In effect
Denver URCO
Denver's URCO requires compost and recycling service at apartment buildings with 8+ units, licensed food businesses, permitted events and more, with a Waste Diversion Plan kept on site. Compliance is due Sept 1, 2026.
At a glance In effect
Read the official rules (opens in a new tab)
- Ordinance
- Universal Recycling & Composting Ordinance (URCO) – Initiated Ord. 306 (2022), updated CB 25-0628 (2025)
- Who’s covered
- Multifamily 8+ units, manufactured home communities, congregate living, licensed food businesses, permitted events (350+ daily attendees), C&D; non-residential buildings recycling only
- Apartment buildings must provide compost
- Yes
- What you have to do
- Compost + recycling service; sized, labeled, convenient containers; signage & education; Waste Diversion Plan kept on site (events: submit 30 days before permit)
- Key dates
- Compliance Sept 1, 2026; rules dated June 26, 2026
✦ The state picture
Rules in Colorado
Denver sits inside Colorado. State rules can apply on top of city rules.
01 / Our job
What Melly’s handles
- Which rules apply to each of your Denver locations
- File the paperwork for you
- Set up pickup or a compliant hauler
- Keep your records current so you are ready if an inspector asks
✦ Where this comes from
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Laws change. If something here looks out of date, tell us.
These are plain-English summaries for general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source.
✦ Get a compliance plan
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✦ Let Melly’s handle it
Get a compliance plan
Tell us where you operate. We tell you what applies, then we file and keep you compliant.