This summer, residents across Wheat Ridge will have four free opportunities to dispose of old furniture, yard trimmings, recycling, and household clutter. On 3rd Saturdays in June, July, August and September, residents will be welcomed to local church parking lots where rows of dumpsters will be waiting at TLC Clean-up Days. These events are a joint program from Localworks and the Wheat Ridge Police Department, designed to bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean and safe.
Four TLC Clean-up Days are scheduled for 2026:
• Saturday, June 20 at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church (7530 W. 38th Ave.)
• Saturday, July 18 at Newland Church (4490 Newland St.)
• Saturday, Aug. 15 at Wheat Ridge Congregational Church (6310 W. 29th Ave.)
• Saturday, Sept. 19 at Applewood Baptist Church (11200 W. 32nd Ave.)
Each event begins at 8 a.m. and runs until dumpsters are full, typically by 11 a.m. To keep roads clear and traffic moving more efficiently, and in response to feedback from nearby residents about traffic congestion caused by early-arriving vehicles, we have adjusted event logistics this year. The line for cars will now open at 7:45 a.m., and participants are asked not to arrive earlier in order to maintain safe traffic flow.
Participants can dispose of items across three primary categories: yard waste, recycling and general trash. Yard waste includes loose leaves, clippings and tree branches up to 4 inches in diameter—residents should be prepared to empty their leaf and landscaping bags onsite. In recycling dumpsters, we can accept clean plastic, glass and cardboard, as well as items that are at least 50% metal. Specialty dumpsters will be available for mattresses, tires and paint; all other items are sorted into general trash, including nonrecyclable household materials, such as furniture and miscellaneous waste. A full list of acceptable items can be found on Localworks’ website: https://wearelocalworks.org/neighborhood-clean-up-days/
To help increase the number of residents we can serve at each clean-up day, attendees are encouraged to pre-sort materials and break down large items before arriving, as dumpster capacity can vary widely depending on how materials are prepared. We appreciate your assistance in maximizing the impact of the program by breaking down all large items, including furniture, in advance.
Certain materials will not be accepted, including concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, large-scale construction debris, electronics, televisions, batteries, appliances containing Freon, hazardous materials, motor oil, propane tanks, gasoline, pressurized containers, adhesives, ammunition and medical waste. Tree branches larger than 4 inches in diameter are also prohibited.
While electronics are not typically accepted, we will offer electronics recycling during our final TLC event at Applewood Baptist Church. On September 19th only, e-recycling will be available in addition to our regularly accepted items from 8 to 11 a.m., giving residents a responsible way to dispose of old computers, phones, televisions, batteries and small appliances. More information about e-recycling, including a list of specific items we can accept, will be available soon at https://wearelocalworks.org/neighborhood-clean-up-days/
TLC Clean-up Days and electronics recycling are free and open to Wheat Ridge residents only, with a suggested $10 donation to help sustain the program and keep it accessible for all. As attendance continues to grow, we are placing greater emphasis on residency requirements. Attendees should be prepared to show a valid ID or a recent water bill as proof of residency.
“These events give residents an accessible, affordable way to dispose of items that are otherwise difficult to handle, helping reduce clutter while making a real difference in the cleanliness and safety of our neighborhoods,” said Paige Piper, Executive Director of Localworks. “When residents have the tools and opportunities to care for their surroundings, it strengthens the entire community. TLC Clean-up Days are a simple but powerful way to support that shared responsibility.”
With a combination of practical resources and community spirit, TLC Clean-up Days continue to offer a simple but impactful way for residents to take pride in their neighborhoods—one carload at a time.
