Delaware opens state-of-the-art recycling facility

If Delaware could get a thumbs up for adding more jobs to the local economy, then it would get a green thumb! 

ReCommunity, one of the largest recycling companies in the U.S. will join the Delaware Solid Waste Authority to operate a state-of-the-art facilty equipped to serve the entire state.

The $15-million investment will create at least 35 new jobs in Delaware thanks to a 20-year agreement between ReCommunity and DSWA.  On Thursday, Gov. Jack Markell, D-Del., visited the site for the grand opening of ReCommunity’s 35th materials recovery facility that sits within the Delaware Recycling Center in New Castle.

“Recycling is important to Delaware’s economy and environment,” said Gov. Markell.  ReCommunity’s investment and their technological innovation perfectly align with statewide universal recycling programs with the goal of turning ‘waste streams’ into economic opportunities for Delaware by ensuring material and resource recovery.

Prior to the new facility, DSWA would transport recyclables to ReCommunity plants in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Now that materials such as aluminum, plastics, paper, tin and glass will be processed in state, ReCommunity says the number of new jobs could eventually double over time.

“ReCommunity exists to help our community partners extract value from their own resource,” said James Devlin, ReCommunity’s Chief Executive Officer.  Delaware is another shining example of our commitment to ‘Leading the Recovery Revolution’ within forward-thinking communities seeking positive gains.”

WHYY reported on the state’s universal recycling law and followed where recyclables go in Delaware on First, in Oct. of 2011. You can watch the story below: