Recovering value from MRFs (754.52 KB) - Wrap

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Materials recovery facilities(MRFs) are increasinglyimportant in providing qualityraw materials to industry.ContentsForeword 1Introduction 2MRF operationsReceiving materials 3Pre-sorting 3Managing flows 3Processing recyclablesSeparating fibre from containers 4Sorting fibre 4Sorting glass containers 6Sorting metal containers 7Sorting plastic containers 7Baling and shipping 8Managing residues 9CostsMRF Cost Model 10Cost implications 12Contractual ArrangementsContractual relationships between MRF operators and local authorities 14Safeguarding and improving performance 15Conclusions 17
Understanding MRFs ForewordThe UK is changing fundamentally the way it deals with its waste.From very low levels in 2000, recycling of waste has grown stronglyand now stands at 27% for household waste in England and perhapssomething over 50% for commercial and industrial waste. This changebrings significant environmental benefits: in reducing the need toextract raw materials and in reducing climate changing carbonemissions by an estimated 10-15 million tonnes a year; equivalent totaking 3.5 million cars off the road.The change has not been effortless. Local collection systems, sortingand reprocessing capacity as well as the end markets for materialshave all had to adjust to these new demands with some parts of thesystem being more responsive than others. As the Government isreviewing its waste strategy for England and signalling that a furthersignificant expansion in recycling will be needed, WRAP has beenreviewing key parts of the recycling system to identify areas that willneed further attention to maximizing the benefits from increasedrecycling levels.Materials recovery facilities (MRFs) are increasingly important inproviding quality raw materials to industry. MRF capacity in the UKis growing but it is unevenly distributed and investment in furthercapacity will be needed as demand grows.In most cases, MRFs are designed to separate co-mingled recyclables 1into their individual material streams and prepare them for sale intothe commodity markets. Although few local authorities are likely tooperate MRFs themselves, they will be involved in procuring servicesfrom private contractors that involve the design, commissioning andoperation of MRFs. Understanding all stages from collection throughsorting and bulking to the sale of recovered materials will ensure that,prior to embarking on the procurement route and preparing servicespecifications, local authorities are better informed about the costimplications of alternative options.This summary document draws together the results of recent studiescommissioned by WRAP and draws on good practice in MRF designand management from the USA and Europe. It is intended as anintroduction for those unfamiliar with the issues surrounding thespecification, operation and costs of MRFs.1. Around one third of English local authorities collect recyclable materials co-mingled but this number is expected toincrease as recycling programmes expand. Most of the remaining authorities operate kerbside sort schemes wherebymaterials are separated at the kerbside into their individual material streams. Collections are made using stillage ormulti-compartment vehicles thereby avoiding the need for sorting of materials at MRFs.
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Recovering value from MRFs (754.52 KB) - Wrap

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