Colorado Springs Aims to Boost Recycling Rates

City sets goal to increase recycling to 37% by 2045 through new state law and partnerships with waste companies.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Colorado Springs is working to improve its low recycling rate of 16%, which is less than half the national average, by leveraging a new state law that requires companies selling packaged products to cover recycling costs. The plan involves waste companies providing recycling services to customers at no extra charge, with the state reimbursing the companies to incentivize residents to recycle without added costs.

Why it matters

Colorado Springs' low recycling rate of 16% is well below the national average of 34%, and the city aims to boost this to 37% by 2045 to reduce waste and improve sustainability. The new state law and partnerships with waste companies are expected to increase access to recycling and build trust in the system among residents.

The details

Under the Producer Responsibilities Act passed in 2022, companies selling packaged products must enroll in a program to cover recycling costs. Waste companies can then provide recycling services to customers at no extra charge, with the state reimbursing the companies. This is intended to incentivize residents to recycle without worrying about added costs. The city also plans to focus on education to ensure residents are recycling the right items.

  • The Producer Responsibilities Act was passed in June 2022.
  • Colorado Springs set a goal to increase its recycling rate to 37% by 2045.

The players

Colorado Springs

The city in Colorado that is working to improve its low recycling rate of 16%.

Producer Responsibilities Act

A state law passed in 2022 that requires companies selling packaged products to cover the costs of recycling.

Waste Management

A waste company that plans to participate in the recycling program in Colorado Springs.

Apex Waste

A waste company that plans to participate in the recycling program in Colorado Springs.

Asha Kurian

A representative from WastelessCOS who outlined the city's strategies to improve recycling.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is actual distrust. Is my recycling actually being recycled? So there's a lot of distrust with that. So, with everything that we have here, we've come up with five strategies, right? We are going to leverage the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which essentially means our residents will have free recycling moving forward.”

— Asha Kurian, Representative, WastelessCOS (KRDO13)

What’s next

The city will continue to work with waste companies to implement the new recycling program and educate residents on proper recycling practices.

The takeaway

Colorado Springs' ambitious goal to boost its recycling rate to 37% by 2045 through a new state law and partnerships with waste companies demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and reducing waste. If successful, the program could serve as a model for other cities looking to improve their recycling efforts.