Kate Bailey

Background

About Kate Bailey

The US is terrible at recycling, and we can and must do better now. I work to accelerate effective local, state and national policies to quickly scale up recycling as a solution to reduce climate pollution, protect public health, drive green jobs, and bolster local economies. POLICY HIGHLIGHTS - Led Colorado to adopt a groundbreaking Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Printed Paper policy (HB22-1355), making Colorado the first state in U.S. to require brand owners to fully fund and manage a statewide recycling system for all packaging and printed paper- Helped launch a $100 million grant fund to expand recycling in Colorado cities- Championed numerous recycling policies and planning tools to make recycling easier and more effective for recycling and businesses. VOICE FOR CHANGE I am a recognized expert and leading voice in the transition to a circular economy. I have presented on a multitude of zero waste topics, including presentations to World Bank, global conferences, conference keynotes, consumer brands, state and local elected officials and staff, and industry coalitions. I've also written dozens of reports and articles for local, state and national press. PRAGMATIC PROBLEM-SOLVING Recycling needs bold, transformative policies that drive systemic changes. I have experience work collaboratively and successfully with a wide range of stakeholders to drive real results, including with advocacy and NGO groups, government staff, local and state legislators, industry professionals and associations, and consumer brands. POLICY + OPERATIONS = SUCCESS I spent 15+ years working for one of the oldest non-profit recycling organizations in the world. This gave me unparalleled first-hand experience with nearly every aspect of the recycling: hauling materials, MRF operations, education and outreach programs, local and state legislation, advocacy, and hard-to-recycle material collections. I leverage this operational background to craft policy solutions from the ground-up based on proven solutions and best practices. KEY TOPICS Topic areas: recycling, plastics, materials management, circular economy, sustainability, waste management, climate change, sustainable packaging, packaging design, public policy BEYOND RECYCLING I am a passionate hiker, gardener, soccer fan, and foodie. I love to be outside and stay active, can't get enough of summer and sunshine, and am always looking for my next hiking adventure.