Colorado’s recycling rate remains stubbornly low.
Why it matters: The data belies the state’s “green” reputation and sets the benchmark for major changes to come.
State of play: Total waste to landfills decreased a fraction over six years to 6.8 million tons, according to a new report from Eco-Cycle, a nonprofit recycler in Colorado.
- When factoring in population growth, the per capita waste rate improved 6%.
By the numbers: The state’s diversion level — often referred to as the recycling rate — hit 15.5% in 2023, meaning it went virtually unchanged in the last five years.
- The national recycling and composting rate is double Colorado’s at 32%.
Between the lines: Eco-Cycle and CoPIRG, an environmental organization, suggest the state’s low rates are unsurprising given just half of Colorado’s municipalities with 10,000 or more residents provide recycling to all households.
What’s next: A state mandate authorized in 2022 will create a statewide recycling program by collecting fees from most product manufacturers and retailers