Denver Tightens Recycling Rules for Construction and Demolition Projects: What You Need to Know
Updated: December 2025
In 2022, Denver voters approved Waste No More, a universal recycling and composting ordinance designed to cut down on landfill waste and keep valuable materials in circulation. Now, the City of Denver has taken the next step — approving updates that add new recycling requirements and accountability measures.
■ Online resource: View the City of Denver’s fact sheet, Construction and Demolition Projects: Information for Permit Holders (Contractors and Property Owners)
These changes take effect September 1, 2026, giving builders, contractors, and property owners time to prepare. But for anyone in the industry, it’s not too early to start planning — and Perks Deconstruction is here to help.
UPDATE: Per the City of Denver’s website, all recycling and reuse compliance documentation is paused until Sept. 1, 2026.
What’s Changing
Under the updated rules, permit holders for most construction and demolition projects will need to show that at least 50% of debris generated on-site is reused or recycled.
To meet that requirement, at least three different materials — such as concrete, wood, metal, or cardboard — must be diverted from the landfill. The City will also begin requiring a refundable performance deposit for demolition permits. That deposit will be returned once applicants submit verified diversion receipts demonstrating compliance.
The rules apply to:
Demolition or new construction projects larger than 500 sq. ft.
Interior remodels larger than 2,500 sq. ft.
Smaller projects and emergency orders are exempt, and the City has said it will take an education-first approach to compliance before enforcement begins.
Why It Matters
This policy is more than red tape — it’s an opportunity to expand what is possible in recovering and reusing building materials. By keeping metal, concrete, wood, and other recoverable materials in circulation, the ordinance will:
Keep valuable materials out of the trash
Support Denver’s climate goals
Strengthen local reuse and recycling markets
It’s a big step for sustainability and a major change for contractors, who will now need to document, track, and verify their waste diversion efforts.
Where Perks Deconstruction Comes In
At Perks Deconstruction, we’ve been leading the way in material reuse and recycling for years. Long before Waste No More, our team was working with homeowners, contractors, and municipalities to both recover materials safely and efficiently and support the local reuse economy.
We understand the logistics, documentation, and partnerships that make diversion successful. Whether you need a partner to handle deconstruction, train your crews, or to consult on your city’s recycling and reuse policies, Perks has the experience to help your project meet the new requirements smoothly — and keep your refundable deposit intact.
Looking Ahead
Denver will finalize detailed rules and guidance throughout late 2025 and early 2026. In the meantime, we’ll continue to share updates and insights as the rollout unfolds.
Reach out to our team to prepare your reuse and recycling strategy. Together, we’ll keep more materials in circulation on job sites throughout the Front Range.
