The Circular Economy Development Center Taps into Southwest Colorado’s Sustainability Roots

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) announces the hire of Marianne Mate as the satellite office coordinator for the southwest region of Colorado. CEDC staff hosted a stakeholder meeting in Durango over the summer and recognized that the region would make a good location for a third satellite office. Thanks to Mate’s deep connections with local recycling organizations, the CEDC is excited to have the opportunity to expand its mission in the region.

Southwest Colorado is a popular but remote area. Transportation to the region is made challenging by two high-elevation mountain passes. Recycling in the area is made challenging by prohibitive transportation costs and/or lack of access to hauling. With a new coordinator in the region, the CEDC hopes to connect the areas that struggle to recycle to the Circular Transportation Network. The project picks up recyclable materials at no cost, using empty trucks returning to the Front Range along several routes throughout the state.

Mate understands the challenges of recycling in rural areas and sees so much opportunity ahead for expanding the circular economy in Southwest Colorado. She moved to Southwest Colorado in 1996 and quickly became involved in the local community, serving on the board of both the Four Corners Recycling Initiative and the San Juan Basin Recycling Association and serving as mayor of Dolores, Colorado. “The Circular Transportation Network is certainly a positive opportunity to increase recycling in the region and also to increase long-term economic development,” said Mate. “Can we create new businesses here that will be key players in the circular economy?”

“We couldn’t have found a better candidate for the job,” said CEDC Deputy Director Clio Goldsmith. “Marianne is beyond qualified and is well connected in the community. Her presence on the ground allows us to really understand the local challenges.” Reconnecting with the people Mate has worked with across the region and sharing the positive opportunities associated with the CEDC is what she is most looking forward to. Mesa Verde Country is contributing space for the office at the Colorado Welcome Center.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com