Follow us:

Become a member of Austin’s best business organization. Join here.

Search
Close this search box.

City Recycling Standards for Your Business

Since 2012 the City of Austin has imposed or facilitated mandatory recycling programs. This is part of an effort to comply with Austin’s Zero Waste goal to reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills by 90% by 2040.
The Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) supports Austin’s Zero Waste goal by requiring affected property owners to ensure that tenants and employees have access to convenient recycling. The ordinance is intended to increase the life of local landfills, reduce harmful environmental impacts, and encourage economic development. Since last October, all commercial properties are subject to this policy. Read more in this quick and easy chart.
The Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO)’s Organics Diversion standards also support Austin’s Zero Waste goal by requiring food permitted businesses to reduce or divert organic material (e.g. wasted food, yard trimmings) from the landfill. The URO intends to increase the life of local landfills, reduce harmful environmental impacts and encourage economic development. While this was instituted in October 2016, all businesses must comply by October 1, 2018. Read more in this quick and easy chart.
If you have any questions about wither of these policies, please contact the Business Outreach Team at 512-974-9727 or CommercialRecycling@austintexas.gov.