Detroit will soon serve as the country’s largest waste hauler as a recycling hub for Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Houston-based Waste Management Inc. plans to break ground on its first Detroit Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in late 2022. The facility serves the surrounding area, handles material from WM’s six transfer stations in the area, and acts as a hub. For two facilities that process limited commercial recycling, according to a news release.
The $35 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 and will serve industrial, commercial and residential customers. A WM spokesperson told Crain’s in an email that they are still working to finalize the location.
Detroit’s plan is in response to increased demand for recycled products, a spokeswoman said.
“The purpose of this investment is to position Detroit as a recycling hub to further advance sustainability in Michigan,” WM Great Lakes Regional Vice President Aaron Johnson said in a release.
WM reported revenue of $5.027 billion in the second quarter, and the release said the Detroit facility created nearly 50 jobs, helped Michigan businesses expand commercial recycling, and increased the use of recycled materials. said to create opportunities to use.
Using paper screening, optical sorters and other technologies, the facility will process mixed recycled and sorted cardboard at rates of up to 40 tons per hour, according to the company.
