Denver mandates recycling for residential and commercial properties under DRMC Chapter 48 and the Denver Solid Waste Management program. Denver provides single-stream recycling collection for residential properties and requires commercial properties to have recycling services. The city expanded composting services citywide and is moving toward mandatory composting.
Residential properties receive city-provided single-stream recycling carts collected every other week. Accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and plastics #1-7. No plastic bags or food-contaminated containers. Commercial properties with 8 or more units and all commercial buildings must contract for recycling services. Denver's 2020 waste diversion plan set a goal of 34% diversion by 2025. The city's expanded composting program accepts food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper. Denver is considering mandatory composting requirements for all residents.
Residential recycling is provided but not strictly enforced as mandatory — contaminated carts may be rejected. Commercial properties failing to provide recycling services may face fines under DRMC Chapter 48. Persistent recycling contamination results in educational tags and potential service suspension for the recycling cart.
Denver, CO
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See how Denver's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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