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Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
CRS 25-17-701 (HB22-1355)
Implementation
Service begins 2026
PRO
Circular Action Alliance
Cost to residents
Free curbside recycling

Summary

HB22-1355 created the Colorado Producer Responsibility Program under CRS 25-17-701 requiring producers of packaging and paper to fund universal curbside recycling access for residents statewide by 2026.

(3) (a) The organization shall contract with service providers to provide covered entities with convenient and equitable access to recycling services for all readily recyclable materials, at no charge to the covered entity, with the goal of achieving the recycling rate, collection rate, and postconsumer-recycled-content rate targets established in the final plan under section 25-17-705 (4)(p).

Source: C.R.S. Title 25 Article 17 Part 7 - Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide RecyclingView official code

Full Breakdown

Under CRS 25-17-701 to 25-17-714, Colorado became the fifth state to enact extended producer responsibility for packaging. The Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Circular Action Alliance, must fund collection, sorting, and processing of covered packaging and paper products to provide free recycling service to all residents and small businesses. The program covers a uniform statewide minimum recyclable list and convenience standards that local programs must meet starting July 1, 2025. Producers selling covered materials in Colorado must register with the PRO and pay annual dues based on tonnage and recyclability.

Violations & Penalties

Producers failing to register or report face penalties up to $25,000 per violation under CRS 25-17-712 enforced by the CDPHE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all Colorado residents get free curbside recycling?
Yes by 2026. The Producer Responsibility Program funds free recycling collection for residents, public schools, and small businesses statewide under the statewide minimum recyclable list.
Who pays for Colorado's recycling expansion?
Producers of packaging and printed paper sold in Colorado pay annual dues to the Producer Responsibility Organization, which then funds local recycling programs and infrastructure across the state.

Sources

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