SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Sullivan County Solid Waste Department announced opening of a new 16,000-square-foot material recycling facility (MRF). The new $3.5 million facility will provide recycling infrastructure not only for Sullivan County but for surrounding communities. By serving as a materials collection hub, it will support regional recycling programs.

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The construction activities of the facility had commenced last July on the county-owned land along Cross Community Road. This site had previously housed the Bernie Webb Ball Park, which has now been relocated.

According to Sullivan County Solid Waste Director Mark Torbett, the MRF was mainly funded from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. A recycling equipment grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has funded some of the equipment. Additionally, TDEC has awarded an additional grant to support the county’s recycling efforts, which will be allocated at the earliest.

The opening of the new facility is part of efforts by the County to improve its waste management systems.

The facility is expected to install additional new equipment in coming months, including an optical sorter.