Robert Craggs, Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Practice Manager, Burns & McDonnell

Many existing recycling facilities have been operating for more than 10 to 15 years and no longer effectively serve the needs of their customers. For example, some MRFs may not have the capability to process single stream recyclable materials or do not have adequate capacity to handle projected growth in the quantities of materials received for processing.

This SWANA Webinar discusses how McLeod County, Minnesota, addressed these challenges with its materials recovery facility. The case study offers a unique perspective on how to accelerate the completion of a facility upgrade and maximize the existing capital investment through building and equipment reuse.

McLeod County began operating a recycling facility in 2004 designed to process less than 10,000 tons per year (tpy) of source separated and dual stream recyclable materials. The facility included some limited automated sorting equipment, an elevated sorting station, and a multi-material baler. In 2013, Burns & McDonnell assisted the County to conduct an assessment of options based on the need to process single steam recyclable materials with a projected throughput of 20,000 tpy.

Options considered included:

• Greenfield" facility at a new site,
• Decommissioning all the existing equipment within the existing facility and installing new equipment,
• Coupling the reuse of select equipment with new processing equipment and adding a new tipping floor onto the existing facility

McLeod County chose to move forward with the third option because it was consistent with their solid waste and recycling program mission to reduce, reuse, and recycle; and this option was considered the least costly option. After making the selection, the County chose an alternative project delivery method of contracting with one firm to both design and build the modified facility.