Denver’s Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance, or URCO, is now in effect.

Permitted events that expect more than 350 attendees per day and take place on or after Sept. 1, 2026, are subject to URCO requirements and must submit the required documentation as part of the PEFP application process.

The Exemption Request and Waste Diversion Plan are separate forms with separate deadlines:

• Exemption Requests: due at least 45 days before your event.
• Waste Diversion Plans: due at least 30 days before your event.

After submitting the required form, save the email confirmation then upload that confirmation to Step 8 of your PEFP application in Eproval.

Denver maintains a list of licensed waste haulers that can provide trash, recycling and compost collection services for events.

URCO-compliant labels for waste containers and instructional signage are available to download online.