When it comes to community-driven businesses making a real impact, Broken Arrow Glass Recycling is a name that stands out. Co-founded by Shelby Kaye, this unique venture is based in Cuyamungue, New Mexico, blending art and sustainability in a way that’s both creative and practical. But Shelby’s journey didn’t start with recycling—her background is actually in studio art. She studied at New York University and later honed her skills in glassblowing at the renowned Pilchuck Glass School in the Pacific Northwest.Her shift from art to recycling wasn’t exactly planned—it just unfolded naturally. She and her partner, Chris Bogle, were traveling in a converted school bus when they found themselves stuck in Santa Fe one too many times due to mechanical breakdowns. Eventually, they decided to put down roots, and in 2020, Broken Arrow Glass Recycling was born. Their mission? Turning discarded glass into something beautiful and useful.
Today, Broken Arrow is all about keeping glass out of landfills and giving it a second life. They offer curbside collection services in Santa Fe and Taos, making it easy for locals to be part of the movement. The glass they collect is transformed into drinking glasses, vases, and even eco-friendly construction materials. But beyond recycling, Shelby and her team are building awareness—turning waste management into an opportunity for education and community engagement.
Even in just a few short years, Broken Arrow has gained serious recognition. They were named Business of the Year by the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and even received national attention from Waste360. It’s a testament to their passion, hard work, and commitment to sustainability—proof that art and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Their growth has been fueled by strong community support. When local recycling centers shut down, Shelby took matters into her own hands, personally collecting glass and proving just how much this service was needed. What started as a small operation has now grown into something much bigger—Broken Arrow is currently processing over 15 tons of glass every month, working with both residents and larger commercial clients.
A big part of their success has been their partnership with Del Norte Credit Union. The financial backing and support from Del Norte have helped Broken Arrow expand, reinforcing the credit union’s mission of investing in local businesses that make a difference. Thanks to this collaboration, Shelby and her team have been able to scale up their operations and push their sustainability goals even further.
Looking ahead, Broken Arrow has big plans. They want to continue hosting events that highlight their recycling process and showcase their handcrafted glasswork. More than anything, they hope to keep inspiring people—proving that sustainability can be creative, community-driven, and, as Shelby puts it, just plain fun. The future looks bright, full of possibilities, and packed with even more ways to turn old glass into something new and meaningful.
In this episode, we’re shining a light on the incredible partnership between Broken Arrow Glass Recycling and Del Norte Credit Union. We’ll chat about how community support and financial backing have helped this local business grow and make a real impact. From humble beginnings to national recognition, we’ll cover the awards, the growth, and what’s next for Broken Arrow as they continue leading the way in recycling.
