COLUMBUS, Ohio — August 6, 2024 — Rumpke Waste & Recycling celebrated a major milestone today with the grand opening of the Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center, now the largest and most advanced recycling facility in North America. The $100 million center, located at 1190 Joyce Ave., Columbus, was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key figures from state government, industry, and the local community.
“This center represents the future of recycling,” said Andrew Rumpke, President of Rumpke. “Our new facility is equipped to meet the growing recycling needs of our region, which is projected to surpass 3 million residents. We are committed to supporting the circular economy and ensuring sustainability for our communities.”
The Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center is a cutting-edge, 226,000 square-foot facility designed to significantly enhance recycling operations. Key features include:
- Increased Processing Capacity: The facility can now handle 250,000 tons of material annually, up from 160,000 tons.
- Enhanced Processing Speed: Material processing has doubled, with a new speed of 60 tons per hour.
- High Recovery Rate: The center boasts a 98% material recovery rate.
- Future-Proof Design: Built with flexibility in mind, it includes cranes for future equipment upgrades and adapting to evolving recycling technologies.
The facility employs the latest in recycling technology, including 19 optic sorters, artificial intelligence, ballistic separators, and trommel equipment. It features three expansive tipping floors totaling 48,000 square feet—one for residential materials, one for commercial materials, and another for material sampling and auditing.
Rumpke is also emphasizing public education with the creation of a 3,000 square-foot education center, developed in collaboration with the Center of Science & Industry (COSI). The center will offer interactive exhibits, including a sustainable market and recycling games, starting in October. Visitors will be able to learn about the recyclability of products and see firsthand the impact of recycling efforts.
Additionally, the Rumpke Recycling & Resource Center includes a career center on the first floor and a Research and Development Center on the second floor. The R&D center will facilitate collaborations with local schools and universities to advance recycling research, with ongoing projects involving Ohio State University and other institutions.
The new center is the result of a collaborative effort involving architect Moody Nolan, construction firm Elford, Inc., recycling equipment manufacturer Machinex, and experiential design company Holt Experiential.
Founded in 1932, Rumpke Waste & Recycling is a leader in environmentally responsible waste management, serving communities across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and West Virginia. With 15 recycling facilities, including major centers in Cincinnati and Columbus, and a unique glass processing facility in Dayton, Rumpke continues to drive innovation in the waste and recycling industry. For more information, visit www.rumpke.com.
