Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are highlighting Colorado Recycles Week, which runs from November 11 to 15. The week aims to encourage residents across the state to participate in recycling efforts.
“As we continue our work to provide free and accessible recycling to more Coloradans, I am thrilled to celebrate Colorado Recycles Week,” said Governor Polis. “Recycling is more than just reducing waste — it is a way to boost our economy and protect the natural spaces we love. Together we can reduce, reuse, and recycle to lead our beautiful state to a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE, added: “Colorado Recycles Week is a reminder that we all play a part in protecting our environment and creating a greener, more sustainable Colorado for all. We are excited about the work that we’ve done with our partners to implement sustainable, long-term solutions that meet the unique needs of each community in Colorado.”
CDPHE continues its efforts by working on programs designed to increase recycling rates and reduce waste statewide.
One major initiative underway is the Producer Responsibility Program for statewide recycling implementation. This program is scheduled for launch in 2026. Once approved, it will establish a convenient statewide system offering free recycling services for all residents. Projections show that this program could raise paper and packaging recycling rates from 25% up to 58% by 2035 while expanding curbside collection at no cost.
Another area of focus is paint disposal. Improperly disposed paint can significantly pollute water sources; one gallon can contaminate up to 250,000 gallons of water. Since 2015, through PaintCare’s stewardship program overseen by CDPHE, over 7.7 million gallons of unused paint have been collected at more than 200 drop-off sites throughout Colorado.
To address organic waste diversion, CDPHE released an Organics Infrastructure Toolkit in July 2025 as part of its ongoing study on organics diversion strategies published in 2024. Additionally, updated compost regulations introduced in spring 2024 have led to growth in small-scale composting operations—doubling their number from 22 facilities before the change to 44 as of October 2025.
In recognition of sustainability achievements within local businesses, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area received the Colorado Green Business Network’s top award after diverting over 185,000 pounds of waste through comprehensive recycling and composting initiatives. Statewide green business certifications reached nearly two hundred organizations this year; together they diverted over twenty-one thousand tons of waste—the equivalent produced annually by about nineteen thousand Coloradans.
Efforts also extend into advancing circular economic practices through new legislation passed in 2024 establishing the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise. In its first year alone, approximately $24 million was distributed via grants supporting local governments and organizations across the state as they transition toward circular economic models—emphasizing reuse and sustainability—and providing technical assistance where needed.
The enterprise also supports development centers focused on building end markets for recycled materials and attracting related businesses into Colorado’s growing circular economy sector.
