American Pika Sitting on a rock with grass in its mouth
Recycling sorting equipment at a facility
Sunrise over the Central Colorado mountains

Program Overview

The Recycling Rebate program has traditionally supported free public recycling drop-off sites that must transport materials long distances to reach markets or processing facilities. Due to regulatory changes under §25-16.5-106.5, which will repeal the Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) program in FY 2026, the rebate program has been redesigned.

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.

Colorado Springs, Colorado with Pikes Peak at Sunset
Two people holding containers at a recycling dropoff
Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottles in a recycling bin

Recycling Rebates

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

Additional eligibility requirements will be provided within the rebate application and the rebate guidelines. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates about the application and guidance release.