A New Era in Waste Management
Irwindale MRF Kickoff
In June 2025, Athens Services launched its Irwindale MRF, processing 70 tons per hour.
Advanced Recycling Technology
This state-of-the-art facility utilizes advanced technology to recover recyclables and has the capability to produce Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), enhancing sustainability in waste management.
Streamlined Material Processing
Equipped with double infeed lines, the facility processes materials efficiently, eliminating the need for a traditional presort station and enhancing safety.
CP Drum Feeder
Two drum feeders are designed to liberate material effectively, ensuring a uniform feed rate to the sorting system, which ultimately optimizes overall processing efficiency in operations.
Patented OCC Auger Screens™
Four patented OCC Augers™ eliminate the presort and feature non-wrapping screens, effectively targeting mid to large old corrugated cardboard (OCC) for improved recovery.
Efficient Material Fractionation
Two CP Auger Screens™ increase throughput by efficiently fractionating large materials, reducing reliance on manual sorting for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Glass Removal Performance
The facility includes two CP Glass Breakers, which improve glass recovery by breaking and screening out fines for increased efficiency.
Optimized Material Separation
Material separation is optimized with two CP Screens™, enhancing downstream sorting capabilities for a streamlined processing experience.
High-Speed Fiber Sorting
Sixteen MSS NIR Optical Sorters, including ten MSS FiberMax™ units, automate fiber sorting at 1,000 feet per minute, significantly boosting processing efficiency.
Tailored Plastic Solutions
The automated container line features six MSS PlasticMax™ Optical Sorters, ensuring high product purity and increased recovery rates across various materials.
Automating Quality Control
Two Vivid AI™ units automate QC lines, enhancing speed and precision in material identification while minimizing contamination during sorting for quick categorization.
Convert Waste Effectively
The facility includes two balers, two RDF lines, and a residue line for effective separation of commodities and processing of system residue.
Construction Milestones
Construction of the Irwindale MRF processing line commenced in September 2024, involving 139 truckloads of equipment and over 20,000 man-hours to ensure a successful installation.
Commitment to Sustainability
This advanced facility exemplifies Athens Services’ leadership in sustainability, showcasing their unwavering dedication to effectively serving both residents and businesses in the community.
Irwindale MRF Now Operational
The Irwindale MRF is now operational, demonstrating Athens Services’ commitment to enhancing waste recovery and management practices in the community.
Partnership for Innovation
Terry Schneider, CP Group President and CEO, highlights the partnership with Athens Services in launching a state-of-the-art MRF, among the nation’s largest and most advanced.
This article was originally posted, September 3rd, 2025: Recycling Today
