Colorado enacts sweeping single-use plastics law

Colorado has joined the ranks of states with laws targeting single-use plastic waste. 

With Gov. Jared Polis’ signature of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act on July 6, Colorado will begin phasing out plastic bags and foam containers in the state. Colorado is the 10th state to ban single-use plastic bags, the eighth to ban foam food containers, and the first to strike down its plastic preemption law that barred local ordinances from setting plastic pollution laws.

“Coloradans value our beautiful wild places, and this law to reduce plastic waste is an important step toward ensuring the long-term protection of our state’s natural heritage,” said Environment Colorado Senior Program Director Rex Wilmouth. “With the governor’s signature, Colorado has chosen wildlife over waste.”

Environment Colorado hosted 400 participants at Plastic Pollution Youth Lobby Day and submitted petition signatures from 21,000 Coloradans and more than 200 small businesses to support the legislation.

Read more about the law. 

Learn more about our campaign to put Wildlife Over Waste.