As some MRFs close during the pandemic, more adapt and carry on

Social distancing has become a challenge, PPE is in high demand and staffing availability is shifting. While MRFs in some states have closed, the industry's biggest residential recyclers report their facilities are still largely operational.

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Social distancing is a challenge, PPE is in high demand and labor is shifting. Some MRFs have closed, but the industry's biggest residential recyclers report their facilities are largely operational.

As the waste and recycling industry makes a rapid pivot to life under the specter of coronavirus, MRFs are seeing some of the biggest operational changes.

New workplace guidelines have led to closures or limitations at processing facilities in multiple states — including Arkansas, California, Michigan, New York and South Carolina — but the majority of U.S. MRFs appear to still be running normally. Over the past week, Waste Dive spoke with operators ranging in size from one location to more than 100 and heard similar comments about how these facilities are adapting. While conditions are challenging, many also emphasized a feeling of obligation to keep going as a recognized essential service during the pandemic.

This news brief is based on reporting published by Waste Dive on 2020-04-08. The original report is linked below.