Machinex technology powers new MRFs across public and private sectors
The projects improve efficiency, increase recovery rates, and support long-term sustainability goals
Three new Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) have recently come online with the help of Machinex technology to meet the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable recycling solutions. Each facility is designed to enhance local recycling efforts, material recovery, and long-term sustainability goals across Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Machinex helps deliver better recycling practices in Phoenix
Machinex has partnered with the City of Phoenix to help the municipality achieve the ambitious goal of zero waste by 2050 while contributing to a circular economy by recovering valuable materials. The 30 tons-per-hour (TPH) residential single-stream system facility, operated by Balcones Recycling, is set to transform the city's recycling efforts. It features an integrated design aimed at maximizing recyclable recovery from curbside collections.
The system in Phoenix is engineered with Machinex's MACH Trommel front-end solution, two MACH Ballistic separators, the SamurAI sorting robot powered by the company's proprietary artificial intelligence, and 11 MACH Hyspec optical sorters. This innovative configuration improves safety and efficiency by diverting small fractions of material early in the process, allowing for high recovery rates of materials such as paper, cardboard, HDPE, PET, PP, mixed plastics, and glass.
"Having worked with the city for a number of years in different roles, I'm very familiar with Phoenix's history of innovating in recycling," said Will Herzog, Machinex western region sales manager. "This new investment will push the city's recycling program back to the forefront of recycling technology."
City officials echo this optimism. "The updated sorting system at our MRF is a game changer," said Phoenix Public Works deputy director Eduardo Rodriguez. "Because the machines are so modernized, we'll be able to capture more material with less contamination. We're excited to have this technology to help us reach our zero-waste goal."
"Balcones is pleased to operate the City of Phoenix MRF, installed by Machinex," stated Brent Hildebrand, president of west operations, "the installation and start-up was seamless and exceeded our expectations in regard to how quickly we were achieving the desired results as contracted with Machinex."
Republic Services upgraded the efficiency of residential waste services in King of Prussia
Machinex delivered a significant upgrade to an MRF in collaboration with Republic Services which is currently processing 25 TPH of single-stream and commercial waste in Pennsylvania in the fall of 2024. Equipped with MACH Hyspec optical sorters and MACH Motion Floors, the facility has been optimized for clean paper recovery and high-efficiency handling of various waste streams. This upgrade further aligns with Republic Services' commitment to sustainability by increasing throughput and improving sorting precision.
A high-capacity MRF solution in North Arlington
Recognizing the importance of a system capable of handling both residential and commercial single-stream recyclables, Interstate Waste Services partnered with Machinex to develop an upgraded solution for the MRF in North Arlington, NJ.
"As a recycling leader, Interstate Waste Services is always looking to partner with innovative companies to advance recycling efficiency. That's why we're excited to unveil the Machinex system at our new North Arlington MRF," said Mike DiBella, founder and CEO of Interstate Waste Services. This collaboration marks a new era of recycling in the region, positioning IWS to improve material recovery rates while meeting its environmental stewardship goals.
Designed to handle both residential and commercial single-stream recycling with a capacity of 40 TPH for residential and 20 TPH for commercial materials, the system includes key technologies such as the SamurAI Robot and MACH Hyspec Optical Sorters for capturing different plastic grades and fiber.
The system also features other advanced Machinex equipment, including a MACH Ballistic Separator, two 2-ram Machinex balers, compactors, a film capture system, a MACH OCC, and fine screens.
Given space constraints in the existing facility, Machinex developed an efficient multi-level system, utilizing vertical space to maintain seamless processing and simplify employee movement.
