Waste Management Inc. will close its construction and demolition (C&D) facility in Auburn, Wash.

Houston-based Waste Management blamed the decision on current economic realities.

The company bought the Glacier Recycling operation in 2010 and made a number of upgrades to the facility to expand its C&D recycling efforts, said Robin Freedman, Waste Management senior communications manager for the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, in an e-mail. Market conditions were strong at the time, but she said they dramatically changed and it no longer makes financial sense to remain open.

The operation employed 40, and Freeman says those employees will have other opportunities at the company or a severance package.

"We are the largest recycler in the (Pacific Northwest) and remain committed to manging these materials in a responsible way," she said. "Going forward, we are partnering with a Seattle C&D recycler, and our materials will be transported there."