The Universal Recycling Ordinance's (URO) organic diversion requirements support Austin's Zero Waste goal by ensuring that employees of food-permitted businesses have convenient access to landfill diversion methods for organic materials (like food scraps or soiled paper products). The goal of the ordinance is to increase the life of local landfills, reduce harmful environmental impacts, encourage economic development, and support the Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) food recovery hierarchy.
Organic materials may include food waste and other materials that decompose:
- food scraps
- paper towels and napkins
- soiled paper, cardboard or wax board
- floral décor
- landscape trimmings
Who is responsible?
The business owner and manager are responsible. Typically, this is the person who manages the contract for trash and recycling services.
What do I need to do?
Submit plan
The person responsible for the trash and recycling must fill out an Organics Diversion Plan every year, beginning October 1. This organics plan is a report of how the property meets organics requirements. Items needed to fill out your plan:
- service receipts for organics collection or donation (frequency and weight), and
- a letter or email from Austin Resource Recovery.
If you are unable to complete your plan, you will be able to save it and finish later.
If you contract for trash and recycling, you also need to fill out a recycling plan.
What am I reporting and how do I comply?
1. Divert organics
Divert discarded organic material from the landfill. You can decide what methods work for your business. Here are some ways you can divert organic material:
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Reduce waste: Reduce organic waste by reducing purchasing sizes, making to order, etc.
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Donate food to people: Donate extra food to food banks, soup kitchens or shelters. Learn How to Donate Food
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Donate food to animals: donate food scraps to local farms.
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Compost: Compost on-site or contract with a private service provider to collect organics. Find a licensed hauler.
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Create alternative programs: Develop innovative solutions, customized to your business, which divert organic material from landfills.
2. Provide access
Ensure employees have convenient access to methods of keeping organics (like food scraps) out of landfills.
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Download the food-permitted business fact sheet in English or Spanish |
3. Provide education
Provide education on organics diversion to employees within 30 days of hire and every year thereafter. Education may be provided at team meetings, in print or electronically. Download our free example messages for organics emails and letters or for newsletter articles and websites.
4. Post signage
Post informational, bilingual signs on or near organics diversion stations or containers.
Make your own custom signs:
Print free resources:
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 Food donation mini poster |
Food waste reduction mini poster
Violations of the URO (Austin City Code Chapter 15-6) are a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $2,000 per day, per offense. Contact us for free information, guidance and resources: email Austin Resource Recovery’s Business Outreach team or call 512-974-9727.
