Rumpke puts millions towards ‘high-tech’ recycling hub in Ohio

US player Rumpke Waste and Recycling is investing a sum of US$ 50 million (EUR 43.7 million) in setting up a ‘state-of-the-art’ recycling facility in Columbus, Ohio.

The brand-new site will be the ‘fifth largest and most technologically advanced’ recycling facility in North America, according to Rumpke. It will also feature an R&D office to cement the Cincinnati-based recycler’s position as a leader in the circular economy. Rumpke adds it is committed to creating 60 new ‘high-tech’ jobs.

The 60 000 square foot facility is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2024. It will be equipped with ballistic separators and smart optical scanners to phase out manual sorting. This is meant to greatly increase safety while boosting overall efficiency.

This news comes after Rumpke’s announcement that it has started accepting disposable paper, plastic and aluminium cups in kerbside and dropbox programmes as of February this year.

‘We are constantly working with end users to develop solutions for expanded recycling opportunities,’ comments Jeff Snyder, Rumpke’s director of recycling. He observes that recent innovations in paper and plastic recycling have resulted in pledges from end-users to accept and recycle more material. For one, paper mills plan to recycle paper cups and advancements in plastic recycling have increased the demand for additional types of plastic products.

‘Last year, Rumpke announced the addition of tubs, made from polypropylene. With consumer driven demand for more environmentally friendly options, more and more companies are transitioning to polypropylene cups,’ Snyder notes.

Rumpke welcomed him as its new recycling director at the end of last year. Snyder replaced Steve Sargent, who retired after being active in the recycling industry for more than 30 years.