Cohen Recycling is expanding its electronic-waste recycling facility in its headquarters city of Middletown, Ohio, increasing its production capacity by eight times.

Cohen will add 50,000 square feet to bring the new facility to 110,000 square feet total with a $7 million investment. The expanded operation will house a new processing system that will spur the production increase, according to a news release.

The facility will be able to process more than 20,000 pounds of e-waste per hour. The advanced technology will allow Cohen to more effectively reclaim raw materials for market consumption and reduce the amount of recyclables going to the landfill. The expansion also will add an unspecified number of jobs at the facility.

Cohen Electronics, a subsidiary of Cohen Holdings, is a certified information technology (IT) asset management and electronics recycling company whose aim is to provide the opportunity to recycle safely, conveniently and responsibly.

The investment "reflects our commitment to provide the communities we serve a cleaner more sustainable environment," said Adam Dumes, vice president of Cohen Electronics.

Added Michelle Balz, assistant program manager, Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District, "Cohen's expansion strengthens the electronics recycling infrastructure in southwest Ohio to help us keep these valuable materials out of landfills.”

Cohen Recycling describes itself as one of the largest privately owned scrap metal, electronics and automobile recyclers in the region. The company operates 18 facilities in 3 states and employs more than 500 people.

Earlier this month ER2 Electronic Responsible Recyclers announced it is expanding operations with the addition of a $1.8 million e-waste recycling facility in Memphis, Tenn. It marks its second location, in addition to its headquarters in Mesa, Ariz.

In February, 3S International formed partnerships with several recycling firms as part of its growth plan. The Mount Pleasant, Mich.-based 3S has formed strategic partnerships with IMS Electronics, Kuusakoski Recycling and Valley City Electronic Recycling. The partnerships also will pave the way for 3S to open a new facility in southeast Michigan.