§ 25-17-101 — Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds
and declares that the recycling of materials and products is a matter of statewide
concern and that such recycling should be promoted in cooperation with units of
local government in light of its economic and environmental benefits. The general
assembly further finds that the recycling of materials and products will decrease
the amount of materials and products which is disposed of in landfills and will also
spur economic development in the recycling industry in Colorado. It is the intent of
the general assembly in adopting this act to encourage the development of the
recycling industry and the development of markets for recycled materials and
products.

(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that:

(a) Proper management of waste in all forms is necessary to protect the
public health and environment for the citizens of this state;

(b) The diversion of waste from the waste stream by encouraging available,
affordable, and innovative alternatives to disposal is a key strategy in any state-local waste management policy;

(c) A comprehensive, cooperative, and integrated approach to waste
management is necessary to achieve the goal of diverting waste from the municipal
waste stream;

(d) Such an approach should foster public and private initiatives to reduce
and divert waste through: Source reductions; recycling, including the secondary use
of waste material or products in all forms; composting as a recycling option for
materials such as yard debris, food scraps, and soiled or otherwise unrecyclable
paper which are not recovered using traditional recycling methods; and other waste
management strategies and disposal alternatives; and

(e) The state's waste management policies should include a combination of
tax incentives, procurement policies, and economic development incentives: To
encourage government entities and businesses and individuals to reduce sources of
waste, recycle, and compost; to encourage the development of the recycling
industry; and to encourage the development of markets for reusable, recycled, and
composted products and materials.

Legislative History

Source: L. 89: Entire section added, p. 1180, � 1, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 2133, � 6, effective June 12.