SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The initial phase of the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) has come into effect in the City of Longmont as of 1st January, 2024. The ordinance will be implemented in multiple phases. The ordinance passed in July last year aims to keep 75% of the city’s waste out of landfills and elevate the diversion rate to 95% by 2050.
Accordingly, commercial businesses with more than 10,000 square feet and multi-family property owners with more than 75 units are now required to be part of recycling collection service. The second phase of the ordinance is scheduled to go into effect this June, which in turn will make it mandatory for all commercial businesses as well as multi-family properties across the city to be part of the program.
The ordinance requires that all food wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and grocery stores join the organic collection services by January next year. Also, it makes composting mandatory for landscape companies by January 2029.
The news release from the city noted that the URO will help to build a sustainable community that promotes a healthy ecosystem supporting healthier air, water and soil quality. It also expressed its willingness to offer financial assistance to businesses in need during the initial phase of the ordinance.
