Summit for Recycling

The Summit for Recycling annual conference is the biggest statewide networking and educational event focused on capturing the value in our waste streams. We are excited to have you join us for learning, networking, and local tours.

Submit a Summit Session Proposal

Network with like-minded attendees

Learn from fellow professionals & advocates

Tour local diversion facilities

Celebrate innovative industry members advancing solutions

Enjoy yourself amoung Colorado's waste diversion leaders!

Save the Date

We're heading to Westminster!
June 1st - 3rd, 2026
Denver Marriott Westminster
7000 Church Ranch Blvd
Westminster, CO 80021

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Submit a Summit Session Proposal

Bring your expertise and we’ll bring our impactful session planning experience
As a speaker for the Summit, you'll receive the support from our team to help structure a session that will appeal to our conference attendees and be a memorable, engaging session. While the Summit is an annual conference, it's a way for us to try new engagement techniques.

2026 Theme: Sustaining Ourselves, Sustaining Colorado

This year’s theme focuses on the idea that resilient people and resilient systems go hand-in-hand. As waste diversion professionals, we spend our days supporting material circularity, our communities, and our environment often without stopping to consider what it takes to sustain ourselves and the work we do.

We invite session proposals that offer tools, insights, and real-world experiences focused on organizational health, workforce resilience, and long-term sustainability in the waste diversion industry.

Session topics we'd love to hear more on:

Organics Recycling: Contamination reduction, sorting innovation, producer responsibility impacts, lessons from jurisdictions with organics bans, and workforce-centered program design.
Reuse: Practical pathways for scaling reuse, repair, and reusables while addressing real-world logistical and human barriers.
People-Centered Program Design: Environmental justice, behavior change, community-led engagement, and moving from shame-based messaging to trust-based systems.
Construction Materials in the Circular Economy: Infrastructure, workforce pathways, safety, and policy levers that unlock higher diversion.
Building Resilient Waste Diversion Businesses: Funding and cross sector collaboration.
Culture Change & Communication: Creative engagement, storytelling, and next-generation leadership.
Sustaining the People Behind the Work: Workforce health, organizational resilience, burnout prevention, and long-term capacity for Colorado’s waste diversion systems.

What to consider for your submission

Session format: Keynote, workshop, panel discussion, lightning panel, educational comedy
Speakers to collaborate with, known or suggestions for speakers you would like to speak with
Length of session

Submit your session proposal by January 31st. Individuals whose proposals are selected will be notified in February

Submit a Session Proposal

Attending the Summit for Recycling

What is the Summit?

The Summit for Recycling conference is our annual 3-day event focused on providing our members, local advocates and visiting waste diversion professionals with new tools and resources to support their work in Colorado and beyond.

"I love learning about the local community's waste diversion efforts"

The Summit changes location around Colorado each year. For 2026 we are hosting our event in Westminster, a city with growing sustainability standards.

"The Summit feels like a family reunion."

"It's a great way to meet like-minded folks"

While the transition to our virtual workspace has allowed Recycle Colorado to expand its reach, it has also limited the in-person collaboration we were used to. The Summit provides members with 3 days of networking, collaboration, learning to grow as a team. Time to share a snack with a co-worker or enjoy a cup of coffee with a potential new contact is built into our agenda.

"Summit sessions are a great opportunities to take what was discussed and think about how it can be applied within my community."

We like to think of the sessions as a jumping off point for further collaboration. Our attendees find a tremendous impact in the downtime they have between sessions to continue the conversation around session topics and interact with the presenter(s). Many projects and programs have began after the conclusion of the Summit...

"[The Awards Gala is a] nice way to offer recognition to folks advancing solutions in our state"

If networking and program advancement possibilities don't entice you, our annual awards gala might do the trick! The awards gala is the time for members to have some fun while honoring those who create lasting impact in our state. The gala offers a special moment of recognition for award winners followed by a night of music and dancing. Have you ever seen your co-workers on the dance floor? You will at the Summit!

Sponsor & Exhibit

Recycle Colorado welcomes members, waste diversion businesses, and key stakeholders to sponsor or exhibit at our annual Colorado event. This is a great way to showcase your business and show attendees the impact you can help them make. If you want to be positioned for opportunities to engage with Colorado's leaders in sustainability, the Summit is the place to be!

Sponsorship

Sponsorship levels for the Summit range from $1,000 to $10,000+
Sponsorship benefits typically include:
- Social media posts recognizing your contribution and support
- Visibility throughout the event on signage and presentations
- Registrations to the Summit
- Option to exhibit (see more information below)
- Recycling or composting award plaque sponsorship
- Photographs of sponsor interactions with attendees
Work with our conference staff to find a level and benefits package that can uniquely fit your business's needs.
Your sponsorship helps us to deliver delicious meals, thoughtful sessions, a memorable awards gala, impactful tours and so much more!

Exhibiting

In order to exhibit at the Summit, you must sponsor at the $2,000 level or higher. Reach out to staff to confirm your sponsorship level selection.
Once you have committed, conference staff will work with you each step of the way to get your exhibiting materials to the venue and to prepare you for the 3 days of the conference.
During the conference, there will be a dedicated 4 hour exhibiting time for attendees to interact with exhibitors. During all meal and session breaks attendees are encouraged to stop by your table. Each year we try to also incorporate a fun exhibitor activity to further encourage interaction.

Awards Gala

Young Professional Opportunities

Each year, Recycle Colorado strives to increase the presence of future waste diversion leaders at our events like the Summit. The Future Leaders Scholarship program and our volunteer opportunities are two ways students, recent graduates, and professionals new to the waste/recycling/composting/reuse industry the opportunity can attend the Summit for Recycling conference.

At the Summit you'll learn about career opportunities in the recycling, composting, waste diversion, circular economy and sustainability fields, while connecting with private businesses, state and local government, nonprofits, and university representatives. The conference agenda includes educational sessions, tours of local facilities, a variety of subject-matter experts, a business partner showcase, and fun networking opportunities.