Casella unveils Connecticut MRF upgrade

Casella Waste Systems Inc., a Rutland, Vermont-based regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, opened the doors of its newly renovated Willimantic, Connecticut, material recovery facility (MRF) Monday, May 19.

The facility upgrade boasts state-of-the-art equipment and bolsters the company's goal to drive more efficient recycling, helping its customers and communities achieve more circularity and move closer to their sustainability goals, Casella says.

The event included remarks from Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo as well as leaders from Casella and MRF technology provider Machinex, Quebec. Remarks concluded with a check presentation to the UConn Office of Sustainability, which will use the donated funds to support a graduate fellowship for a zero-waste coordinator at the university.

Prior to the upgrade, Casella’s Willimantic MRF processed about 60,000 tons of recyclables annually, the company says, and it expects to be able to double that amount while simultaneously improving efficiency and quality.

“As we continue to look at new ways to advance the amount of material we are able to process, we are thrilled to invest in this new technology in Connecticut,” says Casella Chairman and CEO John W. Casella. “While we only began doing business in this state just five short years ago, this MRF, the adjacent mattress recycling facility and our hauling operations in the market are key components to our continued success in serving our customers and communities.”

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The upgrades included a new sorting system, power infrastructure, lighting, a replacement tipping floor, new pavement and an enhanced fire suppression system.

In addition to the upgraded sorting technology deployed, Casella partnered with Eversource Energy, Hartford, Connecticut, to enhance the facility’s electrical efficiency and minimize energy use.

“We are proud to partner with forward-thinking companies like Casella in achieving their energy efficiency and sustainability goals,” Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian says. “Through our collaboration, we helped Casella improve its operations while reducing energy use and costs. This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability and operational goals align through energy efficiency solutions, creating lasting value for our customers and the communities we serve.”

The facility previously was converted to a single-stream MRF in 2008. The recent upgrades unveiled represent a nearly $20 million investment into the facility and follow more than $50 million in investments by Casella in its Resource Solutions operations over the past three years, according to the company.

“The ongoing advancements of the circular economy depend on all stakeholders to do their part to make recycling more accessible, more convenient and more efficient,” Casella says. “With these upgrades, we continue to do our part in moving more material out of the waste stream and putting it to a higher and better use.”