SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Lane County Commissioners approved the contract to build a new state-of-the-art recycling facility. The proposal for the Integrated Materials and Energy Recovery Facility (IMREF) was approved by a 3-2 vote. The facility is expected to reduce the County’s waste, extend the lifespan of the Short Mountain landfill and create additional recycling jobs in the region.
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According to a press release by Lane County, the IMREF would be the most technologically advanced waste processing facility in the entire country. The facility will process residential garbage, commingled recycling, and organic waste to produce recycling commodities and biogas. By diverting more than 80,000 tons of material per annum form the landfill, it will ensure extension of the landfill life by at least 20 years.
The IMREF will be built at a cost of $150 million. Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), which operates the facility will contribute $100 million. $35 million will be provided by Lane County, whereas the remaining $15 million will be funded by a federal tax credit. In order to pay for the IMREF, the County will hike tipping fees by 11% in the next two years, followed by an increase of 6% plus inflation in 2026 and 2027.
The facility had received overwhelming support from residents during the public comment period.
