May 19, 2022
(press release)
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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 the strongest Producer Responsibility policy in the nation. We strongly support HB22-1355 being signed into law to create a producer responsibility program to enhance the recycling of packaging and printed paper in Colorado. The Producer Responsibility 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 is not enough plastics collected for recycling in the US to meet the growing regulatory and corporate commitments to use more recycled plastics to make new products. APR recognizes Producer Responsibility as a crucial policy tool to increase the supply of recycled materials into the economy. Many plastic recyclers across the US 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%. 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 over 70%. Recycled plastics can save 75-88% of the energy used to make virgin plastics and reduce GHG emissions by 70%. Increased recycling of plastics and other materials will help Colorado reduce carbon pollution and move toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Colorado residents deserve a modern, effective recycling system, and businesses need clean, reliable, and domestic sources of recycled materials to make new products and packaging. We urge 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. Contact: Kara Pochiro APR VP of Communications & Public Affairs Kara@plasticsrecycling.org The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is The Voice of Plastics Recycling®. As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR advocates the recycling of all plastics. Visit www.PlasticsRecyling.org for more information.
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