Editor’s note: Join us at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference where we’ll dive deeper into EPR compliance and policy.
Colorado officials have approved the plan for extended producer responsibility for packaging, clearing the way for Circular Action Alliance to implement the program within the next six months.
CAA, the producer responsibility organization (PRO) charged with administering the industry-funded system for recycling packaging and paper products, submitted its final plan to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in November. The plan requires CAA to fund all net costs for recycling services, expand access especially for underserved areas, more than double the state recycling rate for packaging and paper by 2035 and standardize an accepted materials list.
In July CAA submitted a revised EPR plan to address issues raised by the state’s EPR advisory board, and in October CAA held a webinar outlining its education and outreach strategy.
The state previously approved a specialized plan from the Lubricants Packaging Management Association (LPMA) – the first instance for an independent PRO.
Now that the CDPHE has approved the plan, local governments and MRFs can formally express interest in participating by filling out an interest form, due by Jan. 16, and beginning the request for reimbursement (RFR) process.
In early 2026, CAA will add information on participation and reimbursement for private and nonprofit businesses that provide subscription-based recycling collection services. In addition, funding for compost facilities will be available toward lowering costs for managing and to improve processing and recovery of compostable packaging.
“The approval of Colorado’s program plan marks another key milestone in the advancement of producer responsibility in the United States,” said Jeff Fielkow, CEO of Circular Action Alliance, adding that Colorado is the second state EPR program CAA has launched within six months, following Oregon.
CAA has been selected as a PRO in four other states that have passed EPR laws for packaging – California, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington – and intends to respond to Maine’s request for proposals (RFP) for stewardship organizations.
Juri Freeman, Colorado executive director at CAA, said, “Producers will participate in a harmonized, transparent system that streamlines compliance. Colorado’s local governments will see meaningful cost relief, and residents will gain more consistent, convenient recycling access.”
