The Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise has granted $9.8 million to the City of Grand Junction for the development of a Material Recovery Facility aimed at improving recycling access on Colorado’s Western Slope. The facility will use advanced sortation equipment designed to increase the amount of recyclable material available for manufacturing reuse, with a focus on serving rural and underserved communities.
After more than seven months evaluating the project’s partnerships, financial sustainability, and viability, the enterprise recommended funding for the initiative. The grant will help support high-quality sorting processes and keep waste management fees affordable.
“Increasing recycling access and expanding capacity are key steps to boosting the circular economy,” said Jeff Stalter, program manager for Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise. Tyler Bandemer, chair of the C3 Enterprise Board of Directors, added: “This project will connect Western slope residents to recycling and give us an opportunity to keep these materials in circulation. The Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise board is proud to support this local government and industry partnership.”
The Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise operates within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Its mission is to help businesses, local governments, and communities move toward a circular economy by reducing landfill waste, extending product lifespans, and supporting new or existing markets focused on material reuse.
Ongoing grants and technical assistance are available for local governments, Tribes, and public K-12 school districts interested in advancing circularity efforts. More information about these opportunities can be found at https://coloradocircularcommunities.org/. Businesses aiming to establish or grow end markets for recycled materials may also consider resources from the Circular Economy Development Center.
