Recycling Requirements: Colorado Springs vs Fountain
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Fountain, CO?
Fountain has fewer restrictions than Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs offers voluntary curbside recycling through its recycling program, but residential recycling is not mandatory. The city encourages recycling through education and convenient drop-off locations. Accepted curbside recyclables typically include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics #1-7. Commercial properties generating large amounts of recyclable material may be subject to additional requirements. The city also operates recycling drop-off centers for materials not accepted in curbside programs.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Fountain, CO
El Paso County
El Paso County does not mandate residential recycling — participation is voluntary and provided by private haulers as an add-on. The El Paso County Recycling Drop-Off Center accepts materials free. Colorado Springs explored but has not adopted a universal recycling ordinance like Denver's 2022 Pay-As-You-Throw program.
View full Fountain rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Fountain |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | No — residential recycling is voluntary | No — voluntary |
| Curbside Program | Available through city recycling program | - |
| Accepted Materials | Paper, cardboard, glass, metals, plastics #1-7 | - |
| Drop-Off Centers | Available for additional materials | - |
| Commercial | Additional requirements may apply | - |
| Drop-Off | - | 3255 Akers Drive free |
| Curbside Cost | - | $8-$15/month add-on |
| Glass | - | Often drop-off only |
| State Rate | - | ~17% (below national) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Colorado Springs?
No. Residential recycling is voluntary in Colorado Springs, though the city encourages participation through its curbside recycling program and drop-off centers.
What materials can I recycle curbside?
The curbside program typically accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and plastics #1-7. Check with your recycling provider for specific accepted items.
Fountain FAQ
Is recycling required in Colorado Springs?
No. Colorado Springs and El Paso County have no residential recycling mandate — participation is voluntary and paid as an add-on to your private hauler contract. This differs from Denver's 2022 Pay-As-You-Throw program.
Where can I recycle glass?
Most curbside programs exclude glass. The El Paso County Recycling Drop-Off at 3255 Akers Drive accepts glass free, as do Colorado Springs Utilities neighborhood sites. Manitou Springs has glass drop-off bins in its downtown district.
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