The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) was pleased to learn that Colorado became the third state to pass producer responsibility legislation, with HB22-1355 being recognized as one of the strongest producer responsibility policies in the U.S.
APR supports HB22-1355 being signed into law to create a producer responsibility program to enhance the recycling of packaging and printed paper in Colorado. The program would require consumer brands to finance the recycling of their packaging and printed paper and invest in expanding and modernizing local recycling infrastructure so that programs can handle new packaging materials as well as those not currently recycled.
There are not enough plastics collected for recycling in the U.S. to meet the growing regulatory and corporate commitments to use more recycled plastics to make new products. APR recognizes producer responsibility as a policy tool to increase the supply of recycled materials into the economy. Many plastic recyclers across the U.S. are not operating at full capacity and need more material to meet the demands for recycled resin. This policy is greatly needed to increase the supply of recycled plastics to meet existing and future manufacturing needs.
Colorado's average recycling rate is currently 15 percent. Signing HB22-1355 into law could triple recycling rates for residential materials in Colorado, as existing packaging EPR programs around the world have achieved recycling rates of over 70 percent. Recycled plastics can save 75 to 88 percent of the energy used to make virgin plastics and reduce GHG emissions by 70 percent. Increased recycling of plastics and other materials will help Colorado reduce carbon pollution and move toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals.
The Association of Plastic Recyclers urges Governor Pollis to sign HB22-1355 into law for EPR for packaging and paper products to reinvigorate recycling, reduce waste, and strengthen domestic supply chains.
