Recycling Center: Facts

General Facts

• Opened in August of 1991.

• The 57,000 square foot facility cost approximately $9 million to construct.

• Employs approximately 41 workers.

• Of those workers, at least 23 have jobs dedicated to sorting recyclable materials. Their work stations are equipped with both heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort.

• Features an elevated mezzanine over the processing area for safe public viewing of the facility operations.

• Mixed paper, including newspaper, cardboard, telephone books, magazines, direct mail, and other recyclable paper is processed at Office Paper Systems in Gaithersburg.

• Montgomery County owns the Recycling Center, which is managed by the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Solid Waste Services.

• In a state and county partnership, the Maryland Environmental Service (a state agency) operates the facility.

• The Maryland Environmental Service is responsible for marketing recyclable materials to processors. The County receives 100 percent of all revenues from the sale of commingled materials. These revenues partially offset the operating costs.

Recycling Center Facts for Fiscal Year 2008

• Total Tons of Inbound Commingled and Paper: 97,317

• Average Number of Commingled Tons (Including Residue) Processed per Shift: 89

• Tons of Commingled Material (Less Residue) Processed and Sent to Market: 21,977          

• Accrued Revenue from Sale of Commingled Material: $3,833,226

• Gross Average Revenue per Ton Sent to Market: $174

• Maryland Environmental Service Operating Expenses: $3,208,817

• Cost of New Komatsu Loader: $287,670

• Number of Visitors (via Tours) to the Recycling Center: 5,896

• Number of Employees at the Recycling Center: 41

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