Date: September 26, 2012
Source: Balcones Resources Inc.
Balcones Resources Inc. (Austin, TX) has opened a new $25 million single-stream recycling facility in Austin, TX. The facility, which sits on a 10-acre parcel in the northeastern part of the city, will process 25 tons of materials per hour and is designed to expand in concert with the city's needs. By next month the facility will be handling 60 percent of the city's residential recyclables for which it now has a 20-year contract. The company already processes a significant amount of the commercially generated recyclables in the city. The highly-automated plant features the latest in patented screening, optical and controls technology, manufactured by Bulk Handling Systems, Eugene, OR. "We want this facility to serve as a model for the rest of the country, just as Austin is leading the way with its zero-waste efforts. It is our privilege to play a part," said Balcones CEO Kerry Getter.
PRESS RELEASE
September 26, 2012
Balcones Resources Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening of Its State-of-the-Art Material Recovery Facility
Significant Step Toward Meeting City's Zero-Waste Goal
Balcones Resources Inc. (Balcones), the largest independent recycling company in the southwest United States, will celebrate the opening of its new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on Wednesday, September 26, at 4:00 p.m. The facility is located at 9301 Johnny Morris Road, a 10-acre site in northeast Austin. Balcones CEO Kerry Getter and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell will speak during the ceremony along with Travis County Commissioner Ron Davis and the City of Austin's Director of Resource Recovery Bob Gedert.
"Today's grand opening is a historic day for the Balcones family, for our entire team and for the City and all of Central Texas," said Balcones CEO Kerry Getter. "We want this facility to serve as a model for the rest of the country, just as Austin is leading the way with its zero-waste efforts. It is our privilege to play a part."
The $25-million MRF incorporates state-of-the-art machinery and technology, allowing it to process 25 tons of single stream recyclables per hour. It represents the largest capital investment by a privately held recycling company in the State of Texas, and one of the most significant in the United States. Additionally, the facility was designed so that it can easily be expanded as Balcones' partnership with the City grows. Balcones already handles a large portion of the City's commercial recycling and in October will start processing 60 percent of the City's residential curbside recycling material.
"The City is fortunate to have found such a trusted partner in Balcones Resources," said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. "Kerry Getter and his team have delivered on every commitment made; that's why we are here today to celebrate the opening of this new state-of-the-art facility."
The site of the new facility will have access to a rail line that runs from Austin throughout the country and internationally, allowing Balcones to contribute to a reduction in the area's carbon emissions by using rail cars to ship a substantial portion of its products.
Prior to the grand opening event, media are encouraged to film the new facility and equipment. Formal remarks will be made at 4:30 p.m. Speakers will be available for interviews after the event.
About Bulk Handling Systems (BHS)
BHS, headquartered in Eugene, OR, is a worldwide leader in the innovative design, engineering, manufacturing and installation of sorting systems and components for the solid waste, recycling, waste-to-energy, and construction and demolition industries. Clients around the globe choose BHS because of its experience, dedication to cutting-edge technology, quality construction and durability, and unmatched customer service. BHS has built some of the biggest and most durable MRFs in the world - and they are achieving the highest throughput, recovery, and purity rates in the industry. For more information, visit us at bulkhandlingsystems.com.
About Balcones Resources:
Established in 1994, Balcones Resources, Inc. is a locally owned environmental services holding company with corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas. Balcones is the largest independent recycling company in the southwest United States with facilities located in Austin, Dallas and Little Rock, Arkansas. Balcones is one of the top 100 recyclers in the combined U.S. / Canada marketplace, and the largest recycler in Central Texas. Balcones is also engaged is the business of document destruction (Balcones Shred) and the manufacturer of alternative fuels through Balcones Fuel Technology. With more than 30 years of experience, Balcones is a zero waste-based company and a leader in the sustainable industry. Balcones recycles more than 12,000 tons of recyclables each month. For more information visit us on the web at www.balconesresources.com.
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