Caroline Mitchell Joins HDR as Colorado Recycling and Circularity Lead, EPR Expert

Caroline Mitchell, an expert in extended producer responsibility (EPR) and recycling programs, has joined HDR as the recycling and circularity lead in Colorado. She’ll support HDR’s expanding waste program across North America, with a special focus on EPR and working with communities in Colorado to implement this system-shifting policy.

Mitchell will lead efforts in zero waste, circular economy and solid waste planning and the development and execution of EPR programs in collaboration with state agencies, municipalities and other stakeholders.

“I’m excited to join HDR and continue to contribute to meaningful progress in waste reduction and circular economy strategies,” Mitchell said. “This is a pivotal time for EPR policy development and implementation, and I look forward to partnering with communities to leverage EPR in their path to circular systems.”

Mitchell has over two decades of experience in the waste and recycling sector. She worked with the City of Fort Collins for the past 14 years, helping to build ambitious and practical programs and policies in the residential, multi-dwelling, commercial, and commercial and demolition sectors. This includes leading Fort Collins’ transition to a contracted residential waste and recycling collection program that serves 41,000 households. She also served as the municipal representative and vice president of Colorado’s EPR advisory board since its inception. Mitchell also worked for nonprofit recycling and zero waste organizations. 

She joins HDR’s industry-leading waste program, which has provided comprehensive solid waste planning services to states, cities and counties across North America. HDR has also led groundbreaking recycling needs assessments that have directly supported EPR policy development and implementation in states such as Colorado, Maryland and California.

“Caroline brings an impressive depth of experience and a track record of driving real change in waste systems,” said Doug DeCesare, HDR’s director of global waste services. “Her passion for waste planning and her hands-on expertise in EPR will be an incredible asset to our clients and our team.”