Grand Junction’s County Dump is the Newest Hot Spot in Town

The last time I found myself in a line like this I was at Disneyland. Grand Junction locals have found a new hot spot, and it's the least likely of candidates.

If you're looking for a place to gather with friends and neighbors, this is it. You'll find it just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road. With an average "cover charge" of about $10, this is the social outlet you've been looking for.

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A Grand Junction Area Favorite

If you've lived in the Valley for a while, you've probably visited the Mesa County Landfill. Growing up on Little Park Road back in the 1970s, we didn't have access to trash service. So, for lack of a choice, we had to store our trash and then make frequent runs to the "dump."

This Place is Jumping

On Saturday, May 22, 2021, a run to the landfill became necessary. Given the high winds, there was a fear it would be closed to the public. Following a quick call to the landfill, it was learned that, for the moment, they were in fact open.

Upon pulling up to the scales at the entrance to the landfill, it was obvious this was a popular place. Back in the day you would weigh in, drive up the hill, unload, and make your way back to the scales. Average turnaround: usually no more than ten minutes. With Saturday's visit, there was a long line waiting to get in, to say nothing about the line hoping to get out.

Check out the photo below. Look at the line in front of me. For that matter, look in my side mirror, and see the line waiting behind me.

During Saturday's visit, visitors had to wait for two or three turns before pulling up to dump their trash. When exiting, the line extended all the way from the scales back to the dumping area. In my case, the wait to get out of the landfill came in at 34 minutes.

Reminiscent of Grand Junction 1993

Do you remember Grand Junction's "The Rose" from roughly 1993? On a Friday night, there would be a line wrapping all the way around the building waiting to pay a $7 cover charge to get in for Friday night FAC. Well, the dump is following suit.

Why So Popular All of a Sudden?

Here are a few of my own theories:

• It's Springtime
• People have a little more time on their hands this year
• People are staying home more (rather than traveling) and working on projects

Not Unique to Mesa County

According to WHSV3, the Augusta County Regional Landfill landfill experienced an increase in residential trash of 25 to 30 percent, while trash from businesses has gone down.

Well, there you go, another fascinating news scoop. People are dumping more trash. In the event your adventures include a trip to the Mesa County Landfill, allow for a little extra time. If at all possible, avoid the midday hours on Saturday.