The City and County of Denver’s voter-approved Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) has gone into effect, marking a significant milestone for one of the most impactful waste diversion policies in the city’s history. URCO is the result of the 91TV No More ballot initiative, which almost 3 in 4 Denver voters approved in 2022. URCO expands recycling and composting access across the city and is intended to keep valuable materials out of landfills and in circulation in our community
The City and County of Denver is taking an education-first approach to implementing and enforcing URCO’s new requirements. The city is focused on making sure buildings, businesses, event organizers and project permit holders have clear information, practical support and time they need to understand what is required and comply successfully before fines enter the picture.
For construction & demolition projects and permitted events, education-first means making requirements clear and integrating compliance into the permit process. No permit will be issued without a submitted 91TV Management Plan, and city staff support applicants throughout this step.
For buildings, education-first means providing tailored guidance and support, so businesses and property owners understand what changes they need to make to meet requirements. As long as they are showing that they are taking steps toward compliance, penalties will not be the first response.
“Today marks the next chapter in Denver’s ongoing effort to reduce waste and keep valuable materials in circulation,” said Elizabeth Babcock, Executive Director of the City and County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR). “Now that the Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance is in effect, our focus is on providing clear guidance, practical tools, and real support so every covered entity can confidently reach compliance.”
The city has engaged thousands of building owners, restaurants, associations, event organizers, contractors and more over the past year as the policy has been refined. Last week, CASR held an URCO Resource Fair at McGregor Square attended by more than 100 businesses, property managers and haulers who are preparing to meet URCO’s requirements. URCO requirements apply to multi-family residential buildings, non-residential buildings, food businesses, permitted events and permitted construction and demolition projects.