These 10 things made us call 311 the most this summer

The 311 data that the city keeps is my favorite data set I’ve ever encountered. It’s simultaneously incredibly messy and incredibly human.

staff photo

The 311 data that the city keeps is my favorite data set I’ve ever encountered. It’s simultaneously incredibly messy and incredibly human.

But it also underpins something important about our city — what do you care enough about to call the city, sit on hold, then explain to another human who’s going to try their best to help you?

Maybe you care so much about sustainability that you’ll call to see how you can volunteer with the city’s office. Maybe you’re one of the people who called about Japanese beetles — I hear they’re terrible for roses.

But if you called the service at all this summer, you’re in good company. This summer alone, there were 124,552 calls. Here’s what we complained about the most.

Trash smells extra bad in the summer.

Trash smells extra bad in the summer.

Most frequent 311 calls from June 21 to Sept. 21
Category Calls Resources
Trash 11,821 To check your pickup or extra pickup schedule without calling 311, check the city’s site here. If you want to request a different sized cart, go here.
Recycling 4,698 To get a bigger cart, the city suggests calling 311 or emailing DenverRecycles@DenverGov.org to see about “upsizing” to a larger recycling cart.
DMV 4,606 Best of luck to you callers. Here’s a list of Denver locations.
Dogs 4,156 Here’s a resource to check for lost dogs.
Driver’s License 3,373 Here’s where to find more information on driver’s licenses.
Parking 2,819 The city website has a lot of online resources for parking.
Marriage 2,196 You can apply for licenses online or get the marriage forms.
Dumping 2,196 The city’s links for illegal dumping just redirect back to trash information. Best to stick with 311 for this one.
Property taxes 2,196 Here’s Denver’s most frequently asked questions about property taxes.

Weird times

Denverite is powered by you. In these weird times, the local vigilance, the local context, the local flavor — it’s powered through your donations. If you’d miss Denverite if it disappeared tomorrow, donate today.

You’re our superpower

Denverite supporters have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.

You’re our superpower

Denverite members have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.