Photo courtesy of Closed Loop Partners.
New York City-based Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy and Washington-based American Beverage have released a guide for material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S. to optimize recovery rates, increase material quality and foster operations.
The guide, “Materials Recovery Facilities: Effective Operation, Design and Management in Theory and in Practice,” draws on insights from leading public and private MRF operators, recycling equipment vendors and recycling industry experts.
Closed Loop Partners says extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws prompted the guide's release as they gain momentum across the U.S. The company says as these laws expand, there is a growing need for transparency, performance-based metrics and targeted education and funds to help MRFs adapt.
The guide was created to aid MRF management personnel in identifying areas of improvement at their facilities and optimizing operations to maximize recovery of material streams and strengthen financial outcomes, according to Closed Loop Partners.
“The U.S. recycling industry is at a critical point, with policy changes shifting the status quo and creating opportunities for MRFs to operate at their highest capacity,” says Kate Daly, managing partner and CEO of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. “This guide’s insights help lay the foundation for stronger infrastructure, positioning U.S. recyclers to accelerate their critical work building resilient material supply chains.”
Closed Loop Partners says with the right operational strategies, MRFs’ recovery rates can improve. The guide outlines approaches to material flow design, equipment configurations, maintenance routines, municipal contract updates and staff training.
In addition to the guide, a set of templates are available for download and can be used by MRFs to establish practices in their facilities, with guidance on metrics and performance optimization, equipment maintenance and spare parts management, facility management and industry relations.
The American Beverage Association sponsored the development of the guide, led by Closed Loop Partners, which commissioned Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), Ann Arbor, Michigan, to conduct the work.
“Materials recovery facilities are at the center of how communities recycle, and this guide equips them with clear, tactical practices to optimize performance in today’s evolving policy landscape,” says RRS Co-CEO Resa Dimino. “Through this collaboration with Closed Loop Partners and American Beverage, we’re underscoring practical ways operators can increase material capture, reduce residuals and strengthen both environmental and financial outcomes as EPR programs expand.”
Following the release of the report, Closed Loop Partners says it will continue to collaborate with and invest in recycling programs, facilities and infrastructure across the country. The company says it aims to support recycling operations that are critical to keeping valuable materials in circulation and building a circular economy.