Are you wondering how Denver’s Waste No More rules affect your Cherry Creek condo building? You are not alone. Many HOAs and owners want clear steps, simple timelines, and local resources they can actually use. This guide breaks down what applies in Cherry Creek, how to get compliant with minimal hassle, and where to go for help. Let’s dive in.
Waste No More in plain English
Waste No More is a voter-approved ordinance that expands recycling and, in many cases, organics access across Denver. It applies to events, construction projects, and many residential buildings. As of October 2025, Denver has paused most fines while it finalizes rules and timelines, and City Council has considered code amendments to align the ballot language with implementation. You can check current status on the City’s Waste No More page and the Council record for Council Bill 25-0628.
Does your Cherry Creek condo need to comply?
If your building has eight or more units, plan to comply. The ordinance treats larger multifamily properties as covered entities that must provide access to recycling and organics. Many Cherry Creek condos meet this threshold. The City outlines who is covered and key dates on its Waste No More overview.
Who handles service in condos
For buildings with eight or more units, the HOA or owner typically contracts private collection. Denver’s municipal service covers single-family homes and small multifamily properties with seven or fewer units. Choose a provider from the City’s licensed hauler program, and use the City’s Apartment and Commercial Recycling resource to understand options for recycling and organics service.
What your building must provide
Covered condo buildings are expected to make recycling and organics access at least as convenient as trash. That means labeled containers near trash points, clear rules for residents, and staff education. The City emphasizes outreach and contamination prevention, which can improve service quality and costs. See the City’s Waste No More page for current guidance.
Step-by-step HOA checklist
1) Confirm coverage and governance
- Verify your unit count. If you have 8 or more units, plan to comply. Review the City’s Waste No More overview.
- Review CC&Rs, bylaws, and your current waste contract. Note who pays, how changes are approved, and notice requirements.
2) Select and scope a licensed hauler
- Solicit bids only from the City’s licensed hauler list.
- Ask vendors to provide a site plan that shows container types, locations, truck access, and odor or pest controls.
- Confirm contamination policies, reporting, and how to adjust service levels if bins overflow.
3) Set up on-site infrastructure
- Place clearly labeled bins for trash, recycling, and organics in the dumpster area and common spaces.
- Use pictorial signage and consider multilingual materials. The City’s Apartment and Commercial Recycling tips are a helpful starting point.
- Ensure enclosures and pickup zones allow safe truck access without blocking driveways or emergency access.
4) Educate residents and staff
- Share move-in packets, quick “yes and no” lists, and seasonal reminders.
- Assign a point person to answer questions and coordinate with your hauler.
- Do occasional walk-throughs to spot contamination and fix signage.
5) Choose organics options that fit
- For 8-plus unit buildings, organics collection is typically arranged through a private provider. Use the City’s Apartment and Commercial Recycling resource to explore multifamily organics services.
6) Handle special and hard-to-recycle items
- Keep electronics, batteries, paint, sharps, and chemicals out of trash and recycling. Denver’s Household Hazardous Waste program offers one appointment per year per household for safe disposal.
- For overflow or seasonal items, residents can use the Cherry Creek drop-off programs listed on DOTI’s LeafDrop and Cherry Creek information.
7) Plan for remodels and turnovers
- Denver requires construction and demolition projects to divert materials such as clean wood, metal, and cardboard. Require contractors to submit a recycling and reuse plan using the City’s C&D submittal requirements.
Local resources near Cherry Creek
- Waste No More overview and contacts. Start here for who is covered and timelines: City landing page.
- Licensed haulers and reporting rules. Vet vendors using the City’s hauler licensing program.
- Multifamily recycling and organics options. Get how-to guidance and provider categories on the Apartment and Commercial Recycling page.
- Cherry Creek drop-offs for leaves, yard debris, and organics. Check hours and acceptable items on LeafDrop and Cherry Creek info.
- Hazardous waste disposal for residents. Schedule an appointment via the HHW program.
Tips to reduce contamination
- Keep signage simple with images, not just words.
- Place small compost caddies in units and share a quick-start guide.
- Co-locate bins so recycling and organics are as convenient as trash.
- Ask your hauler for contamination reports and adjust service or education as needed.
Why early compliance helps value
Getting ahead of Waste No More helps you avoid last-minute costs and resident confusion. It can also reduce trash volume, which may lower service frequency or help you right-size containers. A clean, well-run waste area reflects positively on your building’s operations and resident experience.
Ready to align your Cherry Creek condo with smart, market-ready operations? If you are considering a sale, purchase, or portfolio move, connect with Alex Rice for neighborhood-level guidance that supports your property goals.
FAQs
What is Denver’s Waste No More ordinance and how does it affect Cherry Creek condos?
- It is a citywide program that expands access to recycling and organics. Most condo buildings with eight or more units must provide on-site access and resident education, as outlined on the City’s Waste No More page.
Is composting required for Cherry Creek condo buildings with 8 or more units?
- Yes, covered residential buildings are expected to provide organics access along with recycling. Check current timelines and details on the City’s Waste No More overview.
How should an HOA in Denver choose a licensed hauler for recycling and organics?
- Gather bids only from providers listed in the City’s licensed hauler program, compare container options, service frequency, contamination policies, and reporting.
Can individual residents in large Cherry Creek condo buildings sign up for city compost service?
- City curbside compost typically covers single-family homes and small multifamily properties with seven or fewer units. In larger buildings, the HOA usually arranges private organics service, or residents can use local drop-offs listed on DOTI’s LeafDrop and Cherry Creek info.
What are the rules for condo remodel or construction waste in Denver?
- Projects must separate and recycle materials like clean wood, metal, and corrugated cardboard. Contractors should follow the City’s C&D recycling and reuse plan requirements.
What happens if a Cherry Creek condo building does not comply with Waste No More?
- The City has fine authority, but active enforcement was limited while rules and timelines were refined. Non-compliance risks future fines and missed cost savings, so proactive compliance is the best approach. Check updates on the Waste No More page.
