CO SB191

Thirty-seven percent of Colorado landfill material is organic matter (yard trimmings and food scraps) that could be diverted through composting, food donation, or mulching, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports local economies.

The Department of Public Health and Environment must conduct a comprehensive study by August 1, 2024, evaluating policies to divert organic materials from landfills and create infrastructure recommendations for each of Colorado's four geographic regions.

The study must examine costs, feasibility, and benefits of diversion policies; evaluate landfill life extension, greenhouse gas avoidance, and water savings; and determine infrastructure needs including collection methods, processing facilities, and contamination reduction.

The study must include recommendations for state regulatory updates, diversion goals by region, education and outreach strategies, end-market development for compost and mulch, and identification of funding sources to support infrastructure development.

Study costs are funded through the Front Range Waste Diversion Enterprise and the Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity Fund, and the statutory authority for the study repeals on July 1, 2025.