Universal Recycling & Composting Ordinance

Denver’s Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) was approved by 70% of Denver voters in November 2022 and aims to conserve natural resources across the city. The ordinance, which takes effect September 1, 2026, expands Denver's sustainability efforts by requiring the following services be available citywide.

Recycling and composting services at
- Multifamily residential buildings of 8+ units
- Food businesses
- Permitted events (events on city property or open to the public)
Recycling for:
- Non-residential buildings
- Construction and demolition projects

What You Need to Know for URCO

URCO for Multifamily Residential Buildings

Most multifamily residential properties, such as apartments and condos, must offer recycling and composting services for tenants, residents, employees, and contractors at the property.

URCO for Permitted Events

Events with over 350 daily attendees that occur on public property and require a permit from the city must offer recycling and composting. Event planners and organizers: find forms and resources to file the necessary plans at least 45 days before scheduled events.

URCO for Non-Residential Buildings

Non-residential properties must offer recycling services for tenants, employees and contractors at the property.

URCO for Food Waste Producers

Licensed retail food establishments and licensed commissary, food processing, and wholesale and warehouse establishments must provide recycling for customers, employees and contractors, and provide compost for employees and contractors.

URCO for Construction and Demolition Projects

New construction and demolition projects larger than 500 sq. ft. or interior remodel projects larger than 2,500 sq. ft. requiring a permit issued by the city must meet reuse and recycling requirements for debris and materials.

Quick Links

URCO rules and regulations will not apply to residents or buildings serviced by Denver's Solid Waste Management division, which offers trash, recycling, and composting to all single-family residences and residential buildings of 7 units or less. Denver's Solid Waste Management is not available to provide services to multifamily, nonresidential or commercial buildings, or to service events.

Questions?
Denver's Office of Climate Action is here to provide support and address concerns. For more information, email your inquiries to universalrecycling@denvergov.org.

Want to report a building that is not in compliance? Submit a Report a Building Form, and we will contact the building's manager or owner with resources and support.

Recycling in Colorado is getting easier and better for everyone, including Denverites!

The Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling is a new Colorado law that brings together brands that sell products in paper and packaging, local governments, and recycling companies to improve the state’s recycling system. It was developed with input from Coloradoan communities and

industry partners. Where available, recycling services will now be paid for by the companies that make and sell packaged products – not residents.

One of the biggest challenges Coloradans face when recycling is knowing what items belong in the recycle container. The City and County of Denver, with support from RecycleOn Colorado, is solving that problem by introducing clearer, more consistent recycling guidelines across the city and state. These updated guidelines reduce confusion so residents can recycle with confidence. When everyone understands the rules, recycling systems work better, keeping waste out of recycling (and our landfills) and keeping more valuable materials in circulation.