City Council Okays Recycling Expansion

The city of Ann Arbor, Mich., approved a $4.7 million expansion of the city’s recycling and solid waste facilities earlier this week. In a vote of 9-2, the City Council approved the expansion of the existing materials recovery facility, transfer station and a new composing facility.

The expansion will boost the facility to around 40,000 square feet. The city owns the MRF, while FCR has a long-term contract to operate the facility.

One strategy to expanding the facility is the city is looking to grow the amount of recyclables and solid waste the city will bring in. According to a spokesman for the city, roughly 60 percent of the throughput for the MRF comes from outside the Ann Arbor area.

According to local press reports, some opposition to the project came from a council member who expressed concern that Resource Recycling Systems Inc. was given a $500,000 no-bid contract to oversee the project without a competitive bidding process.

Jim Frey, CEO of Resources Recycling Systems, said his company has expertise that fits right into the project. For example, to expand the recycling facilities the city will need Pittsfield Township's approval during the planning process. Frey said his company recently got Pittsfield Township to approve a planned unit development.