Dive Brief:
- Urban mining company Canada Fibers announced plans for a retrofitted MRF in Vaughan, Ontario that would be capable of processing 100,000 tons of single-stream recyclables annually.
- While the company currently expects to recover fiber, plastics, metal and possible organics at the site, it also considered the possibility of turning the facility into a mixed-waste MRF. A representative from the company told Resource Recovery the decision will depend on demand and access to proper technology.
- Canada Fibers operates seven other MRFs across the country.
Dive Insight:
Mark Badger of Canada Fibers told Resource Recycling that a transition into processing mixed-waste is not yet in the cards, but the company has been doing its homework by researching how other facilities have managed the operations. "We looked throughout Europe to learn what had worked there and what hadn't worked there," Badger said.
This is a smart move, as many mixed-waste facilities have struggled across North America. Most notably, a mixed-waste "dirty MRF" in Montgomery, AL was idled in 2015, citing a dip in commodity prices for its demise. Other mixed-waste MRFs in Indianapolis and Houston have also experienced obstacles. While some support mixed-waste MRFs for the consumer convenience, many believe that the process devalues the recyclable material.
Last month, Republic Services opened a mixed-waste MRF in Anaheim, CA, which may be a ray of hope for the stakeholders across the industry looking for a success story in mixed-waste operations. The Republic facility is currently capable of processing 1,000 tons of mixed waste daily.