Patrick-Murray Administration Celebrates 20th Anniversary of
Springfield Materials Recycling Facility

Facility has been the Cornerstone of Recycling in Western Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) Advisory Board joined federal, state and local officials today to celebrate two decades of success in recycling and environmental protection at the MRF's 20th anniversary celebration.

"The Springfield MRF is the premier recycling facility in Massachusetts and continues to set the example for recycling efforts statewide," said MassDEP Deputy Commissioner Lucy Edmondson.  "Year after year, this public-private partnership proves the environmental and economic value of recycling in the Commonwealth."

Four local residents received recycling awards at the celebration, which also included entertainment from the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School "green team," a poetry reading from Amherst poet Wally Swist, and a display of artwork made out of recycled materials.

The MRF Advisory Board presented Outstanding Recyclers of the Year awards to Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan, Pioneer Valley High School teacher John Lepore, Northampton schools volunteer Micki Darling, and Holyoke businessman Steven Bosco. Following the ceremony, guests attended a "green" luncheon, in which all food waste and paper goods were composted at Bear Path Farm in Whately.

"The citing of a regional recycling facility in the City of Springfield was one of my proudest accomplishments as Mayor. I like to say that Springfield became green before green became popular," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "In western Massachusetts, the MRF now serves nearly 80 cities and towns and processes more than 40,000 tons of recyclables each year. Quite simply, the center has become a model of how communities can save money through sound environmental management. Today's event is the successful culmination of a campaign that began more than 20 years ago."

"I hope the people of western Massachusetts will recognize what an enormously positive impact the MRF has had, and what a critical role it plays in our overall efforts to preserve the environment," said Sen. Stan Rosenberg. "I also hope that they will recognize the ongoing efforts of the MRF Advisory Board, the participating communities and the government officials at all levels who worked in a spirit of cooperation to help make this facility a reality."

"We have seen that going green is good for the environment and is also good for the city's budget," said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. "My administration looks forward to continuing the pursuit of green initiatives that are environmentally and fiscally prudent."

"Waste Management Recycle America is proud to be a partner with the MassDEP and western Massachusetts cities and towns in advancing recycling in Massachusetts for the last 20 years," said Michael Taylor. "We look forward to many more years of continued success at the Springfield MRF."

When MRF was constructed in 1989 on Birnie Avenue in Springfield, it was the first recycling facility in the Commonwealth. In the past 20 years, it has processed 850,000 tons of residential recyclables, including 595,000 tons of paper. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates such efforts have saved more than 10 million mature trees, more than 4 billion gallons of water, and 1.7 million cubic yards of landfill space. The paper processed at the MRF over the years has been manufactured into newsprint, telephone books, chipboard, book board and game board.

In addition, in the last 20 years, municipalities in western Massachusetts have received approximately $9 million in revenue sharing and direct payments for the recyclables delivered to the Springfield MRF. It is estimated that municipalities have avoided at least $40 million in disposal costs.

The Springfield MRF today accepts recyclables - glass, metals, paper and plastic - from 78 western Massachusetts municipalities. The materials are processed by Waste Management Recycle America, which operates the plant.

For more information on the Springfield MRF, click here.

###