‍ Recycling service costs encompass the expenses associated with recycling programs including collection, transportation, sorting and processing of covered materials; administration; capital improvements; public education on recycling; and disposal of non-recyclable materials.  

Reimbursement is not provided for non-covered materials, materials from non-covered entities and materials from producers in other approved programs.  

The program covers packaging and paper products listed on the Minimum Recyclables List (MRL) and Additional Materials List (AML). Only materials on these lists are eligible for reimbursement, which can be found in the Colorado Program Plan. 

Reimbursement is available for recycling services provided to residential entities, including single-family and multifamily homes. Beginning in 2028, eligibility expands to schools, and by 2030, to other non-residential covered entities. Additionally, the program provides funding for compost facilities to improve recovery of compostable products or to reduce contamination.

The term “service provider” is defined in Colorado’s law as a public or private entity that provides recycling services in the state. A service provider could be a city, town, county, Tribe, recycling collector, Materials Recovery Facility and/or nonprofit.  

CAA’s service strategy is designed to ensure that all covered entities in Colorado have access to services that meet the convenience standards, and that there is sufficient capacity to consolidate, transfer and process collected covered materials in an efficient manner. This framework is designed to promote open, competitive, and fair practices, equitable service access, system enhancement and efficiency, and to achieve statewide recycling goals.

CAA cannot guarantee that service agreements will be signed with all service providers. For example, if a service provider cannot meet the minimum service standards, CAA may elect not to enter into an agreement with the service provider.  

To learn more about service provider reimbursements, review Chapters 5 and 6 in the  Colorado program plan.  

A service agreement is a negotiated contract between CAA Colorado and a service provider outlining reimbursement terms – it is required to receive reimbursement payments. Service agreements include payment terms, rates and schedules, along with minimum service standards, required safety practices and more. Once both parties have signed and all required documentation is complete, the agreement is active. Service providers submit regular activity reports through the portal. These reports will be used to calculate and verify payment amounts owed to each participating provider. Service agreements may include provisions for service expansion, rate adjustments and continuous improvement. CAA Colorado collaborates with providers to ensure services evolve with program needs. 

Yes. While initial RFR deadlines are essential for remaining on the pathway to executing a service agreement six months after the plan’s final approval by CDPHE, the RFR process will be conducted on a rolling basis. 

Local governments without recycling services should submit an RFR to initiate planning. CAA Colorado will assess gaps and may offer support through infrastructure investment or direct procurement; communities without recycling services can expect to hear from CAA Colorado in late 2026. Processors can communicate expansion plans during the RFR process. Service agreements are structured to accommodate infrastructure growth.  

Compost facilities that don’t currently accept certified compostable packaging can still participate if they have a clear plan and timeline to do so. Facilities can submit a service profile indicating their intent to begin accepting covered compostable products—this step helps determine eligibility and does not commit the facility or CAA to a funding agreement. 

Yes, multifamily residences are covered under the open market RFR. Open market recycling collectors can be reimbursed for services provided to multifamily properties, including those served with shared containers (such as dumpsters). While zone pricing applies only to individually serviced households, collectors serving multifamily buildings with shared containers can still participate by following the shared‑container reimbursement process outlined in the open market RFR guide.