The Summit for Recycling conference is our annual 3-day event focused on providing our members, local advocates and visiting waste diversion professionals with new tools and resources to support their work in Colorado and beyond. 

"I love learning about the local community's waste diversion efforts"

The Summit changes location around Colorado each year. For 2026 we are hosting our event in Westminster, a city with growing sustainability standards. 

"The Summit feels like a family reunion."

"It's a great way to meet like-minded folks"

While the transition to our virtual workspace has allowed Recycle Colorado to expand its reach, it has also limited the in-person collaboration we were used to. The Summit provides members with 3 days of networking, collaboration, learning to grow as a team. Time to share a snack with a co-worker or enjoy a cup of coffee with a potential new contact is built into our agenda. 

"Summit sessions are a great opportunities to take what was discussed and think about how it can be applied within my community."

We like to think of the sessions as a jumping off point for further collaboration. Our attendees find a tremendous impact in the downtime they have between sessions to continue the conversation around session topics and interact with the presenter(s). Many projects and programs have began after the conclusion of the Summit...

"[The Awards Gala is a] nice way to offer recognition to folks advancing solutions in our state"

If networking and program advancement possibilities don't entice you, our annual awards gala might do the trick! The awards gala is the time for members to have some fun while honoring those who create lasting impact in our state. The gala offers a special moment of recognition for award winners followed by a night of music and dancing. Have you ever seen your co-workers on the dance floor? You will at the Summit!

Recycle Colorado welcomes members, waste diversion businesses, and key stakeholders to sponsor or exhibit at our annual Colorado event. This is a great way to showcase your business and show attendees the impact you can help them make. If you want to be positioned for opportunities to engage with Colorado's leaders in sustainability, the Summit is the place to be!

Sponsorship

• Sponsorship levels for the Summit range from $1,000 to $10,000+
• Sponsorship benefits typically include:
  • Social media posts recognizing your contribution and support
  • Visibility throughout the event on signage and presentations
  • Registrations to the Summit
  • Option to exhibit (see more information below)
  • Recycling or composting award plaque sponsorship
  • Photographs of sponsor interactions with attendees
• Work with our conference staff to find a level and benefits package that can uniquely fit your business's needs.
• Your sponsorship helps us to deliver delicious meals, thoughtful sessions, a memorable awards gala, impactful tours and so much more!

Exhibiting

• In order to exhibit at the Summit, you must sponsor at the $2,000 level or higher. Reach out to staff to confirm your sponsorship level selection.
• Once you have committed, conference staff will work with you each step of the way to get your exhibiting materials to the venue and to prepare you for the 3 days of the conference. 
• During the conference, there will be a dedicated 4 hour exhibiting time for attendees to interact with exhibitors. During all meal and session breaks attendees are encouraged to stop by your table. Each year we try to also incorporate a fun exhibitor activity to further encourage interaction.

Every year, we seek nominations for our annual recycling and composting awards. These prestigious awards recognize governmental entities, individuals, companies, media and organizations for their excellence in recycling and composting. Award winners are honored at our annual Summit for Recycling Awards Gala followed by a dance party!

Each year, Recycle Colorado strives to increase the presence of future waste diversion leaders at our events like the Summit. The Future Leaders Scholarship program and our volunteer opportunities are two ways students, recent graduates, and professionals new to the waste/recycling/composting/reuse industry the opportunity can attend the Summit for Recycling conference.

At the Summit you'll learn about career opportunities in the recycling, composting, waste diversion, circular economy and sustainability fields, while connecting with private businesses, state and local government, nonprofits, and university representatives. The conference agenda includes educational sessions, tours of local facilities, a variety of subject-matter experts, a business partner showcase, and fun networking opportunities.

We want as many of our members and community members to be apart of the Summit as possible. Supporting the Summit as a volunteer is a mutually beneficial benefit for Recycle Colorado and you! We get awesome event support and you get to be in attendance.

Volunteers can support with program planning ahead of the Summit, session moderation, attendee check in, in-room AV and speaker support, and set up/take down before and after the event. Let us know where you feel your expertise will be best served. Volunteers will be assigned to support no more than one day of tasks with the remaining time free for you to attend sessions and network!