MA DEP Signs Long-Term Recycling Contract

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has entered into a 10-year contract with Recycle America Alliance for the operation of the Springfield, Mass. MRF. The contract will continue the operation of the MRF, which will service 78 communities in the state of Massachusetts.

The contract is expected to result in the collection of close to deliver close to 500,000 tons of recyclables and around $7 million in revenue to the cities.

"The Materials Recycling Facility in Springfield is an excellent illustration of how state government, municipalities and private businesses can join together to promote recycling through economic incentives," DEP Commissioner Robert Golledge, Jr. said

The contracts began April 1, 2005 and will continue until June 30, 2015. The payment terms for participating communities includes a flat payment of $15.67 for each ton of recyclables delivered to the Springfield MRF. Additionally, communities will receive a revenue share from the sale of recyclables if the average dollar per ton exceeds $40.

“The RAA Team at the Springfield MRF could not be happier about the contract award. Everyone worked very hard on this project and our intent throughout the process was to build on the success that we achieved over these last few years," said Matthew Coz, RAA’s Northeast Director of Recycling. "We look forward to serving all of the communities in western Massachusetts with the highest levels of recycling services for the next 10 years."

RAA will sell all of the processed paper to the Newark Group’s recycled paperboard mill in Fitchburg, Mass. RAA is also implementing some community-based initiatives for MRF municipalities. They will provide funding for a neighborhood clean up effort in the City of Springfield's North End, as well as a scholarship for a western Massachusetts student majoring in environmental studies.

The DEP opened the Springfield MRF in January 1990..