What is the role of local government under producer responsibility?
Currently cities, towns and counties across Colorado have very different levels of involvement with recycling programs. This policy provides flexibility for local governments to decide if and how to engage in recycling programs, and does not impose ANY recycling requirements on local governments. This program is a funding source for recycling collection; it will not fund, manage or otherwise interact with trash collection or recycling of other materials such as hazardous waste, electronics, or any non-packaging materials.
Here are several examples of how cities, town, and counties can choose to be involved in Producer Responsibility:
Municipally provided recycling collection
Cities and towns that run their own trucks can choose to continue to run their own recycling trucks and be 100% reimbursed by the Producer Responsibility program, or they can choose not to collect recycling and the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) will contract with haulers to provide recycling services in their area.
Municipal recycling contract with private hauler
Municipalities can continue to contract directly with haulers for trash, recycling or composting collection for residents. The Producer Responsibility program will reimburse the hauler for 100% of the costs of recycling so residents will not be charged for the recycling services. (Reimbursements will not cover costs of trash or composting, only recycling.)
Publicly run drop-off center
Cities, towns and counties where residents take their trash to a transfer station or landfill will have drop-off centers for recycling that are entirely funded through producer responsibility. Like with curbside programs, local governments may choose whether to manage the centers or leave it to the PRO to contract with a service provider to manage them. Many areas of the state will likely see more curbside recycling programs to increase the convenience of recycling. The program may or may not cover the cost to operate a drop-off center and a curbside system in the same area.
No current engagement
Cities, towns, and counties that are not currently participating in any of these recycling program services are not required to do anything under the Producer Responsibility program. The statewide PRO will provide recycling to all residents at no charge and with no needed action from local governments. However, it is strongly recommended for communities to consider taking action prior to the program start. Communities with existing recycling programs will benefit the most quickly from the program. See the list of action steps to prepare your community to benefit the most quickly from this new program.
Provide recycling education
The Producer Responsibility program will develop a statewide education program to improve recycling and is required to work with existing recycling education programs in the state. Cities, towns, and counties can choose whether or not to continue to provide education services.