BHS Installs Solid Waste Processing System in Michigan

American Waste says it will recover an estimated 50 percent of recyclables from the waste stream.


A highly automated municipal solid waste (MSW) processing system, designed, manufactured and installed by Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), Eugene, Ore., has begun processing materials at the new American Waste material recovery facility (MRF) in Traverse City, Mich. The custom-designed facility recovers recyclables from mixed waste streams, much of which previously ended up in landfill. The system, which BHS describes as “unique and flexible system,” is capable of processing single stream recyclables and construction and demolition materials, the company says.

“We will be focusing on recovering all the valuable commodities in the waste stream at a much greater capacity than was previously possible,” says Mike Ascione, co-president of American Waste. The company, which has service contracts covering multiple residential areas, calls the new system the most advanced in the state, adding that it was developed with the capacity to serve all of northern Michigan.

The plant processes 500 tons per day of MSW and up to 50 tons per day of residential and commercial single-stream recyclables using screening, air and optical technologies to ensure maximum recovery and purity of recyclables at high throughput rates.


The recovery rate from the MSW stream is expected to top 50 percent, according to BHS, compared to an average rate of 15-25 percent seen at conventional waste facilities, according to BHS. Recovered products include cardboard, paper, plastics, wood, metal and aluminum.

“We are excited to partner with American Waste to build this fantastic processing system,” says Robb Espinosa, BHS regional sales manager. “This facility will be an inspiration to the area.”

Sponsored Content

SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

An elevated cab is one of several features improving operational efficiency at the Macon County Solid Waste Management agency in North Carolina. When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina. The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).

Sponsored Content

SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

An elevated cab is one of several features improving operational efficiency at the Macon County Solid Waste Management agency in North Carolina. When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina. The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).

Sponsored Content

SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

An elevated cab is one of several features improving operational efficiency at the Macon County Solid Waste Management agency in North Carolina. When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina. The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).

Sponsored Content

SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

An elevated cab is one of several features improving operational efficiency at the Macon County Solid Waste Management agency in North Carolina. When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina. The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).

Sponsored Content

SENNEBOGEN 340G telehandler improves the view in Macon County, NC

An elevated cab is one of several features improving operational efficiency at the Macon County Solid Waste Management agency in North Carolina. When it comes to waste management, efficiency, safety and reliability are priorities driving decisions from day one, according to staff members of the Macon County Solid Waste Management Department in western North Carolina. The agency operates a recycling plant in a facility originally designed to bale incoming materials. More recently, the building has undergone significant transformations centered around one machine: a SENNEBOGEN telehandler (telescopic handler).


“We are exceedingly proud of the American Waste system,” adds BHS CEO Steve Miller. “Being able to extract recyclables from MSW is becoming critical in the industry as we dig deeper into the waste stream. This facility serves as a great example of BHS constantly moving forward the standards for MRF excellence.”

Get curated news on YOUR industry.

Enter your email to receive our newsletters.

Loading...