(Gallery) Upgraded $15 million recycling center opens in New Castle area

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ReCommunity has opened its 35th recycling site in New Castle under a 20-year agreement with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority.

The center is part of an effort by the state to improve its recycling rate, which only a few years ago was one of the lowest in the nation. The state has since moved to single stream recycling with haulers required to offer a container for recyclables. The state also set up funding to encourage the development of recycling enterprises.

Recently, consumers were asked to not recycle plastic bags and instead collect and take the bags to bins at grocery stores. The bags can clog up recycling equipment.

“Recycling is important to Delaware’s economy and environment,” said Gov. Jack Markell at a event last week attended by the media and dignitaries. “ReCommunity’s investment and their technological innovation perfectly align with statewide universal recycling programs with the goal of turning ‘waste streams’ into economic opportunities for Delaware by ensuring material and resource recovery.”

ReCommunity spent $15 million at the existing 64,000 square foot facility, installing sorting equipment within the Delaware Recycling Center (DRC) to process recyclable aluminum, plastics, paper, cardboard, tin and glass collected throughout the state.

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“When DSWA reviewed the proposals for green industries at the DRC, it was clear ReCommunity is a leader in the recycling industry,” said Pat Canzano DSWA CEO. “But what was most impressive about them is their commitment to Delaware and the surrounding community.”

DSWA previously assembled recyclable materials at one of two transfer stations and then transported the material to ReCommunity’s centers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as other recycling sites.

The refitted facility now keeps the recycling in state, creating more than 35 new jobs in Delaware, with the possibility of 70 jobs over time.

“ReCommunity exists to help our community partners extract value from their own resources,” said James Devlin, ReCommunity’s Chief Executive Officer. “Delaware is another shining example of our commitment to‘Leading the Recovery Revolution’ within forward-thinking communities seeking significant positive gains.”

The ReCommunity Delaware site includes advanced automated sorting capabilities that allow identification, separation and recovery of recyclables.

The equipment includes screening, optical sorting, air and controls technology to recover more than 90 percent of available recyclables. The center can process more than 35 tons per hour, with the capacity to handle more than 160,000 tons per year.

“Delaware is rapidly emerging as a national leader in recycling, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity can go hand-in-hand,” said Collin O’Mara, Secretary of Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “Through this state-of-the-art facility, DSWA and ReCommunity will reduce material going to landfills, create well-paying jobs, and support new market opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

A community Open House event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Spet. 7 at 1101 Lambsons Lane in New Castle.

In addition, DSWA is holding a collection event of household hazardous waste, paper for shredding and electronic equipment for recycling.

For more information visit DSWA’s website, www.dswa.com. For more information on ReCommunity, visit www.ReCommunity.com.

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