The Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) is a program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment designed and operated by Circular Colorado.
A Day in the Life of a CEDC Satellite Office Coordinator
It’s not just about scenic views and clear skies! Our coordinators are driving change on the ground.
For the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC), satellite offices serve as regional hubs for developing circular solutions and providing the necessary supporting infrastructure, systems, and logistics. With a main office in Broomfield, the CEDC currently has three additional satellite offices run by three local coordinators. The activities of each office depend on the needs of the region. Coordinators foster economic and business development, address transportation and logistics issues, curate public-private partnerships, and more. We’re delighted to introduce you to our three office coordinators in this issue of the newsletter. Enjoy!
Southwest Satellite Office
Coordinator: Marianne Mate
I’ve been reaching out to communities across southwest Colorado, from Alamosa to the Utah border, and have been encouraged to discover that most communities have some access to recycling through municipal, county and private programs. They’re already recycling common categories of materials and moving the materials to end markets on the front range and beyond.
In areas where there are barriers to recycling, we are bringing communities into the circular economy in various ways. This includes working with community partners to establish free recycling drop-off sites where none currently exist and collaborating with nonprofit groups, businesses and towns to provide access to plastic film recycling through the Circular Transportation Network (CTN).
“I’m excited to be working with a local community to develop a free recycling drop-off site with pick ups by the CTN.”
And there are many more exciting opportunities ahead to grow the circular economy in southwest Colorado.
Western Slope Satellite Office
Coordinator: Mike Ritter
My day starts with strong coffee and a full calendar, typically packed with meetings across industries. As an economic development director at the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, I oversee three programs, each focused on building our regional economy and supporting the launch and growth of small businesses.
As a CEDC satellite office coordinator, part of my job is to bring the statewide program’s benefits directly to our community. One tangible way I do that is by connecting businesses and entities with the Circular Transportation Network. By helping them to recycle materials like film plastics that they couldn’t recycle otherwise, the Western Slope gets to contribute more materials that directly feed into Colorado’s circular economy.
By late afternoon, I’m catching up on emails and planning for the next day. No two days are alike, but each one strengthens our small-business community.
Southern Colorado Satellite Office
Coordinator: Alicia Archibald
I cover the southern Front Range region of the state, and I’m pleased to announce the grand opening of Pueblo’s commercial recycling drop-off center. This drop off is part of a larger initiative and partnership between Front Range Transload (FRT) and the Circular Economy Development Center with funding from the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise.
The grand opening for the recycling drop-off is April 22 at 604 W. 3rd Street in Pueblo, just south of the downtown business district. Following the big event, the center will be open weekly Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 3pm.
Acceptable materials include aluminum, tin and steel cans; cardboard; office paper and mixed paper; plastics #1 and #2; and flexible plastic film like pallet wrap, bubble wrap, air pillows, plastic mailers, and more. (For a complete list, click here). To use the site, businesses must register on the FRT website one time to assure that they are familiar with the rules of the site. Registration is coming soon!
CEDC Seeks A Partner for New Satellite Office
The CEDC is actively seeking to open a satellite office in the Eastern Plains region. The office will serve as a regional hub for business and partnership development, helping to create new opportunities to expand circular solutions and the Circular Transportation Network.
“We recognize the immense potential of Colorado’s Eastern Plains in advancing the circular economy,” said CEDC Director Laurie Johnson. “By establishing a local presence, we can better support communities and businesses in implementing sustainable solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment.”
Interested parties are invited to contact the CEDC to explore collaborative opportunities. Partners will work closely with the CEDC to deliver programs and drive engagement in circular efforts.
Calendar of Events
Join Circular Colorado at Circularity, the premier gathering of professionals advancing solutions for the circular economy (April 29-May 1, 2025, in Denver, CO). Gain insights to move beyond incremental action, catalyze systems change, and accelerate the shift to a circular economy.
Laurie Johnson, CEO of Circular Colorado, will lead the session “Lessons from Colorado: A Proven Model for Advancing the Circular Economy” on April 29.