The Durango Recycling Center could be getting with the times. The City is currently finalizing a grant application that could funnel $2 million into the tired facility and greatly ease the load and expand options for Four Corners residents.

“We are a recycling community,” said Assistant City Manager Greg Caton. “We just need the facility and programs to elevate Durango to the next level.”

The current facility and equipment are approaching 20 years in age, too small to handle the local load, and require human sorters as well as additional workers at the curb. Caton said that the City envisions state-of-the-art sorting equipment, additional storage space and a compositing facility. All told, the upgrades would make for a better experience for residents of La Plata, Archuleta and Montezuma counties.

Caton noted that a new sorter would mean commingled collection with all recyclables going into one large, blue bin at curbside. The City also wants to upgrade to accept all plastics – Nos. 3 - 7 – as well as paperboard. In addition, locals would be able to send spent food, yard clippings, paper and other organic material to the center and see them converted into community fertilizer.

“Durango has become the regional recycling facility for the Four Corners,” Caton said. “Making these changes will have a huge ripple effect throughout Southwest Colorado.”

The grant application is due in August, and the City should know by this fall if it is on track to a more sustainable future.

– Will Sands