Austin, TX Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)

Article 5 of Chapter 15-6, the Universal Recycling ordinance, folded a dedicated organics mandate into its existing on-site recycling framework through Ordinance No. 20230921-004, adopted September 21, 2023. Section 15-6-91(A)(2) is the multifamily trigger: it requires that, after October 1, 2024, and for premises with five or more dwelling units, tenants and employees have access to composting services for the multi-family residential portion of the premises. A second, independent trigger covers food service: under Subsection (E), the responsible party for any premises with a food enterprise that holds a food permit under Section 10-3-61 must give employees access to on-site diversion of organic materials, regardless of building size.

Section 15-6-92(A)(3) spells out what an affected food enterprise's diversion service has to accept: food scraps including meat, bones, and dairy; food-soiled paper; and BPI-certified compostable products. Section 15-6-92(C) lets a responsible party apply to the department for a waiver, for approval to meet the Zero Waste Goal by an alternative means, to substitute a different material, to share services with another premises, or for a square-footage deduction if a food enterprise serves only prepackaged food. Section 15-6-93 layers on an education duty: the responsible party must give tenants and employees landfill-diversion instructions annually, in English and Spanish, and post signage on every container within 30 days of a new tenant or a change in service.