State of Colorado

Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program

Colorado's Producer Responsibility for Statewide Recycling Act (HB22-1355) shifts the cost of recycling from consumers and municipalities to the producers of packaging and paper products. Here's what it means for your business.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach that places financial and sometimes operational responsibility for end-of-life product management on the producers, rather than on taxpayers or local governments. Colorado became one of the first states in the U.S. to enact comprehensive EPR legislation for packaging and paper products.

Under this law, a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) — overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) — is responsible for developing and implementing a statewide recycling plan. Producers fund the program through registration fees based on their packaging footprint.

Why Does This Matter?

This law fundamentally changes how recycling is funded in Colorado. Businesses that produce or use packaging need to understand their obligations, track their packaging data, and report accurately to avoid penalties.

Key Points of the Program

Producers of packaging and paper products are financially responsible for recycling infrastructure
A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) manages the program on behalf of producers
Producers must register and pay fees based on the type and volume of packaging they sell
The program funds expanded recycling access across Colorado, including rural communities
Minimum recycled content requirements will phase in over time
Annual reporting on packaging volumes and recycling rates is required

Who is Affected?

For Producers

If you manufacture, distribute, or sell products with packaging in Colorado, you likely need to register with the PRO, report packaging data, and pay fees to fund recycling infrastructure.

For Businesses

Expanded recycling access means more materials can be diverted from landfills. Businesses benefit from improved collection infrastructure and potentially lower waste management costs.

Financial Impact

Producers pay into the system based on material type, recyclability, and volume. Fees incentivize eco-friendly packaging design and use of recycled content.

Reporting Requirements

Producers must submit annual data on packaging types, quantities, and recycled content. Accurate reporting is essential to avoid penalties and fee adjustments.

How TrashPlanda Helps with EPR Compliance

TrashPlanda helps producers track packaging data, calculate fee obligations, generate PRO-ready reports, and stay ahead of evolving requirements — all through our intelligent automation platform.

Talk to Us About EPR Compliance