In a move to bolster local economies and address environmental concerns, Governor Polis and Colorado officials have announced the launch of a new recycling division operated by Bruin Waste Management in Grand Junction. The expansion, supported by the state's Rural Jump-Start Program, aims to serve the Western Colorado region with advanced recycling and waste management services. According to OEDIT, this new initiative is expected to create up to 30 new jobs and introduce cutting-edge sortation technology to increase recycling efficiency.
Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Colorado is proud to support businesses like Bruin Waste that are leaders in recycling and provide reliable services to Coloradans on the Western Slope," as per OEDIT. He emphasized the significance of investing in local businesses as an investment in Colorado communities. The new facility will seek to not only fill a service gap in the region but also to quickly become a vital catalyst for sustainability. The new division is set to utilize AI-driven systems to enhance recycling efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
The project represents a collaboration between Bruin Waste Management, the City of Grand Junction, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. The facility will be located on a city-purchased 10.5-acre plot at 365 32 Road. It will house an on-site community viewing room, aiming to educate the public on modern recycling practices and the importance of environmental responsibility. "The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will expand access to recycling services not only for Grand Junction residents but surrounding communities as well," said Grand Junction Mayor Abram Herman, as obtained by OEDIT.
The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) played a crucial role in facilitating the expansion, providing Bruin Waste with essential connections to both state and local leadership. "It is great to see Bruin Waste partner with the City of Grand Junction and take the lead on building out regional recycling infrastructure," said GJEP Executive Director Curtis Englehart, as per OEDIT. The collaboration underscores the community's goals for economic diversification and marks a significant step towards realizing broader sustainability objectives. With the involvement of Colorado Mesa University, the new division is also expected to provide practical learning and employment opportunities to students and graduates.
Set to launch within the framework of the Rural Jump-Start Program, the division will be eligible for considerable financial incentives, including tax relief, potentially exempting it from state and local income taxes for up to eight years. Along with these incentives, Bruin Waste is slated to receive up to $20,000 in grant funding to assist with startup costs. The project, pegged to cost between $18 and $19 million, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to waste management and economic growth in the region.
