Top: Images courtesy city of Denver

On September 15, 2025, the Denver (CO) City Council approved updates to the City’s Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance, put in motion through a community-led “Waste No More” ballot measure that was passed by 70% of Denver voters in November 2022. The ordinance requires that recycling and composting services be provided at multi-family residential buildings, food businesses (covering licensed retail food establishments and licensed commissary, food processing, and wholesale and warehouse establishments), and permitted events. The updates clarify what is applicable and outline the requirements. “These updates aim to help those impacted understand and follow the new changes,” explains the City of Denver. “Ahead of the September 1, 2026 enforcement date, Denver will now move forward with developing rules and regulations, administrative guidance, and education to support buildings, businesses and community members who will be impacted by these changes.”

For example, starting September 1, 2026, apartment and condominium buildings with eight or more units must provide recycling and composting services to their residents. Buildings will provide containers in convenient locations, and signs will be posted to explain how to sort waste. Event organizers will be required to provide recycling and composting services for event attendees, employees, contractors, customers and volunteers, including adequate and convenient collection containers and appropriate signage.