Equipment report

Stadler designs, installs second Republic Services Polymer Center

Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH, based in Germany, has completed the design and installation of the new Republic Services Polymer Center in Indianapolis, marking the second facility of this type it has developed for Republic Services. The Las Vegas Polymer Center opened in late 2023.

The site is designed to process presorted plastics collected by Republic to recover polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyolefins. It will provide food-grade recycled plastics for use in producing new bottles, jugs and containers.

The Polymer Center incorporates a Stadler-designed dual-line system. Mixed plastic bales are opened using Stadler’s WireX for fully automated wire removal. Materials are processed on two dedicated lines, one for PET and one for mixed plastics, with capacities of 5.5 and 5 tons per hour, respectively.

The process on the PET line begins with mechanical separation and cleaning to remove ferrous particles. A Stadler STT2000 ballistic separator then sorts materials into rigid, flexible and fines fractions, which undergo near-infrared sorting to further separate caps, rings and labels. The 3D fractions are processed through Stadler’s label remover and label separation hood. Clear PET, caps and rings are directed to the wash line for granulation and cleaning, while colored PET is compacted into bales.

On the mixed plastics line, materials are sorted into fines and sieve overflow. The heavier fractions from the overflow are separated into four polyethylene fractions—natural, white, red/orange/yellow and other/color—and two polypropylene fractions—natural/white and other/color. PET is recovered from this stream and redirected to the PET line for further processing. The final sorted products are stored in dedicated bunkers before being baled for distribution.

The plant’s design enhances operational efficiency by improving access to all areas, simplifying maintenance and incorporating a fully enclosed presort area and a control room with a comprehensive view of material flow and baler operations, Stadler says. The facility also prioritizes workplace quality, offering an open, well-lit environment.

Republic chose Stadler for the Indianapolis Polymer Center following their collaboration in Las Vegas. The new plant also incorporates additional processing steps to provide Republic with more flexibility in selecting markets for its recycled materials and expanding the range of accepted inputs.

Balar Equipment to operate under Enviro-Clean name

Balar Equipment, a Phoenix-based Vocational Trucks and Equipment LLC (VTE) dealership, now operates under the Enviro-Clean Equipment name, which is another VTE brand.

VTE says the move reinforces its commitment to providing products, service and support throughout the western U.S.

According to VTE, the Phoenix operation will align with Enviro-Clean Equipment’s systems and customer-first approach while gaining access to expanded resources across the network, including enhanced product availability, demo equipment and service support.

“This transition is a natural fit,” Enviro-Clean General Manager Joey Pellecchia says.

An open house is being planned to highlight the expanded capabilities and celebrate the Arizona team’s support of its customers as part of the Enviro-Clean network.