WM Cleveland Recycling Facility
From 2022 through 2026, WM plans to invest more than $1.4 billion to build new and update existing recycling facilities with state-of-the-art technology to increase the amount of materials that can be recycled and reused in other packaging and products.
$30 Million Toward Your Community
WM has invested approximately $30M to help drive circularity in the State of Ohio, by investing in a state-of- the-art single stream recycling facility in Cleveland.
This facility features optical sorting scanners for both fibers and plastic that work to optimize the recovery and quality of recycled materials. Additionally, the operation includes system upgrades to support glass recovery and clean-up, as well as an advanced fire detection system designed to detect fires before they spread. The WM Cleveland Recycling Facility is capable of processing 144K tons a year of material, potentially giving materials a second life, and providing greater opportunity for local solutions for single stream recycling.
To learn more about our environmental efforts, visit our Sustainability Report.
Who We Are
WM is North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions — with the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America.
We provide collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Driven By Our Commitments, Guided By Our Values
We are driven by our commitments to put people first and to achieve success with integrity as we enable sustainability progress for businesses and cities. Now, leveraging our infrastructure, innovation and expertise, we’ve set a bold sustainability vision for the future: one where material is repurposed, energy is renewable and communities are thriving.
With our best-in-class capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, we are poised to partner with customers to help them achieve their sustainability goals, today and into the future.
What is Single Stream Recycling?
Mixed recyclables are collected curbside or at businesses or stores by a truck.
Trucks travel to a WM Recycling Facility, where recyclables are unloaded onto a receiving floor.
Material is inspected, and stored until its ready to be transferred to a conveyor.
Sorting equipment separates cans, containers, glass and bottles from paper. An eddy current and magnets work to sort aluminum and tin cans into a metals-only stream.
Sorted materials are baled and shipped to customers, where they are used as feedstock for new products.
How Recycling Works
We all know it’s a good idea to recycle — but have you ever wondered what happens to that aluminum can or cardboard box after you put it in the recycling bin?
What happens next? What does it become in its second life?
Let’s find out.
Project Benefits
Recycling Education
As WM commits to working alongside communities to cultivate integrated sustainability solutions, a brand-new recycling education room will be integrated into the Cleveland Recycling Facility, which will be open to the public for scheduled education/tours.
Increased Access to Recycling
With the demand for recycled content products continuing to rise, the Cleveland Recycling Facility is expected to enable WM to capture more recycled materials and increase access to recycling for its customers.
New Career Opportunities
Currently, WM operates four Recycling Facilities in Ohio. With this expansion, WM’s Cleveland facility is projected to become the primary recycling processing hub in the state. WM created 50 positions at the site and the facility’s upgraded technology provided the opportunity to upskill current roles.
Recycling Improvements Win Big
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) awarded a $200,000 Market Development Grant to support the recycling processing improvements with a glass recovery and glass breaker system. The grant award continues the strong collaboration between WM and the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District to improve recycling capabilities in the State of Ohio.
Glass Recovery & Glass Breaker System
This system is part of an Ohio EPA Market Development Grant to support the planned recycling processing improvements. The grant award continues the strong collaboration between WM and the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District to improve recycling capabilities in the State of Ohio.
WM Cleveland Recycling Facility
"The WM Cleveland recycling facility provides recycling technology and infrastructure to Northeast Ohio, capable of processing up to 144,000 tons of recyclables per year," says Frank Fello, Area Vice President of the WM Great Lakes Area. Watch to learn more about how the facility is working to give materials a second life.
WM & Cuyahoga County: A Recycling Story
"The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is thrilled that WM chose to expand recycling capabilities in Northeast Ohio, as it will serve as a catalyst for other sustainability efforts in the area,” said Elizabeth Biggins-Ramer, executive director, Cuyahoga Recycles. “Additionally, WM’s education center will provide residents, businesses and community leaders the opportunity to experience how to recycle right.”
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Director Anne Vogel
Hear a congratulatory message from Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel. "Ohio EPA is proud to partner with Cuyahoga County and WM to expand and upgrade this facility," Vogel says.
