Final Plan Approved for Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is proud to announce that the plan to implement Colorado’s House Bill 22-1355, the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, was officially approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This approval marks a significant milestone in the state’s transition to a 100% producer-funded, statewide system for recycling packaging and paper products. The final plan reflects the leadership of CAA and the results of collaboration among producers of packaging and paper products, CDPHE, local governments, businesses, nonprofits, recyclers and communities across Colorado. The program is projected to more than double the state’s recycling rate for packaging and paper by 2035.
“The approval of Colorado’s program plan marks another key milestone in the advancement of producer responsibility in the United States,” said Jeff Fielkow, CEO of Circular Action Alliance. “Launching two statewide programs within six months speaks to the strength of our model and the proven capability of our team and organization. We appreciate the partnership of CDPHE and the contributions from producers, local governments and community stakeholders. Together, we are building a more accountable, accessible recycling system that delivers measurable value and environmental outcomes for Colorado communities.”
Following the needs assessment, consultation events attended by thousands of interest-holders, more than 110 hours of public meetings with the Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, public comment and a series of revisions, the final plan represents CAA’s pathway to complying with the act.
Through the final plan, CAA will:
Fund 100% of the net costs of recycling services provided by participating local governments, recycling companies and non-profits
Expand access to convenient recycling services for Colorado households, particularly those in underserved areas
More than double Colorado’s recycling rate for packaging and paper by 2035
Standardize a list of readily recyclable materials and deliver consistent, statewide education
Create an efficient and cost-effective recycling system that enhances Colorado’s circular economy
“Producers will participate in a harmonized, transparent system that streamlines compliance. Colorado’s local governments will see meaningful cost relief, and residents will gain more consistent, convenient recycling access,” said Juri Freeman, Colorado Executive Director. “Together, we are advancing recycling access, strengthening Colorado’s recycling markets and building the foundation for a truly circular economy.”
What’s Next: From Plan to Action
With the final plan approved, CAA must begin implementation within six months. As part of that implementation, all local governments in Colorado, as well as material recovery facilities, can formally express interest in participating in the program by filling out an interest form and beginning the request for reimbursement, or RFR, process. Initial forms are due Jan. 16, 2026.
Early in 2026, CAA will provide more information on participation and reimbursement for private and nonprofit businesses that provide subscription-based recycling collection services. Also in 2026, funding will become available for compost facilities to lower contamination management costs and improve processing and recovery of certified compostable packaging. Sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date with program implementation and visit circularaction.org for program information and resources.
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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 to 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, and retail industries.
Media Contact:
Larine Urbina