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Denver Universal Recycling & Composting Ordinance (URCO) Overview

Denver's Universal Recycling & Composting Ordinance (URCO) takes effect September 1, 2026. URCO aims to conserve natural resources across the city. The ordinance, expands Denver's sustainability efforts by requiring the following services be available citywide:

Recycling and Composting Services Required for:

  • Multi-family residential buildings of 8+ units;

  • ​Food businesses

  • Permitted events (events on city property or open to the public)​

 

Recycling Services for:

  • Non-residential buildings

  • Construction Projects

  • Demolition Projects​

​​​

URCO COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Food 
Waste Producers

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 Requirements

  • Recycling services for customers, employees, and contractors (front-of-house and back-of-house)​

  • Composting services for employees and contractors (back-of-house, at minimum)​

  • Signage that clearly identifies each waste stream

  • Training of employees on proper waste sorting

 

Compliance Checklist

1. Start or adjust recycling and composting services

2. Set up your containers and collectoon areas

3. Label your containers

4. Maintain your containers

5. Train your employees and contractors

6. Fill out your Waste Diversion Plan

Helpful Links:

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Compliance 

Read More

Home  Owner's Association (HOA's)

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Requirements 

  • Recycling services for customers, employees, and contractors (front-of-house an back-of-house)​

  • Composting services for employees and contractors (back-of-house, at minimum)​

  • Signage that clearly identifies each waste stream

  • Training of employees on proper waste sorting​​

Compliance Checklist

1. Start or adjust recycling and composting services

2. Set up your containers and collection areas

3. Label your containers

4. Maintain your containers

5. Update your tenants

6. Fill out your Waste Diversion Plan

Helpful Links:

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Compliance 

Read More

Non-Residential Buildings

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 Requirements

  • Recycling services for customers, employees, and contractors.

  • Recycling a minimum of 30% of the total weekly service capacity​

  • Signage that clearly identifies each waste stream

  • Education on proper waste sorting for customers, employees, and contractors.

 

Compliance Checklist

1. Start or adjust recycling and composting services

2. Set up your containers and collec9on areas

3. Label your containers

4. Maintain your containers

5. Update your tenants and contractors

6. Fill out your Waste Diversion Plan

Helpful Links:​​

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Compliance 

Read More

Multi-Family Buildings

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Requirements

  • Provide recycling and composting services for tenants, residents, employees, and contractors​

  • Provide adequate and convenient collection containers

  • Post appropriate signage and provide waste sorting education

  • Create and maintain a waste diversion plan

 

Compliance Checklist

1. Start or adjust recycling and composting services

2. Set up your containers and collection areas

3. Label your containers

4. Maintain your containers

5. Update your tenants

6. Fill out your Waste Diversion Plan

Helpful Links:​​

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Compliance 

Read More

Construction Projects

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Requirements

  •  A minimum of 50% of all debris generated on site must be reused or recycled.​

  • A minimum of three materials must be reused or recycled i.e. concrete, asphalt, masonry, untreated wood, metal, or corrugated cardboard.​

  • A performance security deposit, based on the type and size of the project, must be submitted to be issued a permit.​

  • A waste diversion plan must be submitted through an online platform (Green Halo) to be issued a permit.​

  • Compliance documentation must be submitted at the end of the project.
     

Helpful Links:​​

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Compliance 

Read More

Demolition Projects

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Requirements

  • A minimum of 50% of all debris generated on site must be reused or recycled.​

  • A minimum of three materials must be reused or recycled i.e. concrete, asphalt, masonry, untreated wood, metal, or corrugated cardboard.​

  • A performance security deposit, based on the type and size of the project, must be submitted to be issued a permit.​

  • A waste diversion plan must be submitted through an online platform (Green Halo) to be issued a permit.​

  • Compliance documentation must be submitted at the end of the project.

 

Helpful Links:​​

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Compliance 

Read More

Permitted Events

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 Requirements

  • Provide recycling and composting services for event attendees, employees, contractors, customers and volunteers

  • Provide adequate and convenient collection containers​

  • Post appropriate signage and provide waste sorting training and education​

  • Complete a Waste Diversion Plan and submit to the permitting agency(s)

 

Helpful Links:​​

Website Link: Denver.gov URCO Requirements

Read More

Rockies URCO Services

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Free URCO Waste Audit

The purpose of the Waste Audit  is to determine if your business is URCO compliant.
During an in person visit to your business we will review:
 
  • Current Waste Management Process
  • Current Waste Management Equipment
  • URCO Requirements 
  • Current Waste Services
  • Business Needs
  • Rockies Services

Following our meeting Rockies will provide their analysis and recommendations.

This is Free of Charge! Take Advantage..
 
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Waste Receptacles

During the Waste Audit Rockies will make a determination then issue a recommendation on your current waste capacity.
  • Rockies offers several sized waste receptacles to meet your needs. 
  • The receptacles are produced in required colors.
  • We receive high-volume commercial discounts, which are passed on to our customers.
  • Waste Receptacles are provided Free of Charge for all our Contract Customers​
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Compliance Documentation

After the Waste Audit, Rockies will inform the business whats needed to become URCO Compliant. Documentation typically needed includes:
  • Waste Handling Training Materials
  • Waste Diversion Plan
  • Signage indicating Waste Disposal Procedures in Front and Back of Business
  • Bilingual Signage
  • Waste Disposal Records other...
Rockies is able to provide guidance on documentation needed for URCO Complaince.
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Recycling & Composting Waste Collection

     URCO Requires
                 Weekly Waste Collection 
  • Rockies provides dual-stream Recycling & Composting pickup
  • Both categories of waste are picked up at the same time, while adhering to requirements for segregation
  • Rockies picks up 7 days a week from dawn until dusk
  • Service plans typically include pickup 1-3 times a week.
  • Flexible scheduling, including overflow pickups are available
  • Recycling & Composting Contracts are typically issue for 1-2 years
Rockies strictly adheres to Denver County Guidelines for the transport of waste including maintaining your business waste service records.
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Consultation & Compliance Services

After  the initial Waste Audit, Rockies can continue to provide consultative services to decrease the cost and enhance the efficiency of your business waste management process.
 
As your business needs or regulations change, Rockies will provide critical guidance.
Rockies is able to provide guidance on documentation needed for URCO Complaince.

Schedule Free URCO Waste Audit

Schedule Free URCO Waste Audit

Schedule a brief meeting at your place of business to discuss current waste management process.

Review of URCO Requirements. Recommendations & findings can be provided.

Schedule an appointment
Aug - Sep 2026
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
Week starting Sunday, August 30
Time zone: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)Phone call
Tuesday, Sep 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Request Composting and/or
                  Recycling Service Contract

Request for Composting and/or Recycling Service Contract

What kind of service do you need?
Schedule an appointment
Aug - Sep 2026
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
Week starting Sunday, August 30
Time zone: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)Phone call
Tuesday, Sep 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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