Colorado

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Colorado’s Producer Responsibility program for packaging and paper products requires covered producers to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), and through the PRO, fund and manage the end of life of those materials, which includes collection, processing, and recycling or composting.

CAA was approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) as the PRO that will administer Colorado’s EPR law for packaging and paper products on May 1, 2023. On December 9, 2025, CAA’s final plan was approved by CDPHE.

FAQ

  • Implementation must begin within six months of final plan approval. CAA Colorado has opened the request for reimbursement, or RFR, process for entities providing recycling services in the state. Learn more on the reimbursement page.  

    • Which materials are collected under the program? What if my community doesn’t currently offer collection for those materials? 

    Covered materials are defined in the Act and include packaging and paper products. The covered materials can be broken down into two lists:   

    • Minimum Recyclable List (MRL) – The list of covered materials that must be collected statewide in a manner that is as convenient as the collection of solid waste.  

    • Additional Materials List (AML) – Covered materials not on the minimum recyclables list that may be collected in different geographic areas through curbside services, drop-off centers or other means.   

    CAA Colorado recognizes that a phased approach is necessary to collecting and processing items on the MRL and AML. Communities can learn more about this phased approach and see the full MRL and AML in Chapter 7 of the final plan.  

  • Colorado’s EPR program is projected to expand access to convenient recycling services for to up to 700,000 households and nearly double the recycling rate of paper and packaging in the state. The plan is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide - equivalent to 278,000 cars’ worth – annually by 2035.

  • There is no requirement for governments, tribes or service providers to participate in the EPR program. Eligible service providers that choose to participate in the program will be reimbursed for 100% of the eligible net service costs of provided recycling services as required by the Act. Colorado’s waste service providers and communities that elect to participate in the program will no longer charge consumers for recycling services that are being provided on behalf of CAA, as required by the state law. Learn more about the reimbursement process.  

Past and Future Milestones

  • June 3, 2022

    Governor Polis Signs HB22-1355.

  • December 8, 2022

    CDPHE Appoints Advisory Board Members.

  • May 1, 2023

    CDPHE Selects CAA as PRO and Appoints it to the Advisory Board.

  • August 2023

    CAA Selects HDR and Eunomia Research & Consulting as the Third-Party Contractors to Conduct the Needs Assessment.

  • January 24, 2024

    CAA Reports Needs Assessment Results to CDPHE.

  • March 15, 2024

    CDPHE Presents Needs Assessment Findings & Proposed Program Scenario to General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee.

  • CO Dot

    April 17, 2024

    General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee Approves CDPHE-Recommended Recycling Scenario.

  • October 1, 2024

    Colorado Regulatory Deadline for Producers to Register with CAA.

  • February 1, 2025

    CAA Submits Draft Program Plan Proposal.

  • July 31, 2025

    CAA Deadline for Data Reporting.

  • December 9, 2025

    CDPHE Approves CAA’s Final Plan.

  • January 1, 2026

    Producers Remit Dues to CAA On or Before this Date.

  • Early 2026

    CAA Begins implementation.

  • June 30, 2026

    CAA Remits First Administrative Dues to CDPHE.

State Rulemaking Updates

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Consumer Price Index Rule

Colorado’s Act requires CDPHE to adjust the de minimis small producer exemption based on the Bureau of Labor’s Consumer Price Index annually by July 1.  

Primary Regulations

The Colorado Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission approved the final rules on June 14, 2024.  

Eco-modulation Regulations

The finalized eco-modulation ruleset is forthcoming, and more information will be posted to CDPHE’s website as it becomes available. 

Details can be found on CDPHE’s Producer Responsibility page and Solid Waste rulemakings page. 

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board in Colorado was selected in December of 2022 and first met on Jan. 31, 2023. As of May 1, 2023, CAA was appointed to the non-voting Producer Responsibility Organization seat. The Board provided input to CAA and CDPHE throughout plan development and continues to advise on program plan implementation.   

News

News
Final Plan Approved for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
Final Plan Approved for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
CAA Hits the Road with Colorado Municipal League Fall Meetings
CAA Hits the Road with Colorado Municipal League Fall Meetings
Producers Must Report Supply Data to CAA by July 31 to Comply with Colorado’s Packaging EPR Law 
Producers Must Report Supply Data to CAA by July 31 to Comply with Colorado’s Packaging EPR Law 
Circular Action Alliance Submits Amended Plan for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
Circular Action Alliance Submits Amended Plan for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
What Producers Need to Know About Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Act 
What Producers Need to Know About Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Act 
Circular Action Alliance Submits Plan Proposal for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
Circular Action Alliance Submits Plan Proposal for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
Paying their fair share: CAA and states detail approach to EPR enforcement
Paying their fair share: CAA and states detail approach to EPR enforcement
Colorado’s PRO appoints executive director to manage state’s EPR rollout
Colorado’s PRO appoints executive director to manage state’s EPR rollout
CAA Names Executive Director to Lead Colorado’s EPR Program for Packaging and Paper Products
CAA Names Executive Director to Lead Colorado’s EPR Program for Packaging and Paper Products
Colorado Ramps Up for Statewide EPR Implementation
Colorado Ramps Up for Statewide EPR Implementation
Steamboat residents helped with new program bringing free recycling to Colorado
Steamboat residents helped with new program bringing free recycling to Colorado
Colorado legislature greenlights ‘medium’ scenario for EPR implementation
Colorado legislature greenlights ‘medium’ scenario for EPR implementation
Circular Action Alliance Moves Forward with Colorado EPR Implementation Following Joint Budget Committee Approval
Circular Action Alliance Moves Forward with Colorado EPR Implementation Following Joint Budget Committee Approval

Webinar Archives

Webinar Archives
Processor Request for Reimbursement: Step 1 Applicants’ Meeting
Processor Request for Reimbursement: Step 1 Applicants’ Meeting

Join Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Colorado for a detailed walkthrough of the Step 1 Processor Request for Reimbursement (RFR). This session will cover everything processors need to know to prepare and submit Step 1 accurately and on time. We’ll outline each step of the process, review required forms and documentation, and highlight key deadlines to help ensure submissions are complete.

Join Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Colorado for a detailed walkthrough of the Step 1 Processor Request for Reimbursement (RFR). This session will cover everything processors need to know to prepare and submit Step 1 accurately and on time. We’ll outline each step of the process, review required forms and documentation, and highlight key deadlines to help ensure submissions are complete.

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Local Government Request for Reimbursement: Why, How and When to Participate
Local Government Request for Reimbursement: Why, How and When to Participate

Join Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Colorado for an informational webinar designed to help local governments successfully complete the Request for Reimbursement (RFR) process. All local governments in Colorado are encouraged to participate in this webinar, even those that do not directly provide recycling services and those with no recycling services available today.

Join Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Colorado for an informational webinar designed to help local governments successfully complete the Request for Reimbursement (RFR) process. All local governments in Colorado are encouraged to participate in this webinar, even those that do not directly provide recycling services and those with no recycling services available today.

Read More →
Education & Outreach in Colorado: Audience Research and Creative Approach
Education & Outreach in Colorado: Audience Research and Creative Approach

In collaboration with partners C+C and GFM|CenterTable, Circular Action Alliance (CAA) shared progress on the creative approach for education and outreach under Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.

In collaboration with partners C+C and GFM|CenterTable, Circular Action Alliance (CAA) shared progress on the creative approach for education and outreach under Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. This session engaged interest holders in shaping the statewide multi-media educational campaign that is a key part of doubling Colorado’s recycling rate for packaging and paper. CAA is committed to ensuring this project reflects the voices and expertise of Colorado’s diverse communities, including local governments, tribes, recycling service providers, nonprofits and other interest holders. During this webinar, we discusses CAA's research on existing education and outreach programs, along with additional research conducted this summer.

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Education & Outreach in Colorado: How it Works and How Local Governments Can Participate
Education & Outreach in Colorado: How it Works and How Local Governments Can Participate

Circular Action Alliance Colorado hosted a webinar exploring education and outreach under Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. Learn more about CAA’s proposed approach to education and outreach, and how local governments can participate. We broke down the process for local governments and discussed opportunities for collaboration.

Circular Action Alliance Colorado hosted a webinar exploring education and outreach under Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. Learn more about CAA’s proposed approach to education and outreach, and how local governments can participate. We broke down the process for local governments and discussed opportunities for collaboration.

Read More →
Reimbursements: How Colorado’s Local Governments Can Access Recycling Reimbursements
Reimbursements: How Colorado’s Local Governments Can Access Recycling Reimbursements

Find out how your city or county can get reimbursed for recycling services under Colorado’s new EPR law. This webinar breaks down what’s covered, and how to get ready.

Find out how your city or county can get reimbursed for recycling services under Colorado’s new EPR law. This webinar breaks down what’s covered, and how to get ready.

Read More →
EPR 101: What Colorado’s Local Governments Need to Know About Producer Responsibility
EPR 101: What Colorado’s Local Governments Need to Know About Producer Responsibility

We break down the basics of Colorado’s new producer responsbility law, what it means for local governments, how it may impact your recycling programs, and what steps you can take to prepare. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to stay informed, this introductory session will provide the clarity and context you need. 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping how recycling is managed in Colorado—and local governments play a critical role in this transition. Join us for an informative webinar designed specifically for municipal and county officials, staff, and interest holders. We break down the basics of Colorado’s new producer responsbility law, what it means for local governments, how it may impact your recycling programs, and what steps you can take to prepare. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to stay informed, this introductory session will provide the clarity and context you need. 

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Colorado Needs Assessment Webinar
Colorado Needs Assessment Webinar

This is the recording of the webinar Circular Action Alliance (CAA) hosted with HDR covering the key findings from the Colorado Needs Assessment. This webinar was originally presented on February 22, 2024.

This is the recording of the webinar Circular Action Alliance (CAA) hosted with HDR covering the key findings from the Colorado Needs Assessment. This webinar was originally presented on February 22, 2024.

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Notices