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Single Stream Recycling Program
The City is migrating the dual stream recycling program to a simplified single stream program. This change makes recycling easier, more convenient, and more effective for our community.
In March 2026, the City will begin converting current dual stream recycling customers to single stream recycling in preparation for the automated Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to come into service by the end of 2026.
If you currently participate in multistream recycling, your service will continue as usual for now. Automated single stream recycling is planned for your area and will be introduced in a future phase.
The City has a goal to have all residences within City limits phased in to automated single stream recycling collection by the end of 2027.
What is Single Stream Recycling?
Single stream recycling, or co-mingled recycling, means you place all accepted recyclable materials into one bin. Recyclables must be clean, dry, and loose in the bin. Please see the single stream guidelines for a list of accepted materials.
The City will convert the current dual stream neighborhoods in phases.
Before Your Conversion Date
1. Follow your current dual stream recycling guidelines
2. Decide if you need a larger recycling bin before February 24. Complete the larger recycling bin request form online
On Your Conversion Date
1. Set out both your blue lid and yellow lid bins for collection
2. Do not bring bins back in after they are emptied
3. City crews will remove your yellow lid bin and your blue lid bin becomes your single stream recycling bin
After Your Conversion Date
1. Follow single stream guidelines and use your blue lid bin for all recyclables
2. You can set recycling out every week on your trash day
Attend an open house event to learn and ask questions about the conversion process. Events are informational and designed for people to drop in as their time allows:
- Wednesday, February 11, at Lincoln Park Barn, 4 - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 18, City Hall Auditorium, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Thursday, February 19, Lincoln Park Barn, 4 -7 p.m.
Zone 1: Monday trash day (A Week)
Spring Valley (north of Patterson to Horizon Dr)
Conversion Date: beginning March 2
Zone 2: Thursday trash day (A Week)
Paradise Hills area (north of G Rd and east of 26 ½ Rd), near Airport
Conversion Date: beginning March 5
Zone 3: Tuesday trash day (B Week)
Downtown areas and areas south of Lincoln Park
Conversion Date: beginning March 10
Zone 4: Wednesday trash day (B Week)
Orchard Mesa areas with Wednesday trash day
Conversion Date: beginning March 11
Zone 5: Wednesday trash day (A Week)
Moonridge area (north of Patterson Rd to G Rd, east of 25 Rd)
Conversion Date: beginning March 18
Zone 6: Friday trash day (A Week)
Northtown (north of Patterson Rd, east of 28 Rd)
Conversion Date: beginning March 20
Zone 7: Monday trash day (B Week)
Redlands area with Monday trash day
Downtown area with Monday trash day (Ute Ave to Rood Ave)
Conversion Date: beginning March 23
Search your address to find your conversion date and zone: Interactive Recycling Map
| What Stays the Same | What Is New |
|---|---|
| Only recycle clean, dry, and loose items
|
One bin for all recyclables |
| Do not place plastic bags, food waste, or hazardous items in recycling | Weekly recycling pickup on your trash day |
| Yard waste service and guidelines stay the same for customers with yard waste bins – Service is weekly on the customer’s trash day from April through the end of October | Glass is back! Glass jars and bottles will be collected in single stream recycling |
Need a Larger Recycling Bin?
If your current 64-gallon recycling bin will not fit your needs for weekly service, you may request a 96-gallon blue lid recycling bin at no additional cost. To keep your current bin, no action is needed
To request a larger bin, complete the opt-in form.
Why the City Is Making This Change
As Grand Junction grows, the City’s existing recycling system faces limitations in efficiency, capacity, and long-term adaptability. To address these challenges and support future needs, the City is advancing a long-term recycling strategy that includes modernization of collection methods and the development of a new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
Big Benefits for Our Community
The City is building a new MRF that will open in 2026. This facility will improve how recyclable materials are sorted and processed.
Until the new facility opens in late 2026, automated recycling will be processed at another qualified facility. Once the new MRF opens, materials will be processed at the MRF. The Recycling Drop Off at 333 West Ave. will continue to remain open to the public. The new MRF will serve collection trucks only.
Questions or Need Help?
Contact us. Call the recycling information line at 970-254-3813 to hear more about conversion to automated single stream recycling collection, or email recycling@gjcity.org.