The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has approved a new Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling, aiming to provide free and convenient recycling access to all households in Colorado. The initiative transfers the responsibility and cost of recycling from residents and local governments to packaging producers. It is designed to be funded and operated by industry, with incentives for companies to develop more sustainable packaging.
Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE, said, “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. 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.”
Tracie White, director of CDPHE’s Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division, stated, “This program will provide a convenient, cost-effective, statewide recycling system – with free and equitable access for all Colorado residents.”
Currently, many Coloradans—particularly those living in multi-unit housing or rural areas—do not have easy access to recycling services. The newly approved plan is expected to extend no-cost recycling options to approximately 700,000 additional households.
Under this program, the state’s recycling rate for paper and packaging is projected to rise significantly from 25% to 58% by 2035. The plan also aims to standardize recyclable materials statewide and introduce educational resources to reduce confusion among residents about what can be recycled.
Local governments will benefit financially as municipalities will no longer need to cover the costs of providing recycling services. Instead, Circular Action Alliance will reimburse all net recycling expenses incurred by local governments.
Economically, Colorado anticipates substantial gains: an estimated $31 million in additional annual wages and around 7,900 new green jobs are expected as part of investments in developing a circular economy within the state.
From an environmental perspective, projections indicate that by 2035 the program could prevent 1.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year—the equivalent of removing 278,000 cars from roads annually—and reduce landfill waste by 410,000 tons per year.
The development of this program follows HB22-1355 passed by the General Assembly in 2022. Subsequent efforts included a statewide needs assessment conducted in 2023 that evaluated current recycling infrastructure. In both 2024 and 2025, Circular Action Alliance gathered feedback from stakeholders before finalizing the plan. With approval now secured, implementation is set to move forward with expectations for significant improvements in statewide recycling access and environmental outcomes.
