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DENVER, CO– Representative Meg Froelich today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation marking Colorado Recycles Week:
“We can help address our climate crisis and put less trash in landfills by increasing our recycling rate, which is well below the national average,” said Zero Waste and Recycling Committee member Rep. Meg Froelich (D-Englewood).
“I’m excited to get to work next session on our interim committee bills to improve Colorado’s recycling end markets and infrastructure. I am grateful for Governor Polis’s proclamation today and his efforts to tackle this important challenge.” With the state’s population increasing and Coloradans producing more waste than before, the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Committee heard testimony, conducted research and traveled to innovative recycling facilities in order to develop a path forward to improve Colorado’s recycling rate.
In October, the committee advanced two bills. The first bill creates a stakeholder group to study how to establish a recycling market development center. The center would support the development of businesses that process recyclable materials or reuse them in their products sold to consumers. The bill also requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to administer a statewide recycling education campaign to increase residential recycling across the state.
The second bill would establish a statewide organics management plan. This can help agriculture producers improve soil health, leading to enhanced crop value and production. The CDPHE will consult with stakeholders and submit the management plan by February 1, 2023 to the House Energy and Environment Committee, House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee, Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.