The City and County of Denver is now enforcing new construction and demolition (C&D) recycling requirements under the city's Waste No More Ordinance beginning September 1, 2026. These regulations require qualifying construction, renovation, and demolition projects to divert more material from landfills through reuse and recycling.

If your project requires a demolition or building permit, understanding these new requirements now can help you avoid permitting delays, compliance issues, and costly project setbacks.

What Changes on September 1, 2026

Denver has increased its construction waste diversion requirements for qualifying projects. Contractors and property owners will be required to recover more materials and document how construction and demolition debris is managed throughout the project.

After September 1, 2026, new construction, demolition, and additions over 500 square feet, as well as interior alterations, remodels, and tenant improvements over 2,500 square feet, will be required to meet URCO's debris diversion requirements and provide compliance documentation.

Which projects must comply?

The new regulations apply to many permitted construction and demolition projects within the City and County of Denver, including:

• Demolition and new construction projects larger than 500 square feet

• Additions larger than 500 square feet

• Interior alterations, remodels, and tenant improvements larger than 2,500 square feet

If your project meets these thresholds, you'll need to comply with Denver's construction waste recycling requirements.

What Contractors Must Do Under URCO

Qualifying construction and demolition projects must follow new waste diversion procedures as part of Denver's Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO). Contractors will be responsible for planning ahead and documenting how construction and demolition materials are reused or recycled to meet Denver's diversion requirements.

Submit a Waste Diversion Plan

Before a qualifying permit can be issued, applicants must submit and receive approval for a Waste Diversion Plan from the City of Denver outlining how construction and demolition materials will be managed throughout the project. The plan must identify how materials will be recycled, reused, or otherwise recovered to meet Denver's diversion requirements. Denver uses Green Halo to keep track of this documentation.

Provide a Refundable Performance Security Deposit

Qualifying projects must provide a performance security deposit before permit issuance. Once the project meets URCO requirements and required documentation is submitted, it can take up to 30 days for the deposit to be refunded. The deposit is refunded based on the project's demonstrated compliance with the ordinance requirements.

Divert at Least 50% of Construction and Demolition Waste

Covered projects must divert at least 50% of construction and demolition debris from the landfill by weight through reuse or recycling.

Projects must recover materials from at least three covered material categories: concrete, asphalt, masonry, untreated wood, scrap metal, and corrugated cardboard. Contractors will need to coordinate with recycling facilities and waste haulers to properly track and document diverted materials.

Submit Final Compliance Documentation

At the completion of the project, contractors must submit documentation verifying that diversion requirements were met and that the project followed the approved Waste Diversion Plan.

Why is the ordinance important? 

Creating circular systems for waste is a priority for the City of Denver. The Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance (URCO) establishes new requirements and programs that encourage recycling, composting, and the recovery of reusable materials. These efforts support the city's goal of increasing its solid waste diversion rate from under 30% today to 70% by 2032.

The URCO is intended to:

• Reduce construction and demolition waste sent to landfills

• Increase the recovery and reuse of valuable building materials

• Support Denver's long-term Zero Waste goals

• Encourage more sustainable construction and demolition practices

As enforcement expands, contractors will need reliable strategies for recovering materials and documenting diversion efforts.

More Regulations Are Already on the Horizon

The September 2026 requirements are only the first phase of Denver's long-term plan.

Beginning in 2036, qualifying projects will be subject to even stricter diversion requirements and lower project size thresholds, meaning more construction and demolition projects will be required to comply.

Planning for these changes now can help contractors stay ahead of future regulations while building more sustainable project workflows.

Meet Denver's Construction Waste Recycling Requirements with Perks Deconstruction

Navigating Denver's new construction and demolition recycling requirements doesn't have to slow down your project.

Perks Deconstruction works with general contractors, developers, property owners, and homeowners to maximize material recovery, increase diversion rates, and help projects meet Denver's Waste No More requirements.

Whether you're planning a commercial demolition, selective interior demolition, or residential deconstruction project, our team can help you recover valuable materials, reduce landfill waste, and support compliance with Denver's evolving regulations.

Contact Perks Deconstruction today to learn how we can help your next project meet Denver's construction waste recycling requirements.