Denver, CO Trash & Recycling: Mandatory Organics Recycling (2026)
Key Facts
- Effective date
- September 1, 2026
- Covered residential
- 8+ unit buildings, congregate living
- Responsible party
- Building owner, license holder, or HOA
- Plan required
- Written waste diversion plan on file
- Variances
- None allowed under § 48-137(h)
Summary
Denver requires multi-family buildings with eight or more units and most non-residential properties to give tenants, employees, and customers on-site recycling and organic material diversion starting September 1, 2026, under Chapter 48 Article X.
On or after September 1, 2026, the responsible party for a multi-family residential premises shall ensure that tenants, residents, employees, and contractors have access to on-site recycling and organic material diversion described under this article and shall further (1) post an informational notice, to be developed by the office of climate action, sustainability, and resiliency, about how to recycle and compost and (2) give a copy of such notice to every new tenant. The responsible party must retain records of the requirements of this subsection (c). (Ord. No. 628-25, § 3, 9-15-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 48-130 requires the responsible party for a multi-family residential premises (eight or more units, manufactured home communities, or congregate living) to give tenants, residents, employees, and contractors access to on-site recycling and organic material diversion, plus a posted notice, effective September 1, 2026. Section 48-131 imposes the parallel recycling mandate on non-residential premises. Responsible parties must keep a written waste diversion plan on file (§ 48-135) and retain compliance records; they can request exemptions for economic hardship, space constraints, or de minimis waste (§ 48-133(c)), but § 48-137(h) allows no variances from the underlying requirement.
Violations & Fines
Violating Article X, failing to provide the required recycling/organics access, skipping the waste diversion plan, or missing training records, is unlawful under § 48-137(b) and draws civil penalties, enforced by excise and licenses, public health and environment, and the office of climate action, sustainability, and resiliency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to single-family homes in Denver?
When do Denver buildings have to comply?
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Sources & Official References
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