Eco-Cycle releases their 2022 State of Recycling and Composting Report
Eco-Cycle released their 6th State of Recycling and Composting in Colorado Report on America Recycles Day 2022 with their partner CoPIRG. The report talks about news and trends in recycling and composting, highlighting municipalities that are doing things well. It also sets the stage for their policy priorities for the coming year.
You can download the report from their website at ecocycle.org/sorc-report. Key highlights from the report this year include:
- Colorado’s Recycling rate is still 16%, half the national average.
- Passage of HB22-1355: Producer Responsibility for Recycling Packaging and Paper is landmark legislation that will increase our recycling rates by providing free recycling access to all Coloradans, no matter where they live, starting in 2026.
- HB22-1159: Waste Diversion and Circular Economy Development Center will establish a center to support and recruit businesses that use recycled materials to make new products, establishing much-needed end markets and local jobs.
- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) made significant strides to address wasted food, yard debris, manure, and other organic wastes through their first Statewide Organics Management Plan, which analyzes and makes recommendations to fill gaps in composting infrastructure and use.
- CDPHE commissioned research that created baseline assessments of recycling and organics diversion access to better measure and guide improved diversion efforts.
- Highlights of progress many communities across Colorado have made toward adding or expanding recycling and/or organics diversion programs.
Eco-Cycle also had two great media events highlighting some innovative recycling and composting programs around the state and to explain the benefits of HB22-1355 - Producer Responsibility for Recycling Packaging and Paper. They had inspiring panelists on both events and the Governor and First Gentleman and Recycle Colorado’s Executive Director Liz Chapman, Board Treasurer Monique DiGiorgio (Table to Farm Compost) and Board Member Jessica Lally (City & County of Denver-DOTI). You can see recordings of both events on Eco-Cycle’s YouTube channel.
Link for recording of 11am event with the highlights from the report: https://youtu.be/WSyHHUlTXRs
Link for recording of 12:30pm event with the Governor, First Gentleman, and Liz and discussion of Producer Responsibility: https://youtu.be/R8WlyjxIYbg
