SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): WM announced opening of its newest material recycling facility (MRF) in Elkridge, Maryland.

Among WM's recycling facilities, the facility, which was established with an investment of roughly $50 million, is marketed as having the largest processing capacity. Up to 250,000 tons of materials can be processed annually by it. The facility's large processing capacity makes it the perfect choice for the site because it will service cities in northern Virginia as well as other major cities including Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

ALSO READ:

Startup to Build Solar Recycling Plant in Florida

Boston Green Announced Opening of New Portland Location

The old facility, which could process about 200,000 tons annually, is being replaced by the new one. During both the new facility's development and transition phase, the old facility remained operational.

Advanced sorting technology is incorporated into the highly automated Elkridge facility. There are up to 22 optical sorters in the new facility, compared to the two in the old one. In addition to contemporary machinery including air separators and trammel screens, the facility has nine ballistic separators and seven balers. For the OCC line, the facility still has six hand sorters.

The majority of the facility's processed material will be used in the domestic market, according to Tara Hemmer, Chief Sustainability Officer at WM. Nonetheless, exports will account for about 60% of the fiber.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held last week, which was attended by top company officials and local government officials.