The Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise has granted $9.8 million to the City of Grand Junction for a new Material Recovery Facility aimed at improving recycling access on the Western Slope. The facility will feature advanced sortation equipment, which is expected to increase the amount of recyclable material that can be reused by manufacturers and benefit rural and underserved communities.
The grant comes after more than seven months of review, during which the enterprise evaluated partnerships, financial sustainability, and other aspects of the project. The funding will help ensure high-quality recycled commodities while keeping waste management costs manageable.
“Increasing recycling access and expanding capacity are key steps to boosting the circular economy,” said Jeff Stalter, Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise Program manager. Tyler Bandemer, chair of the C3 Enterprise Board of Directors, echoed the sentiment. “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 and supports efforts across businesses, local governments, and communities to transition toward a circular economy model. This latest project aligns with its strategic goals by reducing landfill waste, extending product lifespans, and fostering new or existing markets for recycled materials.
Funding opportunities from C3 remain available for initiatives that advance Colorado’s circular economy. Local governments, Tribes, and public K-12 school districts may also receive technical assistance at no cost for planning related to local circularity efforts. Additional information about C3 can be found at https://coloradocircularcommunities.org/. Businesses looking to establish or expand end markets for recycled goods are encouraged to explore resources offered by the Circular Economy Development Center.
