CAA names Colorado EPR program executive director

The Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit producer responsibility organization (PRO) that has been selected to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging across in a number of U.S. states, has named Juri Freeman as executive director for Colorado, effective June 18.

“We are thrilled to have Juri Freeman join the CAA team to drive results and build a circular economy in Colorado,” CAA’s Colorado board Chair Neil Menezes says. “Juri brings with him deep knowledge of the many facets of EPR, hands-on experience in the industry and strong relationships with key stakeholders. He is recognized as a circular economy leader in Colorado and will help build a strong program that is right for the state."

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Freeman most recently worked for Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) as a managing principal. He also served on industry-related boards, including as president of the Colorado Association for Recycling (2014-2019), chair of the National Recycling Coalition (2014-2017) and on the board of directors for the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Rocky Mountain Chapter (2010-2014). Prior to joining RRS, Freeman was the recycling program manager for the city and county of Denver, where he managed the residential, facility and public school recycling and composting programs.

“Joining CAA is the culmination of nearly two decades of effort working to improve recycling systems in my home state,” Freeman says. “I eagerly accept the challenge of leading Colorado’s EPR program and look forward to collaborating with colleagues, brands, haulers, CDPHE [Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment], Colorado's recycling community and the many other stakeholders needed to make EPR succeed.”  

As the Colorado executive director, Freeman will lead the implementation of the state-level EPR program in collaboration with the CAA Colorado board, the CAA national board of directors and other leaders in the organization, CAA says. Under Freeman, the organization will continue its work with CDPHE, the advisory board and all recycling and composting system stakeholders to develop and deliver a program plan that is projected to more than double the current recycling rate for materials covered under the program by 2035, the organization adds.