Press Release
City implements phase 2 of Organic Waste Diversion ordinance
Expanded requirements for businesses and multi-family properties effective Jan. 15
Aspen, CO – Beginning Jan. 15, 2026, the city of Aspen will implement phase 2 of its Organic Waste Diversion ordinance, requiring all businesses and multi-family properties within city limits to separate organic waste from trash and recycling.
Building on the ordinance’s initial implementation in 2023, phase 2 is a key step in Aspen’s efforts to reduce landfill waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and support a more sustainable local waste system.
Phase 1 of the organic waste diversion ordinance required all restaurants to divert their food waste from the trash. By the end of 2024, one year after the program went into effect, the city saw 2,000 tons more organic waste diverted from the landfill compared to before restaurants began composting. Data for 2025 is currently being calculated.
The city has been working closely with waste haulers, property managers, and business owners to prepare for the Jan. 15 effective date, offering educational sessions and materials, technical assistance, and implementation guidance.
“The success of phase 1 demonstrated the real impact organic waste diversion can have,” said Jimena Baldino, the city’s sustainability programs administrator. “We’re excited to build on that progress, and our goal is to work alongside the community to make this successful. We are focusing on education and support to assist in the roll out of this program.”
To support compliance, the city is providing:
- Free indoor countertop compost containers and educational materials for all multi-family residents and businesses.
- Bear-proof outdoor compost receptacles for multi-family properties. Properties must arrange their own hauling service.
- Five centralized bear-proof outdoor compost receptacles in the downtown commercial core for businesses to dispose of their organic waste.
Multi-family HOAs and property managers can contact waste@aspen.gov to get free countertop compost bins for their residents or for support in setting up a composting hauling service. Residents may also pick up a free countertop compost container at City Hall during regular business hours.
Businesses can contact waste@aspen.gov to obtain countertop compost containers and information on accessing the centralized compost receptacles in the downtown commercial core.
For more information about the Organic Waste Diversion ordinance, visit aspen.gov/359/Organic-Waste-Ordinance.
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Jimena Baldino, sustainability programs administrator
Phone: 970-319-8177
Email: jimena.baldino@aspen.gov
Madie Bailey, communications coordinator
Phone: 970-309-1569
Email: madie.bailey@aspen.gov