CO HB1059

Local education providers are encouraged to adopt food waste reduction policies that include managing share tables (stations where students can return and take whole food items), donating excess food to nonprofits, and composting organic materials

Share tables must comply with federal, state, and local health and food safety requirements, and school personnel supervising them must complete safety training including allergen exposure protocols

The Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise is directed to consider reducing school food waste when promoting circular economy initiatives, including incentivizing composting, excess food donation, and share table programs

School employees and local education providers operating share tables receive civil and criminal liability protection for redistributed food, except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for sanitation or allergen requirements

The bill takes effect 90 days after the legislative session ends, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it would go to voters in November 2026