Over the mountains and to Grand Junction we go for the 2025 Summit for Recycling! 

June 2nd - 4th | Grand Junction Convention Center

The Summit for Recycling annual conference is the biggest statewide networking and educational event focused on capturing the value in our waste stream and moving towards a circular economy in Colorado. We are super excited to bring the Summit to a location with so much happening around waste diversion. Grand Junction here we come!

2025 Summit for Recycling Agenda

The following agenda is a draft outline. As we confirm speakers and sessions, the agenda will be updated.

June 2nd | June 3rd | June 4th

Monday, June 2nd

1:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Policy Retreat | Colorado 1 & 2

Join the Policy Committee as they review the legislative activity in 2025 and strategize about what legislative efforts to support in 2026. This will be an interactive meeting with workshop time amongst the sectors.

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Welcome Reception | Colorado 1 & 2

Come meet the attendees and exhibitors at our fun kickoff event before we dive into our conference sessions and workshops. Drinks and snacks and legislators and networking, Oh My!

Tuesday, June 3rd

8:00 am - 9:00 am | Breakfast | Colorado 1 & 2

• C&D Council Meeting in Colorado 3

8:45 am - 9:45 am | Welcome and Keynote | Colorado 1 & 2

Building a Sustainable Circular Economy with the C3 Program
Dive into how the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise supports local businesses and communities in building a sustainable circular economy. With funding opportunities, rebate programs, and expert guidance, C3 helps drive innovation and collaboration to create a more resilient, resource-efficient future for Colorado.

9:45 am - 10:00 am | Stretch, Coffee, Snack, Exhibitors

10:00 am - 11:30 am | Breakout Sessions

Colorado 1 & 2

• STEPS for local jurisdictions
• Economics of deconstruction and demolition

Creek

• Organic Matter Matters
• Organic matter in the soil, derived from compost application, plays a transformative role in creating resilient and sustainable ecosystems. By enhancing water retention, compost helps soil hold moisture longer, reducing the need for frequent irrigation and ensuring plants receive a consistent water supply during dry spells. Additionally, the rich organic content fosters robust microbial activity, stimulating beneficial soil organisms that break down organic material and release essential nutrients. These microbes not only improve soil fertility but also contribute to a healthier, more dynamic soil structure. Here from 4 key stakeholders in the world of soil as they highlight the vital benefits of compost for water conservation and vibrant microbial life.

Colorado 3

• From Bins to Wins: Strategies to Boost Your Recycling Engagement
• Workshop that highlights varying perspectives on how to ramp up recycling excitement within Colorado communities in the 21stCentury. From counties utilizing social media as a form of outreach, to the use of apps as a direct connection to consumers, and the importance of volunteer groups to drive home neighborhood commitment. This hands-on session will offer realistic strategies and options, for local governments and those sustainably focused!

11:30 pm - 12:30 pm | Lunch & Exhibitor Energy Booster | Colorado 1 & 2

Colorado 1 & 2

• Glass Recycling
• Large Processer Innovations

Creek

• Compost Innovations Lightning Round
• Composting Farm Trial on the Western Slope

Colorado 3

• Quality of Life Counts Too: How Diversion Goals Interlink with Community Safety, Health, and Happiness.
• Deconstruction Reuse Warehouses

• Waste Management 101: City of Grand Junction Recycle Center, Western Metals Recycling, & Mesa County Solid Waste Campus
• Compost Application: Clifton Community Center, Blaine’s Farm, & Sauvage Spectrum Winery
• Innovation in the Grand Valley: CSU Agricultural Experiment Station and Business Incubator - CEDC & SURPstone

Join us in celebrating the many people working to reduce waste and increase recycling and composting across Colorado. There will be delicious food, networking, and fun games!

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Wednesday, June 4th

8:30 am - 9:15 am | Breakfast | Colorado 1 & 2

9:15 - 10:15 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote | Colorado 1 & 2

10:15 am - 10:30 am | Passing Period, Snacks & Coffee, Exhibitor Showcase

10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Breakout Sessions

Colorado 1 & 2

• Closing the Loop: Innovations for a Sustainable Future
• This panel discussion will highlight the latest in sortation and advanced recycling technologies that are driving the transition to a circular economy. This session will showcase the entire process—from sourcing and processing materials to the innovative companies leading the charge in transforming waste into valuable materials used to make new packaging and products. We’ll explore how advanced recycling technologies are helping enable brands to create sustainable packaging by utilizing feedstocks and resins derived from recycled materials. This will provide an opportunity to learn from industry leaders and discover how these cutting-edge solutions are reshaping the future of packaging and waste management.

• Changes to the CDPHE Waste Tires Program due to the passage of SB 24-123
• Waste tires and changes to the CDPHE Waste Tires Program due to the passage of Senate Bill 24-123. Changes include the creation of a Waste Tire Management Enterprise and how this Enterprise will aid in the proper management of waste tires by providing financial incentives and rebates for the recycling of waste tires into end-use tire-derived products. Also discussion of current waste tire recycling/reuse trends.

Creek

• Food Rescue
• Aspen Organics Waste Diversion

• In this session, we’ll discuss the challenges and successes encountered during the implementation of the City of Aspen Organic Waste Diversion Ordinance. We’ll explore the perspectives from both the local government and the waste hauler, EverGreen ZeroWaste, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this initiative.

Colorado 3

• Compost Program Messaging Workshop

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch | Colorado 1 & 2

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Breakout Sessions

Colorado 1 & 2

• Zero Waste Toolkits

Creek

• Compostable Products Labeling Act Updates

Colorado 3

• Contractor Hauling

• Waste Management 101: City of Grand Junction Recycle Center, WM, & Mesa County Solid Waste Campus
• Compost Application: Clifton Community Center, Blaine’s Farm, & Sauvage Spectrum Winery
• Innovation in the Grand Valley: CSU Agricultural Experiment Station and Business Incubator - CEDC & SURPstone

5:30 pm | Happy Hour

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