Dive Brief:

• Beginning Oct. 1, 1,000 businesses and hotels in Austin, TX are now required by law to recycle designated materials. 
• The Universal Recycling Ordinance was passed in the city in 2011. 
• The ordinance mandates the recycling of plastics, glass, aluminum, cardboard and paper for businesses within the city limits. 

Dive Insight:

The ordinance will be phased in on Oct. 1 every year, according to the square footage each business has. By 2017, all businesses and apartment buildings in Austin will be required to recycle. In 2018, grocery stores, restaurants and bars must recycle all of their organic materials. In 2012, it was announced that Austin is working toward a citywide goal of hitting a 90% diversion rate by 2040.