Key facts about Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Brooklyn
Processing curbside recyclables for NYC metro area
About SMR
Current Operations in NY-NJ Metro Region
NYC operates the largest curbside recycling program in the United States. SMR services the City of New York with its facilities in Queens, the Bronx and Jersey City, and its newest Brooklyn location which opened in 2013, the Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The Brooklyn plant is the largest commingled recycling facility in North America. SMR is the processor of 100% of the metal, glass and plastic and 50% of the paper collected by the NYC Department of Sanitation throughout the five boroughs.
SMR also operates one of the largest MRFs in New Jersey and processes recyclables produced by several other municipalities and private generators in the NY-NJ metro region, including Jersey City and Bayonne.
SMR operates MRFs on behalf of the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County and Lee County located in Florida.
We recycle:
- Metal
- Glass Jars and Bottles
- Rigid Plastic
- Cartons
- Paper
- Cardboard
The City of New York has put together recycling and sorting tips when using their blue and green recycling bins. Tips include information on sorting and what can (and can’t) be recycled through NYC’s curbside recycling program.
History of SMR
In 2003, Sims Metal Management (now Sims Limited), through Sims Municipal Recycling (SMR), expanded into curbside recycling in the United States. SMR has since become a cornerstone of New York City’s recycling system, processing and marketing approximately 500,000 tons of plastic, glass, metal and paper that New Yorkers put into recycling bins each year.
SMR – Showcasing Green Design
The use of recycled material as fill protected against super storm Sandy and future proofs the Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility.
Selldorf Architects
Selldorf Architects designed the Sunset Park MRF. Visit their website for more information about the design.
Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Wind Turbine
SMR commissioned New York City’s first commercial-scale wind turbine to generate electricity for the Sunset Park MRF, which is the central processing plant for all of New York City’s curbside recyclables. The 100kW wind turbine is located on the 30th Street Pier in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and takes advantage of the waterfront’s naturally windy location.
Featured Video
Mashable visited our Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility to find out what happens after NYC resident’s blue bins are collected.
Curbside Recycling Services in Your Area
Interested in learning how SMR can help your region in managing curbside recycling services?
Recycling for Other Recyclers
With greater restrictions on plastic imports into China, SMR has recently expanded its business of processing mixed plastics produced by other MRFs into sorted, saleable resins.
Media Requests
We actively partner with media groups and content creators to produce educational materials for a variety of audiences. Get in touch for media access and interview requests.