Wildlife Proof Refuse Containers
Keystone's natural setting and the wildlife within it are critical components of our community. Town Council adopted an Ordinance 2025-O-06, Regarding Wildlife-Proof Refuse Containers and the Feeding of Wildlife, to take necessary steps to minimize interactions between wildlife and residents. This ordinance will help limit the ability of wildlife to feed on our refuse. Residents and owners are encouraged to read the full details of the ordinance here, however, this page provides a brief overview of the provisions in the ordinance.
General provisions of note in the ordinance are detailed below. For full details read the full text of the ordinance.
The ordinance has two deadlines that property owners should take note of:
August 15, 2025: This is the deadline for bringing any containers into conformity with the new ordinance.
August 15, 2026: This is the deadline for bringing any enclosure into conformity with the ordinance.
If any individual or entity encounters hardship in meeting these deadlines by the proposed deadlines, they can reach out to Town Manager, John Crone, to request an extension to meet these guidelines for a reasonable period of time.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the Town Manager at jcrone@keystoneco.gov.
- For single-family residential units:
Residential containers shall be stored inside the home or garage. Containers may be set outside for curbside pick-up from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the scheduled pick up day. For residents unable to keep their refuse container inside the home or garage, they will need to store their refuse in a wildlife refuse container or enclosure approved by the Town of Keystone.
- For multi-family housing developments and clustered residential housing using centralized refuse containers:
These units must use a wildlife-proof dumpster enclosure for all refuse that is kept closed in a secure manner except when refuse is being deposited. If an enclosure can not be constructed, a petition can be made to the Town Manager allowing the use of a wildlife-proof refuse container as an alternative.
- For commercial establishments:
- All refuse containers receiving refuse from commercial establishments and restaurants shall be secured in an enclosure. If an enclosure can not be constructed, a petition can be made to the Town Manager allowing the use of a wildlife-proof refuse container as an alternative.