Construction & Demolition Universal Recycling Requirements

C&D Debris Recycling and Reuse

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On September 15, 2025, Denver City Council passed updates to the city’s Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance(PDF, 483KB), (URCO) which was previously known as the Waste No More Ordinance. The changes revised the criteria and compliance timeline for recycling at construction and demolition projects. 

As part of the update, the requirement to submit recycling and reuse compliance documentation was paused until September 1, 2026, at which time any new application for construction or demolition over 500 sq ft or any existing residential or commercial building alteration over 2,500 sq ft will need to meet debris diversion and recycling requirements defined in the Ordinance and Rules & Regulations(PDF, 1MB).

Community Planning and Development is working to provide updated guidance and platforms for compliance ahead of the new compliance date of September 1, 2026.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Do these requirements apply to my project?

    A: Yes, if the project meets either of these criteria:

  • A new building or and existing building adding or demolishing more than 500 square feet.
  • An existing building modifying (tenant finish/alteration/renovation) over 2,500 square feet.

2. Q: I'm a subcontractor and only need a trade permit (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, Access Control, Boiler/AC, Roofing) - do these requirements apply to my permit?

    A: No, the URCO waste diversion requirements only apply to demolition, residential construction and commercial construction permits that meet certain criteria. 

3. Q: What if there are not 3 materials available to recycle from the project?

    A: If less than 3 materials are available to recycle, a modification to adjust the minimum number of materials may be submitted prior to permit issuance.  

4. Q: Do I have to pay the waste diversion security deposit?

    A: In most circumstances, yes, the refundable security deposit is required to ensure proper waste diversion from the landfill to recycling or reuse facilities.  In rare cases, prior to the issuance of a permit, the contractor may apply for a reduction or exemption if the cost of diversion is disproportionate to the value of the project.  

 

 

Coming Soon!

  • User Guides for navigating URCO Construction & Demolition Diversion compliance for your project.
  • Volume-to-Weight conversion tables for reusable materials
  • Signage Templates to use on site for material sorting and illegal dumping prevention
  • Templates for requesting a modification to waste diversion plan material quantities, percentages, or the performance security deposit.

 

Still Have Questions? 

Email us at CDWasteDiversion@denvergov.org