The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is collecting public feedback on a study that assessed statewide recycling systems in Colorado and identified the areas lacking infrastructure and services. The report is part of the new Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling.
Circular Action Alliance is responsible for the needs assessment study to evaluate the recycling infrastructure, services, and costs throughout all geographic areas of the state. The report also proposes a standardized list of materials to be accepted at all recycling facilities throughout the state. It also proposes three scenarios for increasing the collection and recycling rates in Colorado by 2030 and 2035.
In 2022, Governor Jared Polis signed the new Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act into law. It requires producers of packaging, paper products, and food service ware to fund a statewide recycling system to recycle those materials. Two of the program objectives are to develop a convenient, cost-effective statewide recycling system with free and equitable recycling for all residents, and to ensure the program meets the needs of local Colorado communities and businesses.
This needs assessment is part of the program’s goal to develop a convenient, cost-effective program that provides free and equitable recycling of packaging and paper products for all Coloradans. We welcome feedback on the draft needs assessment report through Feb. 19. Please submit your feedback by emailing eprcomments@state.co.us with the subject “Needs Assessment Feedback”.
For more information about the program, please visit the Producer Responsibility Program webpage.
