Colorado is extremely fortunate to have Eco-Cycle in our state. Eco-Cycle is a nonprofit, social enterprise based in Boulder. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit recyclers, Eco-Cycle has been a Zero Waste pioneer since the organization started curbside recycling in the City of Boulder back in 1976. Today, they are so much more. Their mission is to innovate, implement, and advocate for local and global Zero Waste solutions to foster a more regenerative, equitable, and climate-resilient future. The organization works on this mission through research, policy development, campaign work and volunteer programs to create change locally, statewide and nationally. Their efforts are far reaching and have had a big impact on our community. Here are some of their momentous accomplishments in 2022. 

• Eco-Cycle drafted and championed House Bill 22-1355: Producer Responsibility for Recycling, making Colorado the FIRST in the nation to create a fully producer-funded recycling system and, once implemented, making recycling free for all Coloradans.
• After years of Eco-Cycle advocacy to revise Denver’s waste system to incentivize residents to recycle and compost, the Denver City Council adopted an “Expanded Waste Services” system in July 2022. With this policy, Denver residents living in single-family homes will now have access to  weekly curbside compost collection at no extra cost, weekly recycling collection, and a pay-as-you-throw model for trash – with a first-in-the-nation instant rebate program to assist low-income residents.
• Eco-Cycle partnered with Green Latinos to champion Ballot Measure 306: Waste No More Denver. Voters overwhelmingly supported the measure, which passed with over 69% support in the November election. When implemented, recycling and composting in Denver will be required onsite at businesses, apartment buildings, events, and construction sites, which collectively generate 82% of Denver’s waste.
• Eco-Cycle unveiled a model of their new electric-powered compost collection truck, leading the industry’s transition to electric-powered fleets, which will hit the streets when it arrives in January 2023.
• Eco-Cycle developed and is distributing our Zero Waste Schools Activity Guide to help educators across the nation implement Zero Waste practices in their classrooms.