en.Wedoany.com Reported - WM Canada is advancing the construction of its new pre-processing recycling facility in Edmonton, Alberta, with the project expected to be operational in early 2027. According to a company press release, the facility will utilize advanced sorting technologies, including automation and optical systems, to process a significant portion of Alberta's residential recyclable materials, thereby supporting the province's evolving recycling programs.
Tracy Black, President of WM Canada, stated that this investment reflects the company's commitment to building recycling infrastructure that better serves local communities. He noted that by leveraging advanced sorting technology and WM's operational expertise, the facility aims to increase material recovery rates, gradually expand the range of recyclable items, and contribute to the development of a circular economy.
The company explained that the project involves the modernization and significant expansion of an existing building on WM-owned property. An Alberta-based design-build firm has been selected for the construction portion of the project, supported by local contractors and subcontractors for the execution phase. WM Canada will own and operate the facility as part of Alberta's evolving Extended Producer Responsibility system, in collaboration with Circular Materials.
The construction phase is expected to create approximately 80 full-time jobs between 2026 and early 2027. Once operational, the facility is anticipated to employ about 45 full-time team members, including roles in management, supervision, equipment operation, technical support, and sorting. Hon Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas of Alberta, stated that this is another step forward for Alberta in advancing Extended Producer Responsibility, and the collaboration between Circular Materials and WM will help develop a streamlined recycling system supported by advanced sorting technology.
WM stated that the Edmonton facility will be equipped with an integrated sorting system where bag breakers, multiple screens, ballistic separators, and optical sorters work in coordination to enhance accuracy and efficiency throughout the recycling process. These technologies are designed to use near-infrared and advanced optical sorting systems to improve the identification and separation of packaging and paper products, enhance material capture and preparation for subsequent processing, while also supporting more efficient transportation and logistics in Alberta, as well as supply chain coordination and end-market demand.
Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, pointed out that a robust recycling system relies on infrastructure that can keep pace with today's packaging. The transition to Extended Producer Responsibility can spur innovation and efficiency, including single-stream recycling, where all recyclable materials are placed in the same bin and later sorted at a processing facility. He stated that with the development of the new Edmonton facility, they are expanding processing capacity to improve material quality and reliability while supporting long-term environmental outcomes.
The Edmonton facility is part of WM's enterprise-wide plan to invest over $1.38 billion USD ($1.9 billion CAD) from 2022 to 2027 in 39 new and upgraded recycling facilities across North America. The company stated that these investments are expected to add approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes of annual processing capacity by the end of 2027, which will expand WM's ability to manage more recyclable materials and offer a broader range of recycling services to its customers.
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