Bringing Resources and Recycling to Grand County

The Grand Resource and Recycle Coalition (GRRC) was founded in 2010 as a response to the growing need for sustainability initiatives within Grand County, Colorado. The vision for the nonprofit was born after Nancy Franz, a Granby resident, attended a sustainability and recycling workshop. Driven by her passion for environmental responsibility, Franz and a small group of dedicated community members worked tirelessly to establish the coalition.

 

With the support of the Grand County government, GRRC was awarded an initial grant to launch its flagship program in Granby. The coalition set up a recycling initiative to help residents in Granby and neighboring communities—such as Grand Lake and Hot Sulphur Springs—dispose of recyclable materials responsibly, ultimately reducing landfill waste and minimizing their environmental footprint.

 

From the very beginning, Nancy Franz served as the backbone of the recycling program. For 12 years, she volunteered her time every Saturday at Country Ace Hardware in Granby, where recycling bins were placed, to assist community members with recycling. Ace Hardware generously donated space for the bins, while Franz organized business sponsorships, partnerships, and managed all aspects of the program's operations. These sponsors included Ace Hardware, Waste Management, and the towns of Granby and Grand Lake.

 

One of GRRC's notable partnerships was with the Rotary Club of Granby, which facilitated the collection of plastic bags and stretchable plastics for transport to Trex, a company that repurposes the materials into benches. This program brought tangible benefits to the Granby community, helping reduce waste and reintroduce materials in creative and functional ways.

 

Over the years, the recycling program grew to be more than just an environmental initiative. It became a vital community asset, providing Granby residents an opportunity to connect with neighbors and strengthen their bond over shared values of sustainability. The program also depended on small community contributions, with participants donating $2 per drop-off of recyclable items, ensuring the coalition remained financially sustainable.

 

In recognition of her years of service, Nancy Franz was honored by Rep. Joe Neguse in 2023 for her extraordinary contributions to the community. However, as Franz prepared to leave Grand County in March 2024—due to health concerns and the need for a senior-friendly home—the future of GRRC's programs was placed in jeopardy. Her departure highlighted the urgent need for new volunteers and board members willing to step up and sustain the coalition’s legacy.

 

Sharon Silva, a Granby resident, has since been working on the nonprofit’s transition, prioritizing the recruitment of volunteers and new board members. GRRC's nonprofit status also offers potential for expansion into broader sustainability efforts beyond recycling. Destination Granby has taken steps to engage the community through surveys to reassess goals and align future initiatives with local priorities.

 

From its humble beginnings in 2010 to its pivotal turning point in 2024, the Grand Resource and Recycle Coalition stands as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts, dedicated volunteers, and community collaboration. With your support, GRRC can continue its journey toward making Grand County a more sustainable place for generations to come.