How Grand Junction's New Recycling Program Works For Residents

Grand Junction’s recycling program is in the middle of a major upgrade, and for residents, that mostly means less sorting and less hassle.

The City is transitioning to an automated single-stream recycling system, in which all accepted recyclables go into a single blue-lidded cart.

Instead of separating items into multiple bins, residents place clean, dry recyclables together, loose and unbagged, for weekly pickup on their regular trash day.

Get our free mobile app

What Is Single-Stream Recycling?

Single-stream recycling allows residents to recycle:

Paper and cardboard
Aluminum and steel cans
Plastic bottles and containers
Glass jars and bottles

All of it goes into the same cart, which is then sorted at a recycling facility instead of at home. The goal is to make recycling easier, reduce contamination from incorrect sorting, and increase participation citywide.

How the Rollout Works

The transition is happening in phases by neighborhood. When your area converts:

Set out both your blue and yellow recycling bins.
The City removes the yellow bin.
Your blue bin becomes your single-stream cart.

Standard carts are 64 gallons, but residents can request a 96-gallon cart at no additional cost if they need more space.

Behind the Scenes

To support the new system, Grand Junction is building a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Mesa County, expected to open in late 2026. Until then, recyclables are processed at an off-site facility while the curbside program continues to expand.

Other Recycling Options

The City also operates a free Recycling Drop-Off Center at 333 West Avenue for items not suited for curbside pickup. Seasonal yard-waste composting is available from April through October, with weekly collection and a 96-gallon cart available upon request.

Grand Junction’s recycling program is becoming simpler and more efficient. One bin, one pickup day, and clearer rules. It's all designed to keep more waste out of the landfill and make recycling easier for everyone.

20 Things You Can't Donate To Goodwill In Colorado

If you would like to donate to Goodwill, but aren't exactly sure what items they won't accept, scroll through the gallery below to see 20 things you can't donate to Goodwill in Colorado.

It Is Illegal To Throw These Things Away In Colorado

There are 14 items that should never be thrown out with the trash in Colorado. Check out this helpful list of hazardous waste reminders that should never go in the garbage in Colorado. While some of these items can be turned in on local hazardous waste collection days, six items on this list can get you into big trouble if you are caught dumping them at a landfill.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Filed Under: Grand Junction Colorado