Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, opened the doors of its newly renovated Willimantic, Connecticut materials recovery facility with nearly 100 guests in attendance on Monday, May 19. The facility upgrade is complete with state-of-the-art equipment and the goal to drive more efficient recycling, helping Casella鈥檚 customers and communities achieve more circularity and move closer to their sustainability goals.
The event included remarks from Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo, as well as leaders from Casella and MRF technology provider, Machinex. Remarks concluded with a check presentation to the UConn Office of Sustainability which will use the donated funds to support a graduate fellowship for a zero-waste coordinator at the University. Prior to the upgrade, Casella鈥檚 Willimantic MRF processed approximately 60,000 tons of recyclables annually and expects now to be able to double that amount, while simultaneously improving efficiency and quality.
鈥淎s we continue to look at new ways to advance the amount of material we are able to process, we are thrilled to invest in this new technology in Connecticut,鈥� said Casella Chairman and CEO, John W. Casella. 鈥淲hile we only began doing business in this state just five short years ago, this MRF, the adjacent mattress recycling facility, and our hauling operations in the market are key components to our continued success in serving our customers and communities.鈥�
The upgrades included a new sorting system, power infrastructure, lighting, a replacement tipping floor, new pavement, and enhanced fire suppression system. In addition to the upgraded sorting technology deployed, Casella also partnered with Eversource to enhance the facility鈥檚 electrical efficiency and minimize its energy usage.
鈥淲e are proud to partner with forward-thinking companies like Casella in achieving their energy efficiency and sustainability goals,鈥� said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. 鈥淭hrough our collaboration, we helped Casella improve its operations while reducing energy use and costs. This partnership demonstrates what鈥檚 possible when sustainability and operational goals align through energy efficiency solutions, creating lasting value for our customers and the communities we serve.鈥�
The facility was previously converted to a single-stream MRF in 2008. The recent upgrades unveiled represent a nearly $20 million investment into the facility and follow more than $50 million in investments by Casella in its Resource Solutions operations over the past three years. 鈥淭he ongoing advancements of the circular economy depend on all stakeholders to do their part to make recycling more accessible, more convenient, and more efficient,鈥� Casella said. 鈥淲ith these upgrades we continue to do our part in moving more material out of the waste stream and putting it to a higher and better use.鈥�