The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has officially approved the final plan for the state’s Producer Responsibility Program for Packaging and Paper under House Bill 22‑1355, establishing a statewide, producer‑funded recycling system that aims to expand access, standardize recyclable materials, and shift financial responsibility from municipalities to producers.

In related developments across the U.S. West Coast, Oregon has already approved and launched an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program under its Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, and Washington enacted its own EPR law in 2025 that will require producers of packaging and paper products to fund expanded recycling services through an appointed nonprofit organization beginning in 2030.

Program Background — Colorado

House Bill 22‑1355 requires producers of packaging and paper products to take responsibility for collection, transportation, processing, and recycling
 of covered materials. The law reflects Colorado’s adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy principles to reduce environmental impact, improve recycling rates, and support a circular economy.

Approval followed extensive stakeholder engagement, including public consultations with local governments, recyclers, nonprofits, and community representatives, meetings, and a needs assessment of recycling infrastructure and access gaps.

Features of Colorado’s Approved Program

Producer‑Funded System
  • Producers will cover 100% of net recycling costs, including collection, processing, and outreach, replacing funding previously provided by local governments and taxpayers.
  • Costs are expected to support a more equitable and efficient service model statewide.
Expanded Recycling Access
  • All Colorado households will be eligible for curbside or drop‑off recycling services.
  • Priority will be given to underserved communities with limited existing infrastructure.
Standardized Recyclable Materials
  • A uniform list of recyclable items will be used statewide to reduce contamination and streamline processing.
Recycling Targets
  • Colorado aims to more than double its recycling rate for packaging and paper by 2035, with annual reporting and performance measures to track progress.
Education and Outreach
  • Public education campaigns will inform residents about recycling practices and accepted materials to improve participation and reduce contamination.
Efficiency and Sustainability Provisions
  • The plan includes logistics optimization and funding support for compost facilities that process certified compostable packaging.

Implementation Timeline — Colorado

The program will roll out in phases:

  • Early 2026 — Local governments and material recovery facilities submit interest forms and begin the Request for Reimbursement (RFR) process.
  • Mid‑2026 — Producers establish contracts with service providers, and standardized materials labeling and education campaigns begin.
  • Late 2026 — Household recycling access expands statewide, and composting facilities receive operational support.

EPR Progress in Oregon

Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality approved thefirst EPR program plan under the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act in February 2025, making it the first U.S. state to achieve this milestone.

Under Oregon’s program, producers of packaging, paper, and food serviceware must fund a more modern, equitable recycling system that expands access and improves infrastructure statewide.

Washington’s EPR Law

In 2025, Washington enacted the Recycling Reform Act, creating an EPR program for residential packaging and paper products.

Provisions of the law require:

  • Producers to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by mid‑2026.
  • The PRO to develop and implementing a program plan with statewide recyclable lists and expanded recycling access.
  • Full implementation and reimbursement support for service providers beginning by 2030.

This legislation positions Washington alongside Oregon and California in establishing producer‑funded recycling frameworks on the West Coast.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Colorado’s program reflects input from producers, local governments, recycling companies, nonprofit partners, and community groups to ensure transparency, efficiency, and alignment with broader environmental goals.

Similarly, Oregon and Washington have also engaged state agencies, municipalities, industry stakeholders, and public interests in shaping their respective EPR frameworks.

Expected Outcomes and Significance

  • 1. Financial Relief for Local Governments — Local agencies will see reduced costs as producers fund recycling services.
  • 2. Improved Recycling Rates — Standardized materials and education campaigns aim to significantly increase recycling effectiveness.
  • 3. Circular Economy Advancement — Producers are incentivized to design recyclable, sustainable packaging.
  • 4. Regional Model for EPR — Coordination among Colorado, Oregon, and Washington contributes to greater regional alignment on recycling policy.

Regulatory Oversight

CDPHE will oversee the Colorado program, ensuring compliance with financial reporting and environmental performance requirements. Oregon’s DEQ and Washington’s Department of Ecology will likewise provide oversight under their respective laws.

Source: Co-program-plan-approved

Reach out to our regulation experts on chemical and product regulatory compliances

CONTACT US