Allan Gerlat, News Editor

January 14, 2016

2 Min Read
Maryland Waste Authority Plans Large-Scale MRF Despite ‘Challenging’ Climate

A Maryland waste authority is looking to build up to two material recovery facilities (MRFs) that one industry expert characterized as a significant project, but one that faces challenges.

The Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority made a request for proposals (RFP) for two MRFs, each of which would process at least 250,000 tons a year, according to the authority, which would make it one of the bigger MRFs in the United States.

The RFP seeks companies to design, construct and operate the high-diversion facility or facilities long-term. The first would be constructed at an existing site, with the second, optional facility located at a site to be determined.

The high-diversion MRFs will incorporate state-of-the-art technology to sort solid waste from households and potentially businesses to recover recyclables. The MRFs also will be capable of recovering organic material for potential anaerobic digestion, composting or other recycling or reuse.

The project is significant but faces challenges because of current market conditions as well as the outlook for both processing costs and the resale of recyclables, says Bob Wallace, principal and vice president of client solutions, for Phoenix-based WIH Resource Group Inc., in an e-mail.

Municipalities, however, aren’t as concerned as the private sector about those factors, he says. “Munis typically moreover consider the need for these types of facilities, the greater good of recycling, and the services and cost for providing service to their constituents and ratepayers over the return on investment.”

But Wallace adds that it will be an expensive facility. It is set up to process mixed wastes, so there will be a large volume that will be disposed of, which increases the costs. He says the waste at the facility is not guaranteed, yet a recovery guarantee of 40 percent is required. The proposal also must include "cradle to grave" services, as it is a green field project.

Wallace says the firm that eventually wins the bid likely will be a smaller to medium-sized firm, as it is basically a operational contract.

He estimated the cost of the facility at $30 million to $40 million. Wallace estimated that the MRF that could process 200,000 tons per year of volume.

In November Phoenix-based Republic Services Inc. opened a large, $35 million residential recycling center outside Las Vegas that doubled the recycling capacity in the region. The 110,000-sq.-ft. Southern Nevada Recycling Center has the capacity to process 265,000 tons annually.

About the Author(s)

Allan Gerlat

News Editor, Waste360

Allan Gerlat joined the Waste360 staff in September 2011 as news editor. He was the editor of Waste & Recycling News for the first 16 years of its history, and under his guidance the publication won 27 national and regional awards.

Before Waste & Recycling News, Allan worked at another Crain Communications publication, Rubber & Plastics News, which covers rubber product manufacturing. He began with the publication as associate editor and eventually became managing editor, a position he held for nine years.

Allan is a graduate of Ohio University, where he earned a BS in journalism. He is based in Sagamore Hills, in northeast Ohio.

Stay in the Know - Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Join a network of more than 90,000 waste and recycling industry professionals. Get the latest news and insights straight to your inbox. Free.

You May Also Like