AMP Robotics is training its AI-powered visioning system to identify hazards such as fuel tanks and batteries so MRFs can safely remove them. | Courtesy of AMP Robotics
AMP Robotics is training its AI-powered camera system to identify fuel tanks and batteries on conveyor belts, so the system can alert MRF staff to the hazards.
The details of what’s being called the “Houston Recycling Collaboration” have yet to be worked out, but an agreement has set the process in motion to divert residential plastic scrap for chemical recycling. | Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock
The city of Houston and its MRF operator, FCC Environmental Services, are among the signatories to an agreement to advance chemical recycling for household plastic scrap in the city.
Research compared a variety of deposit systems and recycling rates increased in all scenarios, with the highest rates for an all-beverage deposit of 10 cents. | Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock
This story has been corrected.
Though container deposit systems typically help lift recovery rates for covered materials, the programs also usually reduce tonnages of high-quality PET and aluminum going to sorting facilities. A new study helps to quantify those potential impacts.
The author responds to a recent study on the financial impacts of deposit programs on MRFs and points to research showing bottle bills reduce overall costs for municipalities. | TakePhoto/Shutterstock
Set to open in 2024, Rumpke’s 200,000-square-foot MRF will be built on 25 acres the company purchased almost a decade ago. | Courtesy of Rumpke
Rumpke Waste and Recycling’s new $50 million MRF is designed to adapt, with plans for the Columbus, Ohio facility drawn up to take future changes to the recycling stream into account.
Plastics being handled at Republic Services’ existing materials recovery facility (MRF) in North Las Vegas, Nev. The company’s Polymer Center will be sited seven miles from the MRF. | Courtesy of Republic Services
North America’s second-largest hauler and recycling processor is constructing a facility in Las Vegas that will produce recycled PET flake and provide a deeper sort of other recovered resins.
A survey of 12 MRFs from seven northeastern states reveals details on the value of recyclables and the cost of collecting and selling those recovered commodities. | Huguette Roe/Shutterstock
The steady, steep year-long runup in recyclables prices came to an end during the fourth quarter of 2021, according to results of a survey of MRFs.
Mid America Recycling’s 75,000-square-foot MRF in Des Moines, Iowa has six rail docks, 15 trailer docks and coverage storage for over 2 million pounds of recyclables. | Google Earth
Kalamazoo, Mich.-based Schupan and Sons is expanding its reach in the Midwest, picking up a long-time processor.
