colorado Recycling statictics
The Numbers are Staggering
“In 2021, out of the 1,000,995 tons of waste diverted from Colorado landfills, only 32,124 tons (approx. 3.2%) were attributed to plastic recycling. When considering the vast amount of single-use plastic introduced into the market during the same year, the recycling figure appears minuscule in comparison.”
“The recycling rate for plastics was even worse than the state average, with only 9% of plastic containers and packaging recycled statewide” Eunomia, (2021)
Colorado Falling Short
“In the fifth year of the State of Recycling & Composting in Colorado Report, Colorado is failing to meet its recycling and composting goals and remains one of the 20 most wasteful states.”
Not Even Half
“In 2020, Colorado’s statewide recycling and composting rate was just 15%, which is less than half the national recycling and composting rate of 32%.”
Colorado Department of Health and Envirnment (CDPHE) “2020 Recycling Data Totals.” (2021)
Ton By Ton
“In total, Coloradans buried over 5,900,000 tons of materials in the state’s landfills in 2020” CDPHE. “2020 recycling totals.” (2021)
Recycling Contrast
“In contrast 756,000 tons were diverted to recycling centers across the state in 2020” CDPHE. “2020 recycling totals.” (2021)