Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are marking Colorado Recycles Week, held from November 11 to 15. The initiative aims to promote recycling efforts across the state and encourage residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
“As we continue our work to provide free and accessible recycling to more Coloradans, I am thrilled to celebrate Colorado Recycles Week,” said Governor Polis. “Recycling is more than just reducing waste — it is a way to boost our economy and protect the natural spaces we love. Together we can reduce, reuse, and recycle to lead our beautiful state to a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE, emphasized the shared responsibility in environmental protection: “Colorado Recycles Week is a reminder that we all play a part in protecting our environment and creating a greener, more sustainable Colorado for all. We are excited about the work that we’ve done with our partners to implement sustainable, long-term solutions that meet the unique needs of each community in Colorado.”
CDPHE highlighted several ongoing programs aimed at increasing recycling rates and reducing waste statewide. The Producer Responsibility Program for statewide recycling implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026. Once approved, this program will establish a convenient and cost-effective system providing free recycling services for all residents of Colorado. Officials project that by 2035, paper and packaging recycling rates could rise from 25% up to 58%, with expanded curbside collection available at no additional cost.
The department also oversees the Paint Stewardship Program through PaintCare. Since its inception in 2015, over 7.7 million gallons of unused paint have been collected at more than 200 drop-off sites throughout Colorado. According to CDPHE data, improper disposal of just one gallon of paint can contaminate up to 250,000 gallons of water.
Efforts have also focused on organic waste diversion. In July 2025, CDPHE introduced the Colorado Organics Infrastructure Toolkit as part of its Organics Diversion Study published in 2024. This resource supports local governments in developing organic waste diversion initiatives across the state.
In spring 2024, compost regulations were updated by CDPHE resulting in an increase in small-scale composting operations; registered facilities doubled from 22 before the change to 44 by October 2025.
Recognition was given this year by CDPHE’s Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), which awarded Arapahoe Basin Ski Area with its top honor for comprehensive waste reduction efforts—diverting over 185,000 pounds from landfill through robust recycling and composting programs targeting hard-to-recycle items like electronics or batteries. Across Colorado there are now nearly two hundred certified green businesses who collectively diverted over twenty-one thousand tons of waste—the equivalent annual output from about nineteen thousand average residents.
To support broader sustainability goals statewide, HB24-1449 established the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise in 2024. In its first year it has distributed roughly $24 million through grants supporting local projects promoting circular economic practices—including technical assistance provided directly via programs such as Strategic Technical Expertise for the Public Sector (STEPS). Recent STEPS recipients include municipalities like Granby and Windsor as well as school districts such as Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
Additionally funded is Colorado’s Circular Economy Development Center which focuses on building new markets for recycled materials while attracting manufacturers interested in sustainable business practices within state borders.
Further information about these initiatives can be found on relevant program websites or by contacting CDPHE directly.
