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
- Multi-family 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

Multifamily Residential Requirements

Most multi-family residential properties such as apartments and condos must offer recycling and composting services for tenants, residents, employees and contractors at the property. Building owners/managers and residents can find what they need to know ahead of the Sept. 1 effective date.

Event Requirements

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.

Non-Residential Building Requirements

Non-residential properties must offer recycling services for tenants, employees and contractors at the property. Building owners/managers and residents can find what they need to know ahead of the Sept. 1 effective date.

Food Waste Producer Requirements

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. Businesses, building owners and property managers can find what they need to know ahead of the Sept. 1 effective date.

Construction and Demolition Project Requirements

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. Property owners and contractors can find what they need to know ahead of the Sept. 1 effective date.

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.