Denton, TX Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All commercial properties citywide
- Required materials
- Paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastics
- Plan deadline
- First business day of October, annually
- Enforced by
- City of Denton Solid Waste Director
Summary
Every commercial property in Denton must run an on-site recycling diversion program and file an annual diversion plan with the city.
The owner of any commercial properties in the city must actively engage in on-site recycling material diversion program. Commercial properties must, at a minimum, provide availability to the residents and employees of these properties the ability to recycle paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics. The nature of the recycling or diversion practiced must be reported in a "diversion plan" as described in this chapter. Commercial recycling and organics services must be provided by a permitted hauler (see article VI of this chapter) or the City of Denton Solid Waste and Recycling Department.
(Ord. No. 23-386, § 2(Exh. A), 7-18-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City code requires commercial property owners to actively engage in an on-site recycling material diversion program, giving employees and customers the ability to recycle at minimum paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics. Owners must file a written diversion plan with the Solid Waste Director by the first business day of October each year, and the city will not issue a new certificate of occupancy without one on file. Recycling and organics service must come from a city-permitted hauler or the City of Denton Solid Waste and Recycling Department.
Violations & Fines
No compliant diversion plan on file blocks issuance of a new certificate of occupancy; failure to maintain the program or file annual/updated plans is a code violation subject to enforcement by the Solid Waste Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Denton businesses have to recycle?
What happens without a diversion plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle recycling requirements.