SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The County will build a new recycling center in Franklin, said the Johnson County Solid Waste Management District Board.

The contract to build the new 10,000 square foot facility has already been awarded to Runnebohm Construction Co., following the bid process. The company’s bid for $2.5 million was approved by the District Board.

The talks on building a new recycling center had started almost three years ago. The parcel of land north of 2210 Graham Road was purchased in mid-2022. By end-2022, the Franklin Board of Zoning Appeals granted the County a special exception to use the land for a recycling center

The County’s current recycling center is located in a rented building at 900 Arvin Dr, Franklin, which operates as a drive-thru facility. The center has been in operation for nearly 16 years now. According to County press release, the current center will continue to remain in operation until the time the construction of the new facility is almost complete. The construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by spring next year.

The new building will be more accessible and convenient to residents. Moreover, it will have bigger internal footprint to collect materials, said Jessie Biggerman, executive director of the Johnson County Recycling District.