printed in English and Spanish so both language groups can read it.
It is a poster, so nobody is required to file it, sign it or send it to the city. It is also not a permit: if you searched for a Denver permit, this document does not apply for or grant one.
The sign does not cover recycling or trash. Denver publishes separate Recycling and Trash posters in English and Spanish, listed on the same downloadable resources page.
When to file Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO
There is no deadline: this is a sign, not a filing. Download or print it whenever you want to post the compost rules at a bin, a kitchen or a shared collection area. The file is sized for 8.5"x11" paper.
How to fill out Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO
Choose the 8.5"x11" sign
Use this file when you want the letter-size version of Denver's compost sign. It carries each item in English and in Spanish.
Review the food scraps list
Check the first group: baked goods, coffee grounds, dairy, eggshells, fruits and vegetables, meat and bones, prepared food, and spoiled or moldy food.
Review the food-soiled paper list
Check paper towels, napkins, coffee filters, paper tea bags, sugar and flour bags, greasy pizza boxes, un-coated paper plates, and wooden popsicle sticks and skewers.
Note the fruit sticker reminder
The sign says to remove fruit stickers (Retire las etiquetas de las frutas) before fruit scraps go into the compost.
Check the yard debris limits
Yard debris includes branches, brush, flowers, grass clippings, leaves, pinecones, pine needles and weeds. Keep branches to 4 feet maximum and no larger than 4 inches in diameter.
Keep trash out of the bin
The sign reads NO TRASH • NO BASURA. Anything that is not on the three lists does not belong in the compost.
Find help with questions
For questions, use the Denver Trash and Recycling App, call 311 (720-913-1311) or visit DenverGov.org/CartSmart.
Download or print the PDF
Fill out the form online on FillingPDF if the file offers fields, then download or print the completed PDF on 8.5"x11" paper and post it where compost is collected.
How to submit Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO
Nothing is submitted to the city: the sign is printed and posted, not filed. The City and County of Denver publishes the PDF, together with its other Recycling, Compost, and Trash posters, on its Downloadable Resources page at https://denvergov.org/My-Property/Recycle-Compost-Trash/Resources/Downloadable-Resources.
For questions about what goes in the compost bin, the sign gives these channels:
- App: the free Denver Trash and Recycling App.
- Phone: 311 (720-913-1311).
- Website: DenverGov.org/CartSmart.
FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; any use of it follows Denver's own channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Putting trash in the compost bin; the sign states NO TRASH • NO BASURA.
- Leaving fruit stickers on fruit scraps; the sign says to remove them.
- Adding branches longer than 4 feet; the sign sets 4 feet as the maximum.
- Adding branches larger than 4 inches in diameter; the sign allows no larger than 4 inches.
- Composting coated paper plates; the sign lists only un-coated paper plates.
- Reading the sign as a permit or application; it is an informational poster with nothing to file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Denver Compost 8.5"x11" sign?
It is a bilingual English and Spanish poster from the City and County of Denver that lists what goes in a compost bin: food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard debris. It also says NO TRASH • NO BASURA and gives where to ask questions.
Is this a Denver permit or building permit form?
No. It is an informational compost sign, not an application, and nothing on it is filed with the city. If you need a Denver permit, this document does not apply for or grant one; Denver's 311 line is the contact the sign itself lists for questions.
What can I put in my Denver compost bin?
The sign lists food scraps such as coffee grounds, eggshells, dairy, meat and bones; food-soiled paper such as napkins, paper towels and greasy pizza boxes; and yard debris such as leaves, grass clippings and branches. Trash does not go in.
How big can branches be for Denver compost?
Branches may be 4 feet maximum and no larger than 4 inches in diameter, according to the sign. Other yard debris listed includes brush, flowers, grass clippings, leaves, pinecones, pine needles and weeds.
Is there a Spanish version of the compost sign?
Yes. This one sign is printed in both English and Spanish, including the NO TRASH • NO BASURA warning and the item lists. Denver also offers its Compost poster in English and Spanish on its downloadable resources page.
Who do I contact with questions about compost in Denver?
The sign lists three options: the free Denver Trash and Recycling App, a call to 311 (720-913-1311), and the website DenverGov.org/CartSmart.
Can I fill out and download this sign on FillingPDF?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, not connected to the City and County of Denver, and it does not file or submit anything for you.
Ready to fill out Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO?
Fill out Compost 8.5"x11" – Denver, CO now