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PFAS Takeback Program

The PFAS Takeback Program pays eligible Colorado fire departments and commercial service airports to take unspent firefighting foam containing PFAS out of service and store it until we can safely dispose of it.

Program eligibility and details

Payment

$40 per gallon for unspent firefighting foam containing PFAS to help support fire departments and commercial service airports with the purchase of PFAS-free replacement foam and provide safe storage for unspent foam containing PFAS.

Eligible entities

Colorado fire departments and commercial service airports that registered through the certificate of registration program.

Eligible materials

Unspent firefighting foam containing PFAS.

Proper disposal method

We solicited requests for proposals from qualified vendors to collect, transport, and safely destroy PFAS-containing firefighting foams (following EPA guidance) from entities participating in the Takeback Program. A team from the Water Quality Control Division, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division, and CDOT Aeronautics evaluated the proposals and awarded a contract to Aquagga. Aquagga’s technology utilizes a hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) process to destroy PFAS molecules. PFAS-containing firefighting foams are fed into the HALT reactor along with an alkaline reagent, which then destroys PFAS at elevated temperature and pressure. The resulting water discharged from the reactor is then further treated in filters to remove any residual PFAS to below EPA’s drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) prior to proper discharge. Ongoing testing will ensure PFAS is destroyed and not released to the environment.

Timeline

Application period

Extended to June 30, 2026

Payment distribution

Extended to Dec. 31, 2026

How to apply

  1. Complete the Takeback Program sign-up form to receive an application to participate in the program.
  2. Once you complete the sign-up form, a department project manager will contact you to begin the next steps. 

This program is supported through Senate Bill 20-218, CDPHE Hazardous Substances Responses. The Takeback Program may be expanded to include other entities and materials containing PFAS in the future.