This project will update the existing Material Recycling Center (MRF) with state-of-the-art equipment to increase commingled processing capacity to 200 - 240 tons per day (TPD). This includes a minor modification of the existing MRF building to increase storage capacity for both incoming and baled material. Equipment will be substantially replaced because the existing equipment is incompatible with modern recycling processing technology. An updated facility will have higher operation uptime (90 percent rather than the current 83 percent) and produce higher quality product that can receive higher prices in the market.

Features of the renovated facility include removing glass at the beginning of sorting to reduce wear and tear on equipment, improved sorting screens, optical sorting, high-efficiency electric motors, and reduced reliance on labor for sorting. An upgrade to the facility's electrical capacity may be added if it is determined that the current facility cannot handle the load needed after the renovation. This design will allow for the future addition of single stream processing equipment within the existing facility to receive and process recyclables from other jurisdictions if expansion to a regional concept is supported in an effort to improve the recycling program's cost-benefit ratio.

A Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) revealed the need for a design change in the MRF project. Design of the upgrade continues, 30 percent design is expected to be complete in spring 2026. Construction schedules may be updated after 30 percent design is complete.

The current commingled processing system at the MRF was installed in 1991 and upgraded in 2002 to process 10 tons per-hour (TPH) or 80 tons per day (TPD). Due to increased population, expanded material mix, and increased resident participation, the MRF currently receives 130 - 150 TPD of commingled material, almost double the current capacity. To keep up with the incoming volume, the MRF must export 40 - 45 percent of the commingled material received at an annual cost of approximately $1.2 million.

After almost 30 years of operation, the majority of the current system components have operated beyond their useful life, causing frequent downtime and high repair and maintenance costs. Replacement parts are increasingly difficult to source for some equipment. This project's improvements will reduce operating costs, increase revenue from the sale of recyclables, increase processing efficiency, and continue to provide high quality recycling services to the residents and businesses of Montgomery County.

Maryland Environmental Service, Department of Permitting Services. Special Capital Projects Legislation [Bill No. 23-21E] was adopted by the County Council in June 2021.