Trash Service

Durango West Metropolitan District No. 1 will transition to a single approved hauler for regular trash and recycling services. Beginning October 1, 2026, Phoenix Recycling will be the only hauler permitted to provide regular trash and recycling pickup within Durango West 1.

Phoenix Recycling Is Now Part of the Republic Services Family

The District was recently informed that Phoenix Recycling has been purchased by Republic Services. The Board was not aware of the pending sale when Phoenix was evaluated and selected as the District’s single residential trash and recycling provider.

We understand that this news may create concerns, particularly because residents were previously told that Phoenix was a locally owned company. The Board is now working to ensure the commitments made during the selection process continue to be honored under Republic Services.

Based on the information provided to the District:

The discounted rates promised to Durango West #1 residents will be honored.
Lower existing rates from another provider will continue to be matched or honored when residents provide the required invoice and proof of payment.
Republic intends to continue using dual-purpose trucks that collect trash and recycling together, reducing the number of heavy-truck trips over District roads.
The planned transition to a single residential hauler remains in place.

Reducing road damage was the primary reason the District moved to a single-hauler system. The use of dual-purpose trucks remains an essential part of that decision.

From Phoenix: It is with heartfelt gratitude for your loyal support that we share some exciting news. After 25 years serving Southwest Colorado, Phoenix Recycling has been acquired by Republic Services.

You can trust that we’re still the same local team you can depend on, now with the support from a national recycling and waste company. We will make this transition as seamless as possible, and we’ll help you navigate changes to your account and any action you need to take in the weeks ahead.

Here’s what you can expect:

Your collection services will continue as scheduled, by many of the same dedicated local team members you’re used to seeing. Any changes to your service day or time will be communicated in advance.
Your account information will be moved to a new billing system, where you can pay invoices by phone, by mail, through the website or through the app. Account migration will take place around October. Please continue to look out for account updates, including how to read your bill and how to set up auto pay.
At this time, continue to pay your invoice how you have in the past, including through the Phoenix Recycling website.