October, 2009

Kingston’s MRF Retrofits Project Promises Substantial Processing Efficiencies and Cost Savings

The City of Kingston’s MRF retrofit project wrapped up this past spring (2009) with the completion of substantial gains including:

• expanded tipping floor and bunker capacity
• installation of a new, eddy current aluminum separator and high-efficiency baler
• expanded bale storage area
• installation of two plastic container perforators and bunker sweep arms that spread out materials in the bunker to reduce “coning.”

The Efficiency and Effectiveness (E&E) Fund provided support, not only for this capital installation project, but also for expertise from Stewardship Ontario’s Blue Box “A” Team to help the city assess their program and draft the MRF upgrade action plan. The Blue Box “Assistance” team was an E&E Fund project that offered municipalities practical, hands-on advice on all Blue Box recycling at no charge.

Kingston is achieving significant labour cost reductions, litter reductions, stronger material revenues and deferred requirements for new MRF construction. With the MRF retrofit, the city has increased its processing capacity, allowing it to accommodate growth in its original service areas, add new tonnage from South Frontenac Township and allow the township to avoid a substantial processing cost increase. Over the longer term, the city expects that the new efficiencies will be reflected in attractive contract pricing for MRF operations.

City staff member are working with a consultant to complete the final report, which will be posted soon on the Stewardship Ontario website, www.stewardshipontario.ca, E&E Fund section.

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In-the-Loop is an e-newsletter designed to provide news about Stewardship Ontario’s initiatives and related topics to municipal waste management staff. Comments are welcome. To subscribe or unsubscribe, contact Barbara McConnell, VP Communications & Stakeholder Relations at bmcconnell@stewardshipontario.ca