$2M recycling facility planned for west Michigan

American Classic, a Muskegon, Michigan-based construction, equipment supply and waste services company, has announced plans to develop a $2 million material recovery facility (MRF) in Newaygo, Michigan.

The project is a collaboration between American Classic and the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership and, according to a news release, aims to divert 5 million pounds of material from landfills annually.

“American Classic is poised to become a recycling leader in the West Michigan region,” Lola Harmon-Ramsey, director of advocacy and community engagement at American Classic, says in a statement provided to local media. “With new solid waste management laws coming into effect at the state level, we are excited to help our local cities and county leadership teams expand their recycling services within their rural communities.

“A circular economy isn’t just good for the environment, but also creates jobs and economic development opportunities.”

According to the Grand Rapids Business Journal, only one other MRF is in the greater west Michigan region, and project leadership says the facility provides a needed resource for recycling infrastructure.

The plans for the MRF are the culmination of a 15-month-long development process between American Classic and the Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, but neither group has estimated when the facility might commence operations.

American Classic was founded in 2001 as a roofing company and now provides commercial and residential construction services, construction supply equipment and commercial and residential waste and dumpster services. To expand its recycling operations, the company purchased Fremont, Michigan-based Cart Recycling last year—a company with a focus on residential postconsumer recycling hauling and collection.

The new MRF is located at 313 W. State Rd. in Newaygo.