To increase diversion, California MRF
opens doors

Azusa recycling facility one of the largest in North America

Azusa, Calif. – After five years of planning, permitting and construction, the Azusa Transfer and
Material Recovery Facility (MRF) opened to the public, providing a long-term waste and recycling
solution for the San Gabriel Valley, located in Southern California.

Officially permitted as a large-volume transfer and processing facility, the Azusa MRF is one of
only a handful of facilities in the U.S. that are comparable in size. It was developed, in part, to
help the local population achieve a high diversion goal that’s being mandated by the state
government. In 2012, the California legislature passed a bill to declare that at least 75 percent of
solid waste would need to be recycled, source-reduced or composted by the year 2020.

That’s a big goal when considering the total volume of materials put to reuse in Los Angeles
County has remained short of the mark over the last three years: 

“Los Angeles County processing facilities report collecting more than 5 million tons of materials
each year,” wrote Area Vice President Larry Metter in a note to employees. “The Azusa MRF is
poised to be the premier facility to help cities move toward the state-mandated 75 percent
diversion goal.”

With a daily capacity of 3,800 tons, the facility rests on a six-acre lot and is equipped with a state-of-the-art
recycling system. Following its opening, the Azusa MRF is now a vital piece of WM’s collection and disposal
network, and is positioned to meet a strong economic need within the Area. While other parts of the country
are focused on returning the recycling business to profitability, California remains a strong place to invest.

A grand opening ceremony for the Azusa MRF is being organized for later this year.