A noticeable change is coming to the way some Denver residents and businesses handle their everyday waste. Actually, it starts today.
Denver's Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) officially takes effect September 1, 2026, expanding recycling and composting requirements across multifamily housing, food businesses, non-residential properties, and certain permitted events.
The ordinance was approved by 70% of Denver voters in 2022 and is part of the city's larger effort to reduce landfill waste and move toward a more sustainable waste system.
So, What's Actually Changing?
The new requirements depend on where you live or work.
Apartment Buildings and Condos
If you live in a multifamily building with eight or more units, your building is now required to provide access to both recycling and composting.
For residents, that could mean seeing new bins, signage, or collection areas around your building.
The requirements also apply to certain manufactured-home communities and congregate living properties.
Restaurants and Food Businesses
Denver's food businesses are also part of the new requirements.
Restaurants and other covered food establishments must provide access to recycling and composting, which can mean changes to waste stations in both customer-facing and employee areas.
So the next time you grab lunch or dinner, don't be surprised if you see a few more clearly labeled bins.
Offices and Other Businesses
The changes extend beyond restaurants.
Covered non-residential properties must provide recycling services for tenants, employees, and contractors.
That means the impact of the ordinance will be visible in many of the places Denverites visit every day, from offices and commercial buildings to restaurants and apartment communities.
What About Single-Family Homes?
This is an important distinction.
If you live in a typical Denver single-family home, you aren't suddenly getting a new set of waste requirements today.
Denver already provides trash, recycling, and composting services to single-family residences and residential buildings with seven units or fewer.
The new ordinance primarily expands requirements for larger multifamily properties, food businesses, and other covered commercial and non-residential properties.
Why Is Denver Making the Change?
There's a lot more going into the trash than just trash.
According to the City of Denver, approximately 78% of solid waste generated in the city currently goes to landfills, while about 22% is reused, recycled, or composted.
The goal of URCO is to increase access to recycling and composting and keep more reusable and compostable materials out of the landfill.
It's also part of Denver's broader climate and sustainability efforts.
What Will You Notice Around the City?
For most residents, this probably won't feel like a dramatic change overnight.
Instead, you may notice smaller differences in the places you already spend time.
Your apartment building may add compost bins. A favorite restaurant may have new sorting stations. Your office might change its waste setup.
And you may find yourself thinking a little more carefully about which bin something belongs in.
A Simple Way to Get Started
If your building or workplace is introducing new recycling or composting options, take a few minutes to learn what belongs where.
Denver has specific guidelines for what can and can't go into each collection stream, so it's better to check than guess.
And remember, when in doubt, don't contaminate the recycling or compost bin. Check the city's current guidelines first.
Another Small Change Shaping Denver
It's easy to overlook changes like this because they happen in the background of everyday life.
But things like waste collection, transportation, parks, development, and sustainability policies all contribute to what it's like to live in a city.
Denver continues to change, and sometimes those changes show up in places you might not expect, including the bins outside your apartment building or favorite neighborhood restaurant.
Thinking about buying or selling in Denver this year? We love talking about the things that make each Denver neighborhood unique, not just the homes themselves. From restaurants and parks to transportation and community changes, your surroundings play a big role in how a place feels like home. If you're considering a move, our local team can help you find a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.