Producer Responsibility for Recycling Packaging and Paper (HB22-1355) passed in 2022 in Colorado. It will provide convenient recycling access to all Coloradans with no added cost to consumers or local governments.
Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program LAUNCHES
The Joint Budget Committee approved the scenario recommended by the team at the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment. The modified middle scenario was chosen and now the work begins to transform the scenario into a program plan. Over the next 9 months, the Producer Responsibility Organization (Circular Action Alliance) will consult with the Advisory Board and CDPHE to develop a plan. Many opportunities for Recycle Colorado members and stakeholders will be available to contribute to the development of the plan. Watch for announcements in upcoming newsletters.
Congratulations to everyone who made this possible!
State of Colorado Producer Responsibility Updates
For updates from CDPHE on the implementation phase of the producer responsibility program, please sign up by sending an email to cdphe.hmrecycling@state.co.us with the subject line "producer responsibility contact list."
For questions about the program or advisory board, contact Mellik Gorton at: 303.692.3343 or mellik.gorton@state.co.us
Advisory Board business meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time (unless otherwise posted).
Covered Materials & Producer Definitions
The information provided in CAA's resources linked below is designed to help businesses identify the materials that are captured in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and the responsible producer for those materials.The Solid & Hazardous Waste Commission promulgated the primary rules for producers on June 14th, which includes an October 1, 2024 producer registration deadline for producers that expect to be obligated under Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act. Producers who have not yet registered should reach out to CAA as soon as possible. For more information on the rules and regulations pertaining to producers, please visit the rulemaking webpage.
Colorado Municipal League & Recycle Colorado Webinar Series on Producer Responsibility Preparation for Local Governments
In 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed legislation to establish a statewide program which will be financed and operated by the producers of consumer products to provide access for recycling services for every residence in Colorado at no financial cost to residents or local governments. For the past 18 months, the program roll-out has advanced rapidly and the plan to execute the program is under development. While we await the release of the draft program plan, there are opportunities for local governments to understand the policy, develop strategies to prepare for implementation, and work with peers on best practices and regional collaboration. To that end, the Colorado Municipal League (CML) is partnering with Recycle Colorado to offer a webinar learning series to provide the latest information, options to prepare local communities, and best practices to optimize local systems.
Additional Resources & Documents
Producer Responsibility Bill Documents
- Summary of Bill Revisions, 5/10/2022
- Summary of Bill Revisions, 5/5/2022
- Summary of Bill Revisions After Second Reading
- Explanation of Added Amendments to the Producer Responsibility Bill, 4/13/2022
- Summary of Bill Revisions, 2/21/2022 to 3/28/2022
- March 28th Draft of Producer Responsibility Bill
- Summary of Bill Revisions, 01/13/2022 to 2/21/2022
- First Draft of Producer Responsibility Bill
- Preliminary Bill Language for Producer Responsibility Bill (Submitted to Legislative Service Drafters)
- Recycle Colorado's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policy Recommendations
Producer Responsibility Informational Documents
- Producer Responsibility Fact Sheet
- How Local Governments will benefit and be impacted by Producer Responsibility
- How Businesses would benefit and be impacted by Producer Responsibility
- How Producer Responsibility Will Work in Colorado
- Producer Responsibility Key Talking Points
Articles on Producer Responsibility