Properties Affected by the Organics Diversion Requirements of the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO)

Affected food-permitted businesses are required to implement an Organics Diversion program to divert food waste from going to the landfill. Food-permitted businesses larger than 15,000 square feet were affected on Oct. 1, 2016, food-permitted businesses larger than 5,000 square feet were affected on Oct. 1, 2017, and all food-permitted businesses are required to reduce food waste starting Oct. 1, 2018.

The URO supports Austin's Zero Waste goal by requiring affected property and business owners to ensure that tenants and employees have convenient access to waste diversion. For more on the Universal Recycling Ordinance visit www.austintexas.gov/uro. Austin Resource Recovery staff is available to answer questions – email commercialrecycling@austintexas.gov.