A grassroots organization is hoping to bring better waste management to the city of Denver. After garnering more than 17,000 signatures, the group Waste No More secured a spot on the upcoming 2022 November citywide ballot. The initiative would require all Denver businesses, like restaurants, hospitals, apartment buildings, hotels, sporting arenas, and more to provide compost and recycling services. “All of the little bit of waste that we throw away all adds up, from our industries to our businesses and our homes,” said Ean Tafoya, a Waste No More organizer.
Data from the Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) and Eco-Cycle shows that businesses in Denver generate about 55 percent of the city’s municipal waste, but currently commercial businesses aren’t required to recycle or compost. Organizers say the initiative is aimed at keeping a lot more of the city’s waste out of landfills and slowing climate change.
“To have three sources of trash really, of waste in their space, and it gives 2 years to these businesses to create an appropriate plan that fits their budget, their business practices,” said Hilda Nucete, the Waste No More fundraising director.
The initiative would also require all construction sites to properly dispose of waste and materials, and large events, like the Taste of Colorado, would also be required to provide recycling and composting bins on site.