Recycling Rebates
Program Overview
The Recycling Rebate program supports free, public recycling drop-off sites that must transport materials long distances by providing provide financial assistance for the collection and transportation of recyclables to processing facilities, supporting a circular economy. The C3 Program, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, has established strategic priority areas. This opportunity is in alignment with C3 strategic goal 2.0—reducing material consumption, particularly in rural areas.
Previously the Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) rebate program was established to financially assist free public recycling drop-off sites that must ship their recyclables considerable distances to bring them to market or to be further processed. In anticipation of the regulatory changes outlined in §25-16.5-106.5, which will repeal the RREO program in fiscal year 2026, the program offered a final RREO rebate opportunity in 2024.
General Eligibility
The rebate period covers costs incurred by drop-off sites from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Any local government, nonprofit, or for-profit entity within the State of Colorado that meets eligibility requirements may apply.
To be eligible for the rebate, each free public drop-off site must have:
Collected a minimum of 10 tons of qualifying recyclables during the rebate period
Must continue to be operational and open to the public today
Full eligibility requirements and details are available within the Rebate Guidelines.
Application Process
Beginning May 1, 2025, the Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise will accept applications to provide financial assistance to entities operating free public recycling drop-off sites for the collection and transportation of recyclables to processing facilities. The deadline to submit completed applications is 11:59 PM on May 30, 2025.
To apply, entities should review the Rebate Guidelines and complete their application, including providing all required documents, using the online Rebate Application.
The C3 Grants and Enterprise Management (GEM) Unit will evaluate each application based on the Board of Director’s approved criteria. All completed applications received within the deadline will be reviewed; incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
Funding decisions will be communicated to applicants by June 30, 2025, with rebate payments being processed and sent to recipients between July 1 and July 30, 2025.
If you require clarification on the rebate program rules or need assistance in completing or submitting a rebate application, please email c3.grantmanagement@state.co.us (subject line: Recycling Rebate Question).