Starting this week, Denver is putting its Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance into effect. This initiative, which began as a citizen-led ballot and was approved by voters in 2022, mandates that businesses in the city engage in recycling and composting practices.
Kelcie DeFrancia from Denver’s Office of Climate Action emphasized the importance of businesses beginning compliance efforts. The ordinance’s implications are wide-ranging, affecting multifamily residences, permitted events (like food festivals), hospitals, hotels, restaurants, food processing plants, and construction and demolition projects.
Businesses must develop a waste diversion plan during license renewals, especially for food-related enterprises. While some businesses express concern over the potential financial burden, others are preparing to offer solutions, like composting services, to ease the transition.
For construction projects, a performance security deposit is required, varying from $1,200 to $100,000 based on project size. Despite the challenges, many community members are enthusiastic about the improvements this ordinance is expected to bring.
