A Turning Point for Colorado’s Recycling System
55% of Colorado households lack access to recycling, leading to some of the lowest recycling rates in the country.
The new Extended Producer Policy (EPR) in Colorado will help make it easier for families to reduce plastic waste.
Building a Better System
From rugged mountains to bustling cities, Colorado is known for its natural beauty. But protecting it requires a massive, collective effort. While Colorado has historically had one of the lowest recycling rates in the US, the state is now leading a transformation. Through new legislation, Colorado will expand recycling access, keeping plastic out of landfills, and proving that better systems are possible.
"If you don't protect the headwaters, you don't have a future. It's this business that we have, the lifeblood of it is water. It's really important that our laws match what the public sentiment is and the public sentiment is decidedly in favor of recycling."James EklundFifth generation rancher, norse sky ranch
A Cross-Sector Effort
Plastics are incredibly durable and useful, but without a proper plan to manage them, plastic waste can be a big problem. To fix this, Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law launched in 2026. It incentivizes businesses to use recycled content, shifting the financial burden away from local communities and making it easier for more families to help reduce plastic waste.
"[There] is this mountain range that separates us from the metropolitan area, and then there's the rest of us over here on the western slope, where we're very scattered and spread out. So transportation becomes a huge hurdle [to recycling access]."Jennifer RichardsonDirector, solid waste and sustainability
Securing our Natural Resources
Protecting our natural resources for future generations requires governments, businesses, and individuals working together. Colorado’s new policy is a step in the right direction and can make recycling more accessible and affordable for families across the state, while helping the next generation understand the importance of recycling. Progress in Colorado shows what’s possible, but broader action is needed across the U.S. to protect our land and water for the future.
"One of the most alarming things I've seen, as far as plastic goes, is that it is everywhere. It's impossible to escape. The choice that we have to make is how do we change our laws so that we can reuse plastic, recycle it, or create alternatives?"Rush SturgesFilmmaker, Whitewater kayaker