WM plans $88 million recycling facility redevelopment in Florida

New material recovery facility is projected to handle about 228,000 tons per year and feature 17 optical sorters.

WM new recycling facility in Tampa Florida
WM plans to build a new material recovery facility with advanced recycling technology.
Photo courtesy of WM.

WM plans to redevelop its material recovery facility (MRF) in Tampa, Florida, with an $88 million investment.

According to the company, WM Recycling Tampa Bay will be a replacement for the existing MRF. The current building will remain on the property and could be repurposed for use as either a construction and demolition recycling facility or a transfer station, however those plans have not been finalized.

The new facility will be 109,000 square feet and process up to 50 tons per hour, or about 228,000 tons per year. WM says it will feature a dual-line system by CP Group of San Diego and include 17 optical sorters, among other advanced recycling technologies designed to separate materials more efficiently.

Construction will begin in the spring with Gilbane Building Company, based in Providence, Rhode Island, serving as the general contractor. WM says it projects the new building to open in late 2027.

The new facility in Tampa is part of WM’s previously disclosed plan to invest $1.4 billion in new recycling infrastructure across North America through 2026. The company says this investment will enhance its recycling capabilities so more material can be turned into new products.