On June 3rd, 2022, the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, House Bill 22-1355 was signed into law.
HB 22-1355 sets up a Producer Responsibility program that requires companies that sell products in packaging, paper products to fund a statewide recycling system to recycle those materials. These companies will form an independent non-profit organization, called a Producer Responsibility Organization, to coordinate, fund, and manage this statewide recycling system.
Producer Responsibility Organization
The State of Colorado appointed Circular Action Alliance as the designated Producer Responsibility Organization in May 2023.
Circular Action Alliance website
Producer Responsibility Organization designation press release
Needs assessment
Circular Action Alliance was responsible for the needs assessment study to evaluate the recycling infrastructure, services, and costs throughout all geographic areas of the state. The report also proposes a standardized list of materials to be accepted at all recycling facilities throughout the state. It also proposes three scenarios for increasing the collection and recycling rates in Colorado by 2030 and 2035.
This needs assessment is part of the program’s goal to develop a convenient, cost-effective program that provides free and equitable recycling of packaging and paper products for all Coloradans.
Resources
- Producer Determination Flow Chart
- Frequently asked questions and answers- Producer Responsibility Program
- Implementation Timeline (subject to change).
- House Bill 22-1355
- State legislation that authorizes the EPR program.
- Summary of the act by topic.
- Approval Process Memorandum.
Contact
Please send your questions or comments to eprcomments@state.co.us.