A Bill for an Ordinance Amending the Allowable Uses of Revenue from the Disposable Bag Fee.

This ordinance amends Denver Revised Municipal Code Section 2-428 to expand the allowable uses of revenue generated from the disposable bag fee. The changes aim to support broader waste reduction and diversion priorities, including the implementation of Denver’s Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance.

Key changes to allowable uses include:

• Expanding studies to include waste reduction systems, material flow, circularity impacts, lifecycle assessments, and end markets.
• Funding programs, policies, events, and infrastructure to advance Denver’s circular economy, such as reuse and repair initiatives.
• Supporting local and regional end markets for diverted materials.
• Providing education, coordination, resources, and compliance support for citywide universal recycling and composting requirements impacting multi-family and commercial properties, permitted events, and construction/demolition projects.
• Allowing for special or catalytic investments into the city’s residential solid waste programs to support waste diversion goals.

These updates are intended to maintain core outreach and administration functions while enabling the city to support broader waste reduction goals and a potential $4.7 million transfer to support compost expansion citywide, as approved in the 2025 budget.

This ordinance allows for the expanded use of disposable bag fee revenue to support citywide waste reduction and composting initiatives, including potential investments in programs that help residents and businesses divert more waste. It also facilitates a previously approved budget transfer to support compost expansion.

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