Some states and communities adopt mandatory recycling and composting laws and ordinances. Requiring all commercial and/or residential generators to recycle and/or compost means that local government or contractors must provide recycling and composting services to all customers.

Communities don't have to couple “exclusive” agreements with mandatory recycling. Some jurisdictions have structured “semi-exclusive” agreements where a limited number of permits are available; similar to how cities distribute taxi cab medallions.

Alternatively, "universal roll-out" can be provided, meaning that recycling, composting and waste bins and services are provided to all customers, rather having separate recycling and compost collection service subscription from trash collection. Local governments can also require service providers to offer recycling and composting services to all garbage customers as a condition of providing services.

• San Francisco Case Study
• Boulder Case Study (See Universal Zero Waste Ordinance)