Colorado Adds Statewide Free Recycling Access

The Colorado Department of Public Health  and Environment (CDPHE) has approved the state’s new Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling, marking a major step toward free, convenient recycling for every Colorado household.

The program shifts the cost of recycling from residents and local governments to the companies that produce packaging. It is industry-funded, industry-run, and creates incentives for companies to design more sustainable and reusable packaging.

“This plan reflects the work of countless partners across the full recycling system–from the companies designing packaging to the facilities turning recycled materials into new products,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE executive director. “By expanding convenient recycling access, encouraging smarter packaging, and strengthening in-state end markets, Colorado is building a system that works better for communities, businesses, and our environment.”

Many Coloradans—especially those in multi-unit housing or rural areas—currently lack access to recycling. The approved plan is projected to bring no-cost recycling to an estimated 700,000 more households. Colorado’s recycling rate for paper and packaging is projected to increase from 25% to 58% by 2035 under the program.

The program also will standardize what can be recycled across Colorado and roll out educational tools to reduce confusion. Additionally, municipalities will no longer pay to provide recycling. Circular Action Alliance will reimburse all net recycling costs for local governments.

Colorado is expected to see major economic benefits, including:

• US$31 million in additional annual wages.
• Approximately 7,900 new direct and indirect green jobs.
• Investments to lay the groundwork for a strong and growing circular economy in the state.

An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report estimated that an investment of $36.5 to $43.4 billion would be needed to improve curbside collection, drop-off, and processing infrastructure across the U.S. by 2030. In 2020, the EPA set the National Recycling Goal to increase the national recycling rate to 50% by 2030.