Colorado Packaging Bill
On June 2, 2022, Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1355, an extended producer responsibility law for packaging. Producers of packaging will fund and operate the program, and dues will be used to finance a statewide recycling program.
I hope that the ultimate goal and affect of this program will be less packaging in general, rather than just adding more recycling plants. I am hoping that the added recycling funding cost will encourage producers to reduce or eliminate packaging entirely, or use packaging that is more easily recycled in Colorado. If there is less packaging recycling needed, this would save money. For example, why are they selling organic produce in plastic packaging such as netting & containers, why not sell it in bulk and let consumers bring their own containers/bags to carry the produce?
I believe this bill only includes Colorado packaged goods, so it wouldn’t affect all of the imported products (which is most products), but I hope it is a step in the right direction to reducing packaging.
Here is a simple explanation of producer responsibility for packaging from Trash Free Maryland:
trashfreemaryland.org/blog/producer-responsibility-for-packaging-what-is-it-an-idea-whose-time-has-come
Other ways to cut down on plastics and packaging:
Write to companies whose products you buy with your request for them to reduce or eliminate packaging. For example: potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cabbages, mushrooms and most other produce do not need to be packaged in single-use plastics. Buy products that have as little packaging as possible. Buy less consumer products that are packaged or made from plastics. Shop at farmers markets and bring your own reusable bags and containers. Grow your own food if you can! There are lots of ways to reduce the need for recycling, which should be our ultimate goal.