In effect
Austin Universal Recycling Ordinance
Austin's Universal Recycling Ordinance requires every food-permitted business to give employees access to organics diversion, with signage, education and an annual Organics Diversion Plan. Fines run up to $2,000/day.
At a glance In effect
Read the official rules (opens in a new tab)
- Ordinance
- Universal Recycling Ordinance – City Code Ch. 15-6
- Who’s covered
- All food-permitted businesses (organics); multifamily + commercial (recycling)
- Apartment buildings must provide compost
- Recycling only
- What you have to do
- Employee organics access, signage, education, annual Organics Diversion Plan; fines up to $2,000/day
- Key dates
- All food businesses since Oct 1, 2018
✦ The state picture
Rules in Texas
Austin sits inside Texas. State rules can apply on top of city rules.
01 / Our job
What Melly’s handles
- Which rules apply to each of your Austin 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 If something here looks out of date, tell us.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.
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✦ Let Melly’s handle it
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