Resources
Knowledge Hub
The Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise is guided by a board of directors and supported by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) staff. Built on the foundation of previous programs, C3 helps streamline waste aversion and diversion efforts across Colorado and provides greater flexibility for funding and technical assistance for all of Colorado to advance circularity efforts. The focus is to help move our state’s economy from the linear take/make/throw away model, to a resilient economy where we value and reutilize our resources locally for as long as possible.
We don’t do this work alone. It takes many different entities working together to achieve success particularly for rural and underserved communities across Colorado.
C3 has a variety of resources, including consulting support for the public sector, to connect and provide local governments, communities, nonprofits, schools, institutions of higher learning, and tribes with resources to advance the state’s transition to a circular economy.
In addition to the technical assistance and funding opportunities available through C3, we want to share information and materials to help all entities pursue and achieve success in circularity.
Key Resources
This Resource Library is not expected to be an exhaustive source of all possible information and resources. Some materials may contain outdated information. However, dated materials still offer insight and direction.
The materials focus on circularity efforts and cover rural, urban and suburban communities of various populations. Information available in the Resource Library includes sample contracts, plans, policy and ordinance examples, a wide range of studies, and data from a variety of sources such as local governments in Colorado and across the country. These resources are intended to help replicate success at every scale for every type of entity or community interested in pursuing efforts to enhance circularity. In other words, C3 aims to meet library visitors where they are and help them take steps to advance to the next level.
Our goal is to provide easy access to important information and resources. When possible, we have taken steps to ensure that materials are compatible with assistance devices. However, digital accessibility compliance for resources not owned or published by the State of Colorado, CDPHE or the C3 program is not guaranteed.
Public Sector
Implementing the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (Best Practices)
Website with resources for implementing the Plastic Pollution Prevention Act (PPRA), includes guides for municipalities, businesses and communities
National Apartment Association Recycling Programs Best Practice (Best Practices)
Trends, benefits, and methods for recycling programs and case studies
Encouraging and Mandating Building Deconstruction (Best Practices)
Toolkit involving potential policies to look into, potential city roles, and how to evaluate its effectiveness
Free Guide & Tools for Enhancing & Promoting Multi Family Recycling (Education/Outreach)
Free customizable marketing tools and other campaign resources
Colorado EPR Needs Assessment (EPR)
Report outlines the Needs Assessment study that evaluated the recycling infrastructure, services, and costs throughout all geographic areas of the state and proposed three scenarios for increasing collection and recycling rates in Colorado by 2030 and 2035.
Colorado Integrated Solid Waste & Materials Management Plan (ISWMP) (Research/Studies)
Diversion plan categorized by different locations throughout CO - Appendix D contains funding sources
Public and Private Sectors
Recycle Colorado (organizations)
Recycle Colorado is a non-profit dedicated to advancing recycling and composting infrastructure, end markets, and state and local policies. It provides information on recycling related policy, grants and programs.
Solid Waste Permitting (Regulation and Compliance)
Information about solid waste permitting, registrations, and certifications.
Solid Waste Facility Regulations (Regulation and Compliance)
Regulations for recycling facilities / MRFs are in Cection 8, and those pertaining to composting facilities are in Cection 14.
Colorado Recycling Legislation (Regulation and Compliance)
Updates on State of Colorado bills and state policies.
State of Recycling in Colorado (Research/Studies)
Annual reports by EcoCycle that summarize Colorado's recycling goals & efforts and compares cities & counties recycling rates.
Colorado's Solid Waste Plan (Research/Studies)
Colorado’s 2016 integrated solid waste and materials management plan.
Colorado's Organics Management Plan (Research/Studies)
Colorado’s 2022 statewide organics management plan.
Library
This library is a work in progress and over time more resources will be added.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Do you have questions about EPR or want to learn more about the program in Colorado? A good place to start to learn more is the state's website: Producer Responsibility program.
Case Studies
Test Library
asdfasdf