Republic Services

Republic Services’ Metrolina Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a key component of the company's extensive recycling network, which includes over 200 facilities across the United States. The Metrolina MRF processes approximately 120,000 tons of single-stream recyclables annually, efficiently sorting materials collected from residential curbside programs, schools, and drop-off centers throughout Mecklenburg County and neighboring jurisdictions.

A significant output of the facility is around 30,000 tons of Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) fiber each year. Advanced optical sorting technologies are employed to produce OCC #11 grade bales with less than 1% out-throws, ensuring high-quality recycled fiber. Each bale is laser-tagged for origin tracking, enhancing supply chain transparency.​

This traceable recycled fiber is utilized by companies like Cruz Foam, which incorporates it as a diluted cellulose filler in their compostable protective packaging solutions.

This collaboration exemplifies a circular economy approach, transforming post-consumer materials into sustainable packaging products.​