Return Collection Facilities (RCFs)
New Recycling Requirements for Automotive Containers in Colorado
Colorado is expanding recycling requirements to include empty automotive and petroleum product containers. Interchange 360 has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to administer the compliance program for these materials as part of our Individual Program Plan (IPP).
Beginning in 2026, these containers must be collected for recycling and no longer be placed in the trash or curbside recycling bins. Return Collection Facilities play a key role in supporting this statewide effort.
Important Resources
What This Means for Your Facility
If your site currently accepts used oil or other automotive materials, you may also already be receiving empty automotive containers from residents or businesses.
- Containers must be drained and saved for recycling
- Do not place containers in trash or mixed recycling
- Collection will work through existing service providers
The program is designed to align with current RCF operations and existing collection networks.
What to Do Now
To prepare for program launch, RCFs should:
- Review the RCF Program Manual.
- Begin thinking about storage, workflow, and customer communication needs.
- Complete the Registration Form to receive program updates and guidance.
- Contact rcf@interchange360.com with any questions.
Infrastructure Grants
Infrastructure Grants are available to registered municipalities, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and other sectors that require additional infrastructure for their public collection facilities, such as tanks, covered sheds or other containment materials for Interchange 360 managed products.
If you are interested in applying, please follow these steps:
- Review the RCF Infrastructure Grant Manual to understand your obligations.
- Complete and sign the RCF Infrastructure Grant Application Form.
- Send the completed form to rcf@interchange360.com.
Facilities will be notified via email of the status of their grant application.
Note: If you are not currently registered as an RCF, you can apply by completing a Registration Form and submitting it together with your Infrastructure Grant application form.
Education & Outreach Toolkit
We provide RCFs with education and outreach materials to help residents understand how to recycle empty automotive and petroleum product containers properly.
These resources include signage, brochures, quick-reference materials, and staff guides designed for use at drop-off locations.
Visit the RCF Toolkit page to view available materials and learn how to request items for your facility. There is no charge to registered RCFs for these items.
Signage Catalog
We offer RCF signage to support clear wayfinding and help the public understand what materials are accepted at each location. Click the link below to download the signage catalog.
To place an order, registered RCFs should email RCF@interchange360.com with the specific signs needed, quantities, shipping address, and full contact details, including a phone number.
Don’t see what you need? Let us know. We’re happy to work with you on custom signage to fit your site.