Metro Recycling Facility Marks One Year of Operations

Posted on November 09, 2022

This month, we are celebrating the first year of operations at Metro Recycling Facility (MRF)!  

This state-of-the-art facility is the home for recycling from your Curb It! cart and beyond. At the facility, recyclables are sorted into material types and sold to manufacturers, who turn them into new and exciting items. 

Take a look at the graphic below to see a few of our accomplishments in the last year!    

• 25,031 tons of recyclables were sorted at the MRF. That’s about 1,500 bales of material each month, or 20 semis filled with bales each week! This number will continue to increase as we accept more material from new communities and businesses.    
   
• More than 20 full-time jobs were created for the metro, including line sorters, mechanics, small equipment operators, and managers. The positions receive competitive pay and benefits, and there is considerable thought given to creating a pleasant work environment.
     
• Weekly open hours were established at the MRF’s Education Center, providing exciting new learning opportunities for the public. The expansive multi-purpose space features a permanent exhibit, an observation deck above the sorting floor, and space for activities for all ages! Open hours are every Monday from 9:00-11:00 AM and Tuesday from 1:00-3:00 PM.  
   
• The MRF also features multipurpose space for community use. More than 50 events were held at the facility, including statewide training courses, trade association meetings, and tours.  
   
• The facility was recognized as an industry leader, receiving awards from the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, the Iowa Recycling Association, and the National Waste and Recycling Association.   
   
• A vibrant mural, created by local artist Amy Putney Koenig, was completed in the MRF’s lobby to spark discussion about recycling. The mural includes repurposed material in the design and is one of many sustainable elements incorporated in the facility.  

As we enter the MRF’s second year of operations, we are committed to keeping Central Iowa’s recycling program not only going but growing. You can help by continuing to make the right recycling choices at home!  

To learn about what’s accepted in your recycling, check out our Recycling and Disposal Guide, or give us a call at 515.244.0021.