Grand Junction Launches New Single-Stream Recycling System

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The City of Grand Junction is transitioning to a single-stream recycling system to modernize services and prepare for a new regional recovery facility. Around 3,800 dual-stream customers will begin the move to the simplified system this March, with plans to transition all customers by the end of 2027.

Why it matters

The new single-stream recycling system and upcoming Materials Recovery Facility aim to improve regional recycling efforts across the Western Slope by enhancing material sorting and recovery rates. This represents a major investment in sustainable infrastructure for the city.

The details

Under the new single-stream system, residents can place all recyclable materials into one blue-lid bin without separating them. Recycling collection will move to a weekly schedule to match the customer's regular trash collection day. The city purchased a 58,000-square-foot building on 10 acres off 32 Road to serve as the new Materials Recovery Facility, which is designed to process materials for city vehicles and various regional recycling haulers.

• The transition to single-stream recycling will begin in March 2026.
• The Materials Recovery Facility is scheduled to open in late 2026.
• The city expects to transition all multi-stream customers to the single-stream system by the end of 2027.

What’s next

The city will hold an open house on Thursday at the Lincoln Park Barn to address community questions about the transition to the new single-stream recycling system.