Colorado's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Delivers No-Cost Recycling to More Colorado Communities

Colorado's largest recycling characterization study is providing new insights
into what residents recycle as producer funding helps expand support for recycling systems in communities across the state

DENVER, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More Colorado residents are receiving recycling at no cost through the state's EPR program for packaging and paper products. Circular Action Alliance Colorado (CAA Colorado), the state-appointed Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) responsible for implementing the program, has entered into funding agreements with the City of Cortez on behalf of both Cortez and the Town of Dolores, and the Town of Oak Creek. The City of Golden, the City of Thornton and several others are expected to join the program soon, further expanding access to producer-funded curbside recycling services in Colorado communities.

The overall program is also funding a network of recycling collectors and processing facilities that will help strengthen recycling statewide. Apex Waste Solutions, Boulder County, Bruin Waste, Clean Valley Recycling and Ranch Creek Waste were among the first facilities with service agreements in place and discussions are underway with several additional facilities, including Republic Services, Waste Connections of Colorado and Waste Management.

As the list of participating towns, cities and organizations grows, CAA Colorado is analyzing tens of thousands of pounds of recycling from every corner of the state. Understanding Colorado's recycling practices will improve recycling instructions, reduce contamination and ultimately move more material to end markets. At the same time, RecycleOn Colorado, part of the CAA Colorado statewide education and outreach program, launched earlier this year and is empowering residents to navigate local recycling programs and understand how to recycle with confidence.

Together, these efforts represent important milestones in implementing Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act (HB22-1355). The law shifts financial responsibility for recycling covered packaging and paper products from local governments and taxpayers to the producers and companies that create those materials.

"Building a stronger, more effective recycling system takes collaboration at every level," said Juri Freeman, Executive Director, CAA Colorado. "We're working alongside communities, service providers, recycling facilities, producers and state partners to expand access, strengthen infrastructure and make recycling easier for Colorado residents. This is a long-term effort, and we're encouraged by the progress being made across our state."

Working alongside local governments, recycling educators, private haulers and recycling facilities, CAA Colorado invests producer funding to help enhance the collection, sorting and processing of covered materials while supporting investments that strengthen Colorado's recycling system. As implementation continues in phases, these partnerships expand recycling access and education for residents across the state.

"For years, we faced long hauls, thin margins and no way to prove the value of what we recovered. EPR has changed that," said John Armstrong, Special Projects Manager for Clean Valley Recycling. "This program has given us a reason to modernize, a reason to strengthen regional capacity and a reason to believe recycling can be a real industry in southeastern Colorado."

While recycling services now vary from one community to another, the goal remains the same: creating a more accessible, effective and reliable system that works for residents throughout Colorado. The state's recycling law aims to increase Colorado's recycling rate from 25% to 41% by 2030 while expanding access and improving recycling outcomes statewide.

To help residents understand what's available in their area today, RecycleOn Colorado offers resources that allow Coloradans to:

• Find participating recycling providers 
• Understand how to prepare recyclables correctly 
• Get answers to common recycling questions 
• Stay informed as access and services continue to expand 

To learn more about recycling in your community and stay updated on how recycling is expanding across the state, visit RecycleOn.org/Colorado.

About Circular Action Alliance
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is a U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging. As a nonprofit, producer-led organization, CAA is committed to helping producers comply with EPR laws, delivering harmonized best-in-class compliance services and working with governments, businesses and communities to reduce waste and recycle more. CAA was founded in 2022 and is led by producers representing the food, beverage, consumer goods, foodservice and retail industries. 

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Circular Action Alliance Colorado