Date: June 17, 2009
Source: Greenstar North America
Largest Recycling Facility in Texas Opens for Business in San Antonio
Greenstar North America Implements New Technologies Leading to Dramatic Rise in Recycling Rates
Houston-based Greenstar North America (www.greenstar-na.com), the country's largest private processor of recyclables and the largest municipal recycler in Texas, announced today that it has officially opened the largest recycling facility in Texas. The new plant is among the largest, most automated single stream facilities in North America. It has the capacity to process 20,000 tons per month at its 180,000 square foot facility located on nine acres in San Antonio. The facility will be opened by San Antonio's newly elected mayor, the Honorable Julian Castro and Greenstar Group CEO Mike Wynne at a private grand opening event today.
"The City of San Antonio has helped to pioneer recycling in Texas," said Mike Wynne, CEO of Greenstar North America and Chairman and CEO of Greenstar Global. "Today's grand opening demonstrates the commitment that has been made to increasing recycling rates - which is the right choice and allows the City to decrease landfill cost, preserve natural resources and reduce carbon emissions."
Greenstar has experienced a dramatic rise in recycling rates across its Texas markets, particularly in San Antonio. San Antonio rates have increased as high as 200 percent over the previous collection approach in some areas. The sharp increase is a direct result of the city implementing a single stream collection system as well as converting their existing 18-gallon collection system to 95 gallon carts. Single stream processing lets participants put recyclables conveniently into one bin, allowing for more efficient collection of materials and a decrease in labor.
While Texas has not traditionally been known for its recycling programs, Greenstar sees that perception shifting in the near future. Greenstar selected Texas as its North American headquarters recognizing there is a significant amount of potential on the commercial and municipal side for growth in recycling. Greenstar's level of investment has been significant: it invested over $300m in its U.S. recycling business over the last two years, of which $50m has been invested in Texas and in total, over this same period, its parent company, NTR, invested over $700 million in its U.S. environmental businesses.
"Greenstar is committed to working with our city and commercial partners to invest in technology that brings recycling solutions and reduces program costs," said John Rabon, Southwest Regional Manager, Greenstar. "Greenstar opted to build the facility in San Antonio because it has the largest recycling program in the State and will serve as an excellent hub to collect materials from key regions across Texas."
The facility employs approximately 100 people and accepts single stream materials from other recycling programs across the Central and South Texas region. Greenstar also operates the recycling facility located at 3003 Anoil Street in San Antonio which processes an additional 3,000 tons per month.
"We applaud those Texas cities that are aggressively looking to implement and improve sustainable programs," added Wynne. "We believe recycling should be at the core of all sustainability efforts. The dedication of cities, such as San Antonio, to implementing state-of-the-art recycling programs and technologies has enabled Greenstar to provide cost-saving programs while increasing the amount of materials collected."
The new San Antonio facility is located at 1228 Cornerway Boulevard.
About Greenstar North America
Greenstar is America's largest private processor of recyclables backed by one of the world's largest private recycling companies. Greenstar provides sustainable recycling solutions in the recycle processing, commodity upgrading and commodity trading sector of the solid waste market. Greenstar entered the U.S. market in 2007 and quickly established a platform for growth by partnering with some of the leading companies in the industry. The company handles 2.0 million tons per year of recyclables through a network of 14 processing facilities.
For more information visit www.greenstar-na.com.
About NTR plc
NTR plc is a leading international developer and operator in renewable energy and sustainable waste management. Founded in 1978, NTR has evolved from a developer and operator of infrastructure in Ireland to an international developer and operator of renewable energy (wind, solar and bio-ethanol), and sustainable waste management businesses in the USA, UK, and Ireland. The company employs over 4,100 people and has a market capitalization of approximately euro 500m ($685m).
For more information visit www.ntr.ie.
Or contact:
Kiska Workman
Office: 713-970-2188
Cell: 832-771-8051
kiska@vollmerpr.com.
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