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.
Unlike Denver (which adopted mandatory PAYT recycling in 2022) or Boulder (mandatory since 2020), El Paso County and Colorado Springs have no residential recycling mandate. Recycling is offered voluntarily by private haulers as an add-on service, typically $8-$15 per month. Accepted materials vary by hauler but commonly include paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum, and steel. Glass is often excluded curbside but accepted at drop-off. The El Paso County Recycling Drop-Off Facility (3255 Akers Drive) accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, and electronics — free for residents. Colorado Springs Utilities operates several neighborhood drop-off sites. Commercial recycling is regulated under Colorado HB 22-1355 (Producer Responsibility for Packaging). Contamination with plastic bags, food waste, or non-recyclable items causes bins to be rejected. Colorado's statewide recycling rate (~17%) lags the national average (~32%), and El Paso County is below state average due to limited curbside programs. Manitou Springs has the highest voluntary participation in the county via its "Green Manitou" initiative.
No mandatory penalties. Contaminated bins tagged and skipped by haulers. Commercial generators over state thresholds face CDPHE enforcement under the Producer Responsibility Act. Illegal dumping of recyclables: C.R.S. §18-4-511.
El Paso County, CO
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See how El Paso County's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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