Colorado Producer ResponsibilityProducer Responsibility for Recycling Packaging and Paper (HB22-1355) passed in 2022 in Colorado. It will provide convenient recycling access to all Coloradans with no added cost to consumers or local governments. Visit the Producer Responsibility Website for resources specifically designed to help local governments understand how the law benefits them and their residents and how to prepare for increased access to recycling.
Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program LAUNCHESThe Joint Budget Committee approved the scenario recommended by the team at the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment. The modified middle scenario was chosen and now the work begins to transform the scenario into a program plan. Over the next 9 months, the Producer Responsibility Organization (Circular Action Alliance) will consult with the Advisory Board and CDPHE to develop a plan. Many opportunities for Recycle Colorado members and stakeholders will be available to contribute to the development of the plan. Watch for announcements in upcoming newsletters. More on Colorado Producer ResponsibilityColorado Needs AssessmentFAQ for Colorado's Product Responsibility ProgramColorado Municipal League & Recycle Colorado Webinar Series on Producer Responsibility Preparation for Local Governments In 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed legislation to establish a statewide program which will be financed and operated by the producers of consumer products to provide access for recycling services for every residence in Colorado at no financial cost to residents or local governments. For the past 18 months, the program roll-out has advanced rapidly and the plan to execute the program is under development. While we await the release of the draft program plan, there are opportunities for local governments to understand the policy, develop strategies to prepare for implementation, and work with peers on best practices and regional collaboration. To that end, the Colorado Municipal League (CML) is partnering with Recycle Colorado to offer a webinar learning series to provide the latest information, options to prepare local communities, and best practices to optimize local systems. Beginning in January 2025, CML will host a monthly series of virtual sessions created by Recycle Colorado covering specific topics and case studies to help local governments understand and prepare for the implementation of the EPR program in 2026 and beyond. The schedule and topics are below. We invite you to participate in as many of the sessions as you wish. These sessions are free to members of CML and Recycle Colorado. Registration is required to attend. CML Webinar Series InformationRegister for CML & Recycle Colorado Producer Responsibility Webinars
Register for Webinar
Register for WebinarIf you have any questions or would like to discuss these sessions in advance, please contact Jenifer Freeman at [email protected] or Contact from CML. Register for CML Producer Responsibility WebinarsCovered Materials & Producer DefinitionsThe information provided in CAA's resources linked below is 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 14th, which includes an October 1, 2024 producer registration deadline for producers that expect to be obligated under Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act. 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. Covered Materials and Producer DefinitionsProducer Responsibility Program Updates from CDPHEThe FAQ Producer Responsibility Page can be found on CDPHE's Website linked below. Scroll down to find "Frequently asked questions and answers- Producer Responsibility Program" under the documents list. You can find the initial implementation timeline and additional information on CDPHE's website. For updates from CDPHE on the implementation phase of the producer responsibility program, please sign up by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line "producer responsibility contact list." For questions about the program or advisory board, please email or call Darla Arians ([email protected], 720-263-1219). CDPHE Seeking Applicant for Producer Responsibility Advisory Board The Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling is accepting applications for a vacancy on the Producer Responsibility Advisory Board. This individual will represent the retail seat. We are accepting applications untilJune 8 or until the seat is filled. This representative will join a diverse board that’s working to ensure the program meets the needs of local Colorado communities and businesses. The board, which began meeting in January of 2023, includes representatives from municipalities, counties, materials recovery facilities, compost facilities, environmental justice groups, and an array of other stakeholder groups. Board members must have relevant knowledge and expertise in recycling programs or the impacts of covered materials. The Producer Responsibility Program requires companies that sell products in packaging, paper products, and food serviceware to fund a statewide recycling system to recycle those materials. One of the program objectives is to develop a convenient, cost-effective system with free and equitable recycling for all Coloradans. To apply, please visit our Producer Responsibility webpage. For questions about the application process, contact Mellik Gorton at: 303.692.3343 or [email protected] Sign up to Attend Producer Responsibility Advisory Board MeetingsWorking group meetings: Regular business meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time (unless otherwise posted).
CDPHE Resources
Additional Resources & DocumentsProducer Responsibility Bill DocumentsSummary of Bill Revisions, 5/10/2022 Producer Responsibility Informational DocumentsProducer Responsibility Fact Sheet Articles on Producer ResponsibilityExert in the Denver Post |
