Universal Recycling Ordinance Information
On July 11, 2023 Longmont’s City Council passed the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) as an effort to support the City’s goal of diverting 75% of our waste from landfill by 2030 and 95% by 2050. The Ordinance focuses on a phased implementation for recycling and organics collection services for commercial and multifamily properties. As of June 1, 2024, recycling collection for commercial businesses and multifamily properties is required for those that are not already subscribed to recycling collection services. The requirements include the following timeline:
- 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, distributers, manufacturers, and grocery stores
- June 1, 2025: Organics collection required for other select business types, including:
o restaurants, food trucks, food shelves and food banks
o caterers
o hotels, nursing and residential care facilities and hospitals
o public/rental commissaries or shared use commercial kitchens
o breweries and distilleries
o office buildings and colleges with dining services
o event centers, golf courses and country clubs
o the City may identify additional business types in the future and will ensure that those impacted are aware - Jan. 1, 2029: Composting required for landscaping companies
Our intention is to work alongside the commercial and multifamily sector to implement the URO. We know that some businesses will need additional guidance and time. In addition to offering financial assistance and other support for compliance, commercial or multifamily properties that meet any of the following conditions may qualify for an exemption.
Jan. 1, 2024: The Statewide Plastic Bag and Styrofoam Bans are now in full implementation. This Statewide ban is separate from this Ordinance, visit the City’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (PPRA) Information webpage for more information.
How To Comply
Here is a step-by-step URO guide on where to start.
Financial Assistance
Current financial assistance includes Zero Waste Coupons, bin purchasing assistance and CAReS Program Recycling rebates.
Exemptions
Applicants can request an exemption by submitting the exemption request form online or in person.
- City of Longmont Commercial Recycling Guidelines
- City of Longmont Commercial Landfill Guidelines
- City of Longmont Commercial Compost Guidelines
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- For additional signage please contact PACE (Partners for a Clean Environment)
- If a commercial or multifamily owner is notified of a violation, they will have 30 days to either request an exemption or comply with the requirements.
- If the owner is not working toward compliance within 30 days of the notice of violation, they will be subject to the Civil Penalty Process.
Enforcement
The primary focus of engaging non-complying properties is to support them in meeting compliance, either through signing up for a service or applying for an exemption. If a property continues to not comply, they may be subject to the civil penalty process.
Violation Reporting
To report a Commercial Business and/or Multifamily Property not in compliance with the City’s Universal Recycling Ordinance on Lack of Recycling Collection Service, Recycling bins, or Signs visit the City’s Code Enforcement website and submit the violation under Report Code Violation
If you have any questions or want more information on the Universal Recycling Ordinance please contact Nicole Manesh, Zero Waste Coordinator at sustainability@longmontcolorado.gov.
