Colorado EPR Program
Free Residential Recycling Coming Soon to Colorado Residents
Mountain High Disposal is excited to share that free residential recycling is coming to our Colorado service areas.
Colorado's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program shifts the cost of residential recycling to the producers that supply packaging and paper products into Colorado.
As the program becomes available in each MHD service area, residential customers will receive every-other-week recycling service at no additional charge. Existing recycling customers will have their recycling charge adjusted to $0.00 once the program begins in their area.
What Do You Need to Do Right Now?
Nothing.
If you are an MHD residential customer, there is no action you need to take at this time.
If You Already Have MHD Recycling
You are all set. Your recycling service will continue without interruption. Once the EPR program officially begins in your area, your recycling charge will be updated to $0.00.
You will still see recycling listed on your bill, but the charge will show as $0.00. No action is required on your part.
If You Do Not Currently Have Recycling
You do not need to sign up.
As the EPR program rolls out across MHD service areas, residential customers who do not currently have recycling service will be automatically enrolled and receive a new 95-gallon recycling cart at no charge.
MHD will communicate more details ahead of time and will notify customers directly when cart delivery is scheduled for their area.
If You Do Not Want a Recycling Cart
If you would prefer not to receive a recycling cart or participate in the recycling service, please email norecyclecart@mhd.com .
This is the only reason customers need to contact MHD at this time regarding enrollment.
How the Rollout Will Work
MHD plans to deliver recycling carts city by city as the EPR program is implemented across our service areas.
We will keep customers informed as rollout dates get closer and provide additional information about cart delivery, accepted materials, and service details as it becomes available.
Anticipated Rollout Order
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this change happening?
Colorado passed an EPR law designed to shift the cost of residential recycling to the producers that supply packaging and paper products into Colorado.
The program is intended to increase recycling rates, expand access to recycling service, and reduce waste.
Will recycling really be free for Colorado residents?
Yes. Under this program, producers will cover the cost of residential recycling collection.
Single-family homes, HOAs, and multi-family residential customers who currently pay for recycling through their waste hauler will no longer see a separate charge for recycling service once the program begins in their area.
The cost of recycling will be covered by producers through the EPR program.
When will free recycling start?
Mountain High Disposal is working with Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the organization implementing EPR in Colorado.
Once that contract is finalized, we will be able to determine a specific start date. We currently expect the program to begin in September and are working diligently to prepare for implementation.
I just signed up for MHD service. Why am I being charged for recycling?
Until the EPR program is officially active in your area, existing recycling rates may continue to apply.
Once the program begins in your area, your recycling charge will be adjusted to $0.00.
Will I automatically receive recycling service?
Yes. Residential customers who do not currently have recycling service will automatically be enrolled when EPR recycling becomes available in their area.
We will communicate timing, cart delivery, accepted materials, and service details as more information becomes available.
Customers who do not wish to participate will have the opportunity to opt out before service begins. Please email norecyclecart@mhd.com if you do not want a recycling cart delivered.
What can I put in my recycling cart?
Colorado's EPR program includes a statewide Minimum Recyclables List (MRL) that identifies materials collected through the program.
For a current guide to accepted materials, visit Colorado's What Can I Recycle? guide.
MHD will also provide customers with additional information about accepted materials as recycling service begins in each area.
Will I still have to pay for trash service?
Yes. Trash service will continue to be billed separately.
The EPR program specifically covers the cost of curbside recycling, so that portion of your service will be provided at no additional charge. Your trash collection will continue as normal.
I already have recycling service. Does this affect me?
Once the program officially begins in your area, your recycling service charge will automatically be updated to $0.00.
You will still see recycling listed on your bill, but the charge will show as $0.00. No action is required on your part.
How will customers be notified about the change?
MHD will continue to update our webpage as more information becomes available and will notify customers directly when cart delivery is scheduled for their area.
What if I don't want free recycling service?
Please email norecyclecart@mhd.com if you do not want a recycling cart delivered.
Where Can I Learn More About Colorado's EPR Program?
You can learn more about Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling through these official resources:
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — Producer Responsibility Program
- Circular Action Alliance (CAA) — Colorado EPR Program
- Colorado General Assembly — HB22-1355
MHD will also continue to share updates directly with customers as more information becomes available.
Stay Updated
We will keep you informed as rollout dates get closer. When your area is coming up, you will hear from us first.