MONTREAL (RecyclingMonster): Denver's Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) took effect September 1, 2026, expanding recycling and composting requirements across the city. The policy stems from the 2022 Waste No More ballot initiative, approved by 70% of Denver voters.

The ordinance applies to multifamily residential buildings with eight or more units, licensed food businesses, non-residential buildings, permitted events and qualifying construction and demolition projects. Denver's stated goal is to keep recyclable and compostable materials out of landfills and in circulation.

New Recycling and Composting Requirements Cover Multiple Sectors

Covered multifamily properties and food businesses must provide recycling and composting services alongside trash. Non-residential buildings are required to provide recycling services, while composting remains optional for those properties.

Denver's rules also establish standards for collection capacity, container placement and labeling. Covered buildings and businesses must provide appropriate signage and waste-sorting education and submit required waste-diversion documentation.

Certain properties and food operations are exempt. Townhomes or rowhomes that hold an account with Denver Solid Waste Management are not subject to URCO requirements, while specified mobile, temporary and other exempt food establishments are also excluded.

Construction Projects and Events Face Permit Requirements

Construction and demolition projects and permitted events must incorporate waste-management planning into the permitting process. Denver officials said no applicable permit will be issued without the required Waste Management Plan, with city staff available to assist applicants.

For construction and demolition activity, the requirements apply to most new construction, additions and demolition projects larger than 500 square feet, as well as interior remodeling projects larger than 2,500 square feet. Covered projects are required to divert applicable debris for recycling or reuse.

Denver Adopts Education-First Compliance Approach

Denver officials said implementation will initially emphasize education and assistance rather than penalties. For buildings and businesses, owners and operators are expected to demonstrate progress toward meeting the requirements, with penalties not intended to be the city's first response when covered entities are actively working toward compliance.

Elizabeth Babcock, executive director of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, said the city's focus is on providing "clear guidance, practical tools, and real support so every covered entity can confidently reach compliance."

The city said it has engaged thousands of building owners, restaurants, associations, event organizers, contractors and other stakeholders over the past year as the policy and its implementation rules were refined.