Producer Responsibility: A Landmark Policy in Colorado
In 2022, Colorado made history by passing House Bill 22-1355, the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act. Championed by Recycle Colorado, this landmark legislation established a new approach to funding and expanding recycling services for packaging and paper products across the state.
The law shifts much of the financial responsibility for managing these materials at the end of their useful life to the companies that produce and sell them. Through producer-funded recycling services, Colorado aims to expand access, strengthen recycling infrastructure, and keep valuable materials in circulation rather than sending them to landfills.
Passing the law was a major milestone. Now, the work continues to turn that policy into an effective, accessible recycling system for Colorado communities.
What is Producer Responsibility?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) or Producer Responsibility, is a policy approach that makes producers financially responsible for managing products and packaging at the end of their useful life.
Under Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, eligible producers of covered packaging and paper products help fund the collection, transportation, sorting, processing, recycling, and public education needed to support a statewide recycling system.
The program is designed to:
- Expand convenient recycling access for Colorado residents.
- Shift eligible recycling costs away from local governments and taxpayers to producers.
- Establish consistent guidance on which materials can be recycled.
- Support recycling infrastructure, responsible end markets, and public education.
- Increase the amount of packaging and paper that is recovered and recycled.
Colorado’s law is an important step toward a more circular economy, where materials are recovered and used again instead of being discarded.
What does Producer Responsibility mean for Colorado?
The program is designed to make recycling more convenient and accessible, including in communities where services have historically been limited. Recycling services provided through the program are intended to come at no additional cost to residents.
As implementation progresses, the services and materials available will depend on the program’s rollout and the collection options in each community.
What you can do: Check with your local recycling provider or municipality to learn which services are available where you live.
Producer Responsibility creates an opportunity for eligible local governments to receive reimbursement for qualifying recycling services and to work with the program on expanding access. Participation and funding arrangements depend on program requirements and agreements.
For municipalities and counties, understanding these options can help inform local recycling budgets, service contracts, education efforts, and long-term waste diversion goals.
What you can do: Review Circular Action Alliance’s local government reimbursement guidance and program resources.
EPR changes how recycling is funded and coordinated across Colorado. Covered producers have responsibilities under the law, while eligible collectors, processors, recycling facilities, and compost facilities may have opportunities to participate in the program and access funding.
The program also creates opportunities to strengthen recycling infrastructure, improve material recovery, and develop reliable end markets for recovered materials.
EPR changes how recycling is funded and coordinated across Colorado. Covered producers have responsibilities under the law, while eligible collectors, processors, recycling facilities, and compost facilities may have opportunities to participate in the program and access funding.
The program also creates opportunities to strengthen recycling infrastructure, improve material recovery, and develop reliable end markets for recovered materials.
What you can do: Consult the organizations responsible for program administration and applicable producer or service-provider requirements. This includes the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Circular Action Alliance and Interchange360.
Who is doing what?
Several organizations have distinct roles in Colorado’s producer responsibility landscape. Use the resources below to find the information most relevant to you.
The Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
Circular Action Alliance was selected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to administer Colorado’s statewide EPR program for packaging and paper products. CAA develops and implements the program, works with participating producers and service providers, and manages the funding and operational processes established under the law.
If you are looking for program requirements, covered materials, producer obligations, reimbursement opportunities, or implementation updates, CAA is the primary resource.
State oversight and program information
CDPHE oversees Colorado’s producer responsibility program and its regulatory requirements. State resources include information about the law, rulemaking, the Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, and program oversight.
If you are looking for official state guidance, regulatory information, or Advisory Board materials, start with CDPHE.
Producer responsibility for automotive and petroleum product containers
Interchange 360 operates a producer-funded recycling program for covered automotive and petroleum product containers in Colorado. Its program helps residents find participating collection facilities for eligible, empty containers, including motor oil and antifreeze containers.
This is a specialized program, distinct from the general statewide packaging and paper program administered by CAA.
Policy leadership, industry collaboration, and education
Recycle Colorado championed HB22-1355 and helped advance the policy that established Colorado’s producer responsibility program. As a statewide membership organization, we bring together local governments, businesses, recyclers, composters, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to advance practical solutions for waste reduction and material recovery.
Our role extends beyond passing legislation. We continue to support informed policy discussions, connect stakeholders, share knowledge, and help Colorado’s recycling and circular economy sectors navigate emerging challenges and opportunities.
For questions about Recycle Colorado’s policy work, membership, or opportunities to engage with the recycling and composting industry, we invite you to connect with us.
A policy milestone and the continued work ahead
Passing HB22-1355 was a significant achievement for Colorado and for the coalition of stakeholders who worked to advance producer responsibility. It established a framework for shifting recycling costs toward producers and building a more accessible, coordinated system.
But a law is only the beginning. Effective implementation depends on collaboration among producers, local governments, recycling and composting businesses, policymakers, and residents. Continued attention to service access, infrastructure, education, material quality, and end markets will help determine the program’s long-term success.
Recycle Colorado is proud to have helped lead this policy effort. We will continue bringing stakeholders together, advancing thoughtful policy, and supporting solutions that move Colorado toward a more circular economy.
Want to stay connected? Join Recycle Colorado's membership to participate in conversations, learn about emerging policy, and collaborate with the people shaping the future of recycling and resource recovery in Colorado.