Denver’s Voter-Approved Universal Recycling Ordinance Goes into Effect

Denver's Voter-Approved Universal Recycling Ordinance Goes into Effect

Published on September 01, 2026

The City and County of Denver's voter-approved Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) goes into effect today, marking a significant milestone for one of the most impactful waste diversion policies in the city's history.

URCO is the result of the Waste No More ballot initiative, which almost 3 in 4 Denver voters approved in 2022. URCO expands recycling and composting access across the city and is intended to keep valuable materials out of landfills and in circulation in our community

The City and County of Denver is taking an education-first approach to implementing and enforcing URCO's new requirements. The city is focused on making sure buildings, businesses, event organizers and project permit holders have clear information, practical support and time they need to understand what is required and comply successfully before fines enter the picture.

For construction & demolition projects and permitted events, education-first means making requirements clear and integrating compliance into the permit process. No permit will be issued without a submitted Waste Management Plan, and city staff support applicants throughout this step.

For buildings, education-first means providing tailored guidance and support, so businesses and property owners understand what changes they need to make to meet requirements. As long as they are showing that they are taking steps toward compliance, penalties will not be the first response.

"Today marks the next chapter in Denver's ongoing effort to reduce waste and keep valuable materials in circulation," said Elizabeth Babcock, Executive Director of the City and County of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR). "Now that the Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance is in effect, our focus is on providing clear guidance, practical tools, and real support so every covered entity can confidently reach compliance."

The city has engaged thousands of building owners, restaurants, associations, event organizers, contractors and more over the past year as the policy has been refined. Last week, CASR held an URCO Resource Fair at McGregor Square attended by more than 100 businesses, property managers and haulers who are preparing to meet URCO's requirements.

URCO requirements apply to multi-family residential buildings, non-residential buildings, food businesses, permitted events and permitted construction and demolition projects.

Denver encourages all business and building owners to explore compliance options and support first, but exemptions will be considered in cases of economic hardship, small volumes of materials, inadequacy of waste hauling services and space constraints. Exemptions are different depending on the type of building, business or event, so Denverites are encouraged to visit www.denvergov.org/UniversalRecycling to get support on compliance or determine whether they qualify for an exemption.

More details on how those requirements impact each sector is below.

Requirements for Buildings and Businesses

Who must comply:

• Multi-family residential buildings with 8+ units
• Licensed food businesses
• Non-residential buildings

Who doesn't need to comply:

• Townhomes or rowhomes that hold an account with Denver Solid Waste Management are not subject to URCO requirements.
• Mobile retail food establishments, pushcarts, food peddlers, temporary retail food establishments, and food shelves are exempt from requirements.

What's required:

• Provide recycling and composting services alongside trash
  • Non-residential buildings: only recycling required; compost optional
• Ensure collection containers are:
  • Adequate in size
  • Conveniently located
  • Clearly labeled
• Post signage and provide waste-sorting education
• Submit a Waste Diversion Plan

Standards defined in the Rules and Regulations:

The rules set clear expectations for:

• Minimum service capacity
• Where and how containers must be placed
• Container labeling and required informational signage
• What must be included in a Waste Diversion Plan
• How and when to request an exemption

Requirements for Permitted Events

Who must comply:

• Events with 350+ daily attendees
• Events held on public property
• Events requiring permits from Denver Arts & Venues, Parks and Recreation, or Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

What's required:

• Provide recycling and composting services
• Ensure collection containers are:
  • Adequate in size
  • Conveniently located
  • Clearly labeled
• Provide training and signage to reduce contamination
• Submit a Waste Diversion Plan prior to permit issuance

Standards defined in the Rules and Regulations

The rules set clear expectations for:

• Minimum composting requirements (must include food and food scraps)
• Container placement standards
• Container labeling and required informational signage
• Required training elements
• What must be included in a Waste Diversion Plan
• How and when to request an exemption

Requirements for Construction and Demolition Projects

Who must comply:

• New construction or demolition projects larger than 500 square feet
• Interior remodel projects larger than 2,500 square feet

What's required:

• Divert at least 50 percent of on-site debris by weight through recycling or reuse
• Recycle or reuse a minimum of three covered materials
• Submit a Waste Diversion Plan prior to permit issuance
• Submit a performance security deposit prior to permit issuance
• Submit compliance documentation upon project completion
• Security deposit is refunded based on compliance demonstrated

Standards defined in the Rules and Regulations:
The rules provide:

More resources, including sample signage, fact sheets and best practices guides are available to download at www.denvergov.org/UniversalRecycling. Building owners, managers, food business operators, event organizers and contractors are encouraged to review the Rules and Regulations, talk to their hauler about recycling and composting options and reach out to the city with questions.

For questions or more information about URCO, visit www.denvergov.org/universalrecycling or contact [email protected].

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