Cardboard Recycling in Fort Collins, CO

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

• Timberline Recycling Center (opens in new tab) · City of Fort Collins
  • You do not have to live in Fort Collins to use the center. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Commercial customers may use both yards, but extra fees and drop-off limits apply for some items. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The Everyday Recyclables Yard accepts cardboard, and recycling there is free. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bring flattened corrugated cardboard no longer than 4 feet; tape and labels are OK; long tubes and hard corner pieces are not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Recycling A to Z Guide: Cardboard (opens in new tab) · City of Fort Collins
  • Cardboard can go in curbside recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Flatten cardboard; for curbside, cut large cardboard down until it fits loosely in the bin. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • A 2013 City ordinance makes it illegal to put cardboard in the trash in Fort Collins; waxed or food-contaminated cardboard is excluded. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Waxed cardboard and food-contaminated cardboard are excluded from the ordinance. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CDPHE: Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Frequently Asked Questions & Answers (opens in new tab) · Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • Packaging covered by the program includes paper, plastic, glass, metal, cartons and other packaging materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Secondary or grouped packaging, including boxes and cartons, is covered material (not exempt) even for regulated drugs and medical devices. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • According to CDPHE's FAQ (updated August 2026), Circular Action Alliance began implementing the program plan in June 2026. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • When residents see changes depends on where they live and local recycling infrastructure; CDPHE says the rollout is gradual ("a dial, not a switch"). Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Waste haulers may not charge consumers a collection fee to recoup their costs for recycling services provided under the program. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • If a resident's municipality does not participate, the resident can contact a participating waste hauler serving the area for recycling service at no cost. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Waste haulers are not required to provide recycling under the program; haulers that opt out are not reimbursed. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The program plan must describe how recycling will expand to applicable nonresidential locations (such as small businesses and schools), beginning no later than 2028. Checked October 26, 2026.
• RecycleOn Colorado (Circular Action Alliance): Free Recycling Service, From Peaks to Prairies (opens in new tab) · Circular Action Alliance
  • Colorado's statewide curbside recycling guide from Circular Action Alliance lists flattened cardboard, egg cartons, and food and beverage cartons as recyclable. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The statewide list is a guide for curbside (mixed) recycling and not all communities have the same services yet, so residents should check with their local program. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Circular Action Alliance says residents will no longer be charged for recycling services that it pays for. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Circular Action Alliance says the program begins with residential recycling and adds schools, government buildings and more by 2030. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CDPHE: Producer Responsibility program (opens in new tab) · Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • Colorado's 2022 Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act requires companies that sell packaging and paper products to fund a statewide recycling system for those materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CDPHE approved Circular Action Alliance's program plan in December 2025, and the alliance must begin implementing it by summer 2026. Checked October 26, 2026.
• Colorado General Assembly: HB22-1355 Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling (opens in new tab) · Colorado General Assembly
  • The program plan initially covers recycling services only for homes (residential covered entities). Checked October 26, 2026.
  • The program provides recycling services to covered entities: residences, public places, small businesses, schools, hospitality locations, and state and local government buildings. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CDPHE press release: New statewide recycling plan paves the way for free recycling access (opens in new tab) · Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment · effective December 10, 2025
  • CDPHE projects the approved plan will bring no-cost recycling to an estimated 700,000 more Colorado households. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.