Recycle Colorado supports local policy and works on state policy to advance waste diversion through reuse, remanufacturing and composting.
We're here to be your advocate on waste diversion topics as they fly across legislators desks. Get involved with our membership and policy committee to stay in the loop and share your ideas for future legislation.
2026 Legislative Session Updates
During the 2026 Legislative Session, Recycle Colorado will be talking to legislators about the importance of salvaged lumber and organics diversion to lay the groundwork for future legislation.
We will also be lobbying bills we’ll be supporting, as determined by our policy review over the next several weeks. The following are the current bills we are tracking and reviewing:
Recycle Colorado's Legislative Actions for 2026
THERE'S WORK TO DO...
Partnering with local composting businesses and community composters to develop and implement organics diversion and compost utilization programs needs support to expand. Not only through outreach, education and technical assistance, but with crucial state funding avenues like Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise (C3) and Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR).
At the state level, conducting new and implementing existing studies can lead to continued and effective organics management planning, including achievable diversion and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
It also informs the potential revision of compost facility permitting fees, allowable landfill methane emissions and the regulation of compostable material generators.
Further, expanding access to collection, processing, and end markets to composting for rural and underserved areas across the state will move Colorado closer to future organics diversion requirements and mandating standards for finished compost use.
Colorado is taking strides to expand organics diversion and compost use.
- Expanding local-level diversion programs in partnership with local composting businesses and community composters
- Implementing state-level studies and planning for organics management
- Setting diversion and greenhouse gas reduction goals
- Implementing the STAR (Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources) program to support farmers
- Updating important regulations to reduce barriers to expanding composting infrastructure and setting limits on allowable landfill methane emissions
There’s MORE work to do—How can we increase diversion and composting in Colorado?
- Provide education and technical assistance
- Learn from other states further in the process
- Support long-term funding opportunities through the C3 program
- Reduce CDPHE air permitting fees and document review fees associated with composting permits
- Allow CDPHE to regulate generators
- Expand collection, processing, and end markets to composting for rural and underserved areas
- Enact eventual yard trimmings, then food scraps, diversion requirements
Safe. Local. Affordable. Climate-smart.
WHY THIS MATTERS
salvaged lumber, salvaged from old structures, is a safe, practical material option already allowable under existing codes. Recycle Colorado is helping communities and builders understand how to use it with confidence.
THE PROBLEM
Colorado generates 9.8 million tons of solid waste each year, and construction and demolition (C&D) is a major portion per the Colorado Department of Public Health Environment. Lumber makes up a significant share of C&D waste, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 tons of lumber landfilled annually.
Even when salvaged lumber is in excellent condition, builders and communities face confusion because local codes often lack a clear, consistent pathway for grading, certification, and permitted use.
WHAT RECYCLE COLORADO IS DOING
- Building awareness and confidence in salvaged lumber reuse
- Convening stakeholders (builders, inspectors, local governments, reuse businesses)
- Reducing unnecessary waste while supporting Colorado’s circular economy
THE SIMPLE IDEA: USING THE EXISTING GRADE STAMP RULES
- This is not about adding new requirements. It’s about clarifying what’s already allowable.
- If salvaged lumber has an approved grade stamp, it can be used in structural and non-structural applications just like new lumber. If it does not have a stamp, it can still be used, but it should be re-graded or inspected through an approved process.
- Recycle Colorado is sharing this simple guidance to reduce confusion, improve consistency across jurisdictions, and help keep usable lumber in projects instead of landfills.
WHY THIS HELPS COLORADO COMMUNITIES
- Waste Reduction + Climate Benefits: Keeping usable wood out of landfills supports Colorado’s climate goals and reduces unnecessary disposal.
- Lumber Import & Tariffs: In 2024, Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. totaled $5.1 billion, accounting for approximately 74% of the total value of softwood lumber imports (NAHB). As of today, Canadian softwood lumber entering the U.S is subject to a combined 14.54% tariff rate.
- Housing Affordability + Material Cost Stability: salvaged lumber can ease pressure on new lumber demand and help communities manage rising material costs. The lumber tariffs act as a tax on American builders, home buyers and consumers, and has a detrimental effect on housing affordability (NAHB).
- Local Jobs + Strong Small Businesses: A clearer pathway for reuse strengthens Colorado-based deconstruction, resale, and reclaimed materials businesses.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING FROM LEADERS
Recycle Colorado is seeking partnership and support to:
- Encourage consistent guidance across jurisdictions
- Help builders confidently use salvaged lumber in permitted projects
- Reduce landfill burden while supporting housing and local economic growth
RECLAIMED LUMBER SUPPLIERS IN COLORADO
- Perks Reclaimed
- Rica Lumber and Supply
Colorado's Legislative Process
Colorado's legislative process is fast and complicated. It begins at the start of each year and typically runs until May.
Our General Assembly consists of 100 members, 35 Senators and 65 Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms, while Representatives serve two-year terms.
➡️ Check out our 10 minute explanation on how a idea becomes a bill and eventually a law in Colorado
We're here to be your advocate on waste diversion topics as they fly across legislators desks. Get involved with our membership and policy committee to stay in the loop and share your ideas for future legislation.