Longmont’s Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) began the first phase of implementation on Jan. 1, 2024, requiring compliance for commercial business property owners and multifamily property owners that are not already subscribed to recycling collection services. The Ordinance focuses on a phased implementation for recycling and organics diversion for commercial and multifamily properties. The requirements include the following:   

• Jan. 1, 2024: Recycling services required for commercial properties over 10,000 square feet and multifamily properties with more than 75 units  

• June 1, 2024: Recycling services required for all commercial and multifamily properties  

• Jan. 1, 2025*: Organics collection required for food wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and grocery stores  

• June 1, 2025*: Organics collection required for other select business types  

• Jan. 1, 2029*: Composting required for landscaping companies  

*This timeline may be adjusted as we continue to monitor changes to composting policies   

The City is committed to working alongside the commercial and multifamily sectors to implement this first phase of the URO. The City has financial assistance available to help meet compliance and an exemption process. For more information on the URO requirements, available financial assistance, the exemption process, and additional support visit the City’s URO website  or call (303) 776-6050. 

The Longmont City Council passed the URO on July 11, 2023 to support the City’s goal of keeping 75% of waste out of the landfill by 2030 and 95% by 2050. Reducing and diverting waste from landfills through recycling and composting are critical in achieving the City’s goals. The URO helps build a sustainable community that promotes a healthy ecosystem supporting healthier air, water and soil quality. 

In addition to Longmont’s URO, the  Statewide Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA) begins its second phase of implementation, which includes a ban on the distribution of plastic bags at large Colorado businesses and the use of polystyrene foam (often referred to as Styrofoam®) cups and food containers from retail food establishments. For more information on the Statewide PPRA requirements and for additional business support and resources visit the City’s PPRA website  or call (303) 776- 6050.