Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is a Colorado law that holds brands responsible for what happens to their packaging and products after residents use them. Under EPR, brands join and pay dues to Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Colorado, a nonprofit dedicated to implementing the law. 

Thanks to funding from brands, local governments can begin to receive reimbursements for 100% of the net costs of providing recycling services in 2026. Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Colorado will also help expand recycling access, upgrade Colorado’s recycling infrastructure and educate the public on how to recycle. 

All local governments, even those with no recycling today, are encouraged to participate by submitting an interest form and service profile no later than Jan. 16, 2026. Learn more about how your local government can participate!

Key Messages and Talking Points

• What is the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act? 
  • Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program to make recycling more effective and sustainable.
  • With funding from producers – the brands that put products on the market in Colorado – CAA Colorado works with governments, businesses and communities to upgrade Colorado’s recycling infrastructure, expand recycling access and more than double Colorado’s recycling rate by 2035.
  • The Act ensures producers share responsibility for the end-of-life management of the packaging and paper they supply into Colorado.
• Why It Matters for Local Governments?
  • Local governments can be reimbursed for 100% of the net costs of the eligible recycling services they provide to their residents. The local government request for reimbursement process opens Nov. 17, 2025.
  • In areas that do not currently have recycling services, CAA Colorado will work with communities and private businesses to build no-cost, convenient recycling programs.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, builds a more efficient and equitable statewide recycling system.

About Circular Action Alliance (CAA)

CAA is the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) overseeing producer compliance and implementation of the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act.

CAA Colorado offers webinars, instructional information and one-on-one meetings to help local governments through the reimbursement process. More details and webinars can be found on the Colorado reimbursements webpage.

Submit questions or request a meeting by emailing coloradoinfo@circularaction.org.