FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About a Colorado Producer Responsibility Policy

 

How will Producer Responsibility for containers, packaging, and printed paper benefit Colorado?

The Plan Proposal for administering Colorado’s EPR law is projected to:

  • Expand access to convenient recycling services for Colorado households, particularly those in underserved areas.

  • Increase the recycling rate from approximately 25% for paper and packaging to approximately 55% by 2035. 

  • Standardize a list of readily recyclable materials and deliver statewide education to engage residents in recycling. 

  • Support and contribute to the circular economy, resulting in new jobs.  

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide - equivalent to 247,000 cars’ worth – annually by 2035.

 

What materials are covered and what defines a producer?

Information has been provided by Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Organization, CAA, designed to help businesses identify the materials that are captured in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and the responsible producer for those materials.

The Solid & Hazardous Waste Commission promulgated the primary rules for producers on June 14. Producers who have not yet registered should reach out to CAA as soon as possible. For more information on the rules and regulations pertaining to producers, please visit the rulemaking webpage. 

 

Will this raise prices for consumers?

A 2020 report for the State of Oregon looking into cost increases in Canadian EPR programs “did not find a clear correlation between product price and the presence of EPR” for packaging and printed paper. The authors added that it is likely that other economic factors – such as energy or labor costs, local taxes, distance from distribution hubs, competition, or other operating expense differences – influence pricing more.

 

Who supports Producer Responsibility policies?

This policy is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition including: 

  • Local governments from around the state that want to provide better recycling services and reduce costs.

  • Recycling industry members that want to make recycling more consistent, cost-effective, and financially sustainable for all Colorado residents and businesses. 

  • Consumer goods companies that want to improve the sustainability of their packaging and secure more recycled materials to use to make their products. 

  • Environmental organizations and other nonprofits that want to reduce climate pollution, unnecessary plastics, and overall waste. 

In addition, over 100 global companies have publicly stated that Producer Responsibility policies are a necessary part of the solution to increase recycling, reduce plastic pollution, and help strengthen local economies.

 

Where is this type of policy in place and how is it working?

  • Over 40 countries and provinces have Producer Responsibility policies for containers and packaging materials. Leading Canadian and European programs have recycling rates up to 85%, compared to Colorado’s current rate of 15%.

  • As of March 2025, five states – California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota and Oregon – have enacted EPR laws for packaging, with several others considering.

 

What is the timeline for implementing Producer Responsibility for packaging, containers and paper products in Colorado?

The Producer Responsibility program will take several years to scale up and is projected to be launched in late 2025 to early 2026. The law establishes the following major milestones (see full timeline here):

2022

  • Legislature passes bill and Governor Polis signs HB22-1355 into law

  • CDPHE hires staff person to oversee program, seeks applications for Advisory Board

  • Recycle CO leads further stakeholder engagement

  • Rep. Cutter & Sen. Priola introduce bipartisan bill

  • Legislature holds public hearings, finalizes bill

2023

  • PRO contracts a statewide needs assessment to determine existing programs and needed investments to ensure recycling to all Coloradans

  • CDPHE convenes Advisory Board  

  • CDPHE recognizes Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

2024 

  • PRO submits findings of Needs assessment to Advisory Board and CDPHE for review.

  • Legislature Joint Budget Committee (JBC) votes on target recycling rate based on findings of Needs assessment and CDPHE recommendation

  • PRO drafts plan based on target rate approved by JBC

2025

  • Advisory Board reviews plan, gives recommendations to CDPHE

  • CDPHE approves plan to meet goals

  • All producers selling covered materials into CO must join PRO

2026

  • PRO begins program implementation within six months of Plan approval.

  • Residents will realize the benefits of the policy on varied timelines due to a variety of factors. The Colorado Plan Proposal outlines a Service Approach timeline, including implementation in different types of communities, starting on page 52.

 

How was this policy developed?

  • In 2018, the Colorado legislature convened an interim committee focused on advancing recycling and Zero Waste solutions. As a result of this work, in 2019 the legislature adopted SB20-055, which required CDPHE to conduct a literature review of Producer Responsibility programs and make recommendations on policies for Colorado. 

  • In 2021, CDPHE conducted a study and stakeholder process on Producer Responsibility and then released policy recommendations.

  • Recycle Colorado held a series of stakeholder meetings to develop Producer Responsibility principles and released these principles in October 2021.

  • In October 2021, the bill sponsors held extensive 1:1 and broad stakeholder meetings with a diversity of stakeholders to solicit input and feedback on the policy.

View HB22-1355: Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling here.

 

What accountability measures are in place for the program?

  • The PRO must meet state mandated recycling goals and ensure materials go to responsible end markets to be recycled.

  • The PRO must provide annual reports and third-party audits to the Advisory Board and CDPHE. Plan changes needed in order to better meet required goals may be submitted during the annual reporting period. The PRO will conduct a needs assessment every five years to ensure needs are being met and to update goals.

  • Every three years, starting in 2028, CDPHE will conduct a consumer price impact study to determine price impacts, if any, of the program compared to other states without such a program.

What does this mean for local governments and what are the next steps cities and towns should take?

There is no requirement for governments, tribes or service providers to participate in the EPR program. Eligible service providers (including local governments) 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 legislation.

While the Plan Proposal and implementation details are not yet approved, communities can learn more by reviewing Chapter 6: Service Provider Reimbursement. For local governments, the first step toward participating in the EPR program will be to respond to the local government Request for Reimbursement (RFR). Local governments will be asked to submit information to CAA such as who provides recycling services (if applicable), their recycling service costs (if known), the number of households serviced, and the existing education and outreach efforts. This data will be the basis of future service agreements for reimbursement. Communities that wish to participate in the program should email coloradoinfo@circularaction.org.

How can I move forward on Producer Responsibility in my state?

Recycle Colorado and our coalition partners are committed to helping other states implement EPR for packaging and paper and sharing our resources from Colorado. All of the content on this website is available for use in other states. Whenever possible, please include a reference to Recycle Colorado as the original content creators. We suggest language on the document or website such as: “Content used (or adapted) with permission from Recycle Colorado” with reference to www.RecyclingForAllColoradans.org when possible. 

In addition, we have many more resources to share on our stakeholder work, how we built a strong coalition of partners, detailed analysis of the law, presentation slides for various audiences, and much more!