Denver's Path to Sustainable Waste Management

We are proud to live and work in Denver. The resident-led ballot initiative for Universal Recycling and Composting passed in 2022. This initiative is also known as the Waste No More ordinance. As part of the Denver design and construction community, we must reduce landfill waste. We can achieve this by promoting sustainable building practices through waste diversion and recycling.

Current Waste Diversion Rates

Compared to other states, Colorado’s waste diversion rate is 15.7%, which is half the national average. However, there is good news regarding organic material diversion. Across Colorado, composting, mulching, and biochar infrastructure are scaling up. These practices help divert organic materials from landfills. They also build healthy soils and cut methane gas emissions. In 2024, organic material diversion increased by 55% through Denver’s expanded residential compost program, which now serves 75,000 homes.

According to the City and County of Denver’s Sustainable Resource Management Plan, Residential Recycling & Composting rates increased from 13% in 2010 to 26% in 2020. This change over ten years is impressive! Denver aims to divert 50% of all solid waste generated by 2027 and 70% by 2032.

Chart published in the City and County of Denver's Sustainable Resource Management Plan

Progress Towards 2027 Goals

How are we tracking towards the 2027 goal? Solid waste diverted by residential and commercial sectors is only 35%. This is 15% short of the 50% solid waste diversion goal set by the City.

Table published in the City and County of Denver's Sustainable Resource Management Plan

Strategies for Improvement

What is Denver doing to reach its 2027 goal? The city has scaled waste diversion infrastructure. This includes added and upgraded materials recovery facilities (MRFs). Denver has also implemented residential waste, recycling, and composting services. The Waste No More Ordinance has been passed. According to this ordinance, Denver will enforce recycling and composting services for all multi-family and food businesses starting on September 1, 2026.

Recycling-only services for non-residential buildings and all construction and demolition projects will also be mandatory. All new construction and demolition projects greater than 500 SF and interior remodel projects greater than 2,500 SF must comply. The City and County of Denver sees the commercial and construction sectors as great opportunities for waste diversion. These sectors account for more than 80% of Denver’s total waste stream.

Success Stories in Waste Diversion

For example, Perks Deconstruction recovered 261,857 pounds of reusable building materials and recycled 838,140 pounds from 208 deconstruction projects in 2024 alone!

Recycled building materials, such as unpainted and untreated lumber, concrete, and metal, are sold as commodities. This marks a major departure from their previous fate as waste in a landfill. In 2025, Colorado sent an estimated $100 million worth of recyclable materials to the landfill. Resale of Construction and Demolition materials is also an option. Nonprofits such as the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Boulder’s Resource Central accept donated Construction and Demolition materials and resell them to the community. There is a significant economic opportunity to turn waste into cash!

Preparing for New Regulations

Denver’s Universal Recycling and Composting webpage is currently being updated with new submittal requirements for architects, contractors, and building owners to reference. At a minimum, design teams will need to complete a waste diversion plan and submit compliance forms along with the typical permit application forms.

In preparation for the enforcement date on September 1, our design team is reaching out to project partners. We aim to make them aware of the policy and strategize on next steps. Denver and the greater Colorado community are making huge strides toward a more sustainable future. We support these efforts to reduce waste, recycle more, and build a stronger community and economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Denver is on a path to a more sustainable future. The Waste No More ordinance and the increased focus on recycling and composting are steps in the right direction. As we move forward, it is essential to engage in practices that promote waste diversion. By working together, we can achieve our waste diversion goals and create a healthier environment for all.