From the press archives:

Grand Junction, Colorado (April 8, 2025) —

The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) are proud to announce that Bruin Waste Management has been approved for the state’s Rural Jump-Start Program with the launch of its new, independent division focused on advancing recycling and materials sortation to better serve Western Colorado’s waste management and sustainability needs.  

“Colorado is proud to support businesses like Bruin Waste that are leaders in recycling and provide reliable services to Coloradans on the Western Slope. Investing in our local businesses is an investment in our communities, and by creating sustainable pathways through the Rural Jumpstart initiative, we are helping businesses grow, create new jobs, and contribute to Colorado's economy,” said Governor Jared ​​Polis.  

“We are thrilled to see the Rural Jump-Start Program support Bruin Waste Management as it launches a new division in Western Colorado. By providing a much-needed service, the company will improve recycling and waste management while providing as many as 30 new jobs. That is a win for Grand Junction and for Colorado,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive ​​​​Director.   

Bruin Waste’s new division will provide services previously only available to the region in Utah, reducing transportation costs for western Colorado communities. The division will be headquartered in Grand Junction on a 10.5-acre parcel located at 365 32 Road, part of a city-led initiative to develop a modern materials recovery facility (MRF) on the former Haliburton property. The Grand Junction City Council approved a $5.6 million land purchase to support the facility, which is expected to cost between $18 and $19 million and serve as critical infrastructure for the region’s growing recycling needs.  

“We’re proud to partner with Bruin Waste and expand recycling efforts across the Western Slope. Grand Junction’s commitment to sustainability and resilience directly reflects the work of City Council and staff as one of our strategic priorities, developed from the direction provided by our community’s comprehensive plan,” said Grand Junction Mayor Abram Herman. “The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will expand access to recycling services not only for Grand Junction residents but surrounding communities as well, with Grand Junction as a central hub and innovative leader in this area. By expanding recycling services, we divert more waste from landfills, save taxpayer money, reduce environmental impacts, and create lasting change for our community.” 

Bruin Waste’s new facility is expected to create up to 30 new primary jobs, offering wages near the county’s average, currently at $56,524. This facility will introduce state-of-the-art sortation technology, including AI-driven systems, to improve recycling efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and shorten regional supply chain costs. Plans for the facility also include an on-site community viewing room to educate students, residents, and stakeholders about modern recycling practices and environmental responsibility.  

“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Grand Junction to bring this critical infrastructure to the Western Slope. The lack of recycling infrastructure in the region has really constrained the recycling rates over the last few years and is preventing communities from meeting their sustainability goals.  The support we are getting from the Rural Jump-Start program will support this mission, and we are grateful for the partnership of OEDIT and GJEP,” stated Jeff Kendall, President and CEO of Bruin Waste.   

The new division will be managed separately from Bruin’s existing waste services and is designed to operate independently, qualifying its new division for the Rural Jump-Start Program. Through the program, the new division will be eligible for significant financial incentives and tax relief, including exemption from state and local income taxes for up to eight years. The company will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grant funding to offset startup costs. Through the program, the company will also collaborate with Colorado Mesa University to access its talent pipeline for internships, recent graduates, and alumni.  

Bruin Waste worked closely with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership throughout the expansion, receiving assistance with key connections to state and local leadership and facilitating the application for the Rural Jump-Start Program. “Bruin Waste’s expansion and new recycling facility aligns with our community’s goals for economic diversification and sustainability,” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. “It is great to see Bruin Waste partner with the City of Grand Junction and take the lead on building out regional recycling infrastructure, growing its presence here in Grand Junction. We are thrilled to support this project through the Rural Jump-Start Program and look forward to the long-term benefits it will bring to our community.” 

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