Denver residents and business owners will see new waste‑diversion requirements take effect today under the city’s Waste No More program, also known as the Universal Recycling & Composting Ordinance (URCO). The ordinance expands recycling and compost services beyond single‑family homes to larger apartment complexes, commercial properties and event venues.
What the ordinance requires
Property owners of multi‑unit buildings, landlords, and managers of venues that host public gatherings must now provide separate recycling bins and, in many cases, compost containers for items such as coffee grounds and food scraps. The rule does not apply to townhomes already served by the city’s waste service, food trucks, and a handful of other exempt businesses.
Unlike residential service, the new program will not be handled by Denver’s solid waste division. Affected owners must contract private haulers to collect cans, bottles, paper, cardboard and compostable material. The city’s climate office estimates that many businesses will need to shop around for a suitable hauler.
Enforcement and penalties
City officials say they will start with education and outreach. “What the community can expect is lots of education, outreach from our team, raising awareness across the entire community about what people have to do to comply,” said Liz Babcock, executive director of Denver’s climate office.
Businesses that demonstrate good‑faith steps toward compliance will not face immediate fines. However, continued violations could result in penalties ranging from $150 to $999, and in extreme cases, the loss of a city business license.
Funding and exemptions
The program is partially funded by Denver’s plastic‑bag fee, approved by the city council last year. The city also reserves the right to grant exemptions for businesses that can prove economic hardship, insufficient waste volume, space constraints, or an inability to secure a private hauler.
Community response
Local business groups have voiced concerns. The Colorado Restaurant Association lobbied for broader exemptions, warning that the rules could financially strain small eateries. A spokesperson for the association called the ordinance an “over‑regulation” of vulnerable restaurants.
Restaurant and club owners interviewed by Denver7 expect higher service costs and are watching the private hauler market closely, fearing price increases as demand for recycling and compost pickup grows.
Background and voter support
In 2022, roughly 71% of Denver voters approved Initiative Ordinance 306, launching the four‑year process that led to today’s rules. City officials tout the program as one of the most impactful waste‑diversion policies in Denver’s history, aiming to reduce landfill use by turning waste into compost or recyclable material.
Next steps for businesses
The city has opened an online portal where owners can submit compliance plans. While the portal is live, it remains unclear how quickly businesses will adopt the new requirements. Officials remain optimistic that, within six months to a year, the city will achieve full service coverage.
For more details, property owners can consult the city’s website or contact the climate office directly.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
