Universal Recycling Ordinance — Organics Diversion & Annual Plan: Austin restaurant guide
Austin Resource Recovery
What it is
Every food-permitted business must give employees convenient organics diversion (compost, food donation or animal feed) and recycling, with bilingual signage and training.
When a restaurant needs it
All food-permitted businesses in the City of Austin; annual plan due each year.
How to apply
Set up an organics hauler or donation program, post bilingual signs, train staff, then submit the annual organics diversion plan online between Oct. 1 and Feb. 1.
Documents you’ll need
- Food permit number
- Hauler invoice/contract (if using a hauler)
- Container sizes and collection frequency
- Employee education records
Good to know
Train employees within 30 days of hire and annually. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000 per day, per offense.
Official source
ARR — commercial organics diversion requirements · ARR — Universal Recycling Ordinance
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.