Prince George's County MRF (MES) - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
The Prince George's County Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) is a critical environmental asset owned by the Prince George's County Government and operated by the Maryland Environmental Service (MES). Established in October 1993 and converted to a single-stream processing facility in 2007, its core mission is to simplify recycling for residents, increase recycling rates, and divert waste from landfills. MES, a quasi-governmental agency, provides essential operational and technical environmental services across Maryland on a fee-for-service basis. The MRF plays a significant role in the county's ambitious long-term goal of achieving zero waste by efficiently processing approximately 70,000 tons of residential recyclable materials annually and contributing to the circular economy by preparing materials for reuse in new products.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The primary objectives of the Prince George's County MRF involve the efficient processing of single-stream recyclable materials. This includes effectively removing contaminants, accurately separating paper by grade, segregating ferrous and aluminum containers, and dividing plastics by resin type. The ultimate goal is to prepare these sorted materials for shipment to end markets, where they are reused in manufacturing new products. The facility aims to increase recycling value and volume, enhance food waste diversion, promote the reuse of divertible materials, and drive source reduction efforts as part of the county's broader zero-waste initiative.
Specialization Areas
The MRF specializes in single-stream recycling, a system adopted in 2007 to enhance convenience for residents by allowing all recyclables into one container. This approach has aimed to boost the recycling rate, lower collection costs, and broaden the range of materials collected. The facility is equipped to process approximately 70,000 tons of recycled materials annually from residential sources, with a daily capacity of about 500 tons.
Target Markets
The primary target market for the Prince George's County MRF's processing services is the residents of Prince George's County. The facility focuses on materials collected through the county's curbside pickup program. For the sorted and baled commodities (glass, aluminum, steel, plastic, and paper), the target markets are various end-use manufacturers and recycling facilities that utilize these materials as raw components for new products. Additionally, products from the associated Organics Composting Facility, such as LeafGro® and LeafGro GOLD, target consumers, institutions, and communities interested in soil amendments and diverting food scraps.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The Prince George's County MRF is owned by the Prince George's County Government, with operations managed by the Maryland Environmental Service (MES), a partnership that commenced in November 2015. MES operates on a fee-for-service model and does not receive direct state operating appropriations. It has the capacity to assist partners with project financing through equipment lease financing and can issue taxable and tax-exempt debt for capital projects.
MES reported total revenues of $218.2 million in 2024, demonstrating growth in several environmental service areas, including environmental engineering, environmental dredging and restoration, hazardous waste treatment, and solid waste management. The net position of MES increased by $674,000 between fiscal years 2023 and 2024, reaching $30.7 million. Revenue generated from the sale of finished compost products, such as LeafGro GOLD, is directed back to Prince George's County to help offset operational costs.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
The Prince George's County MRF itself is an operational facility for processing recyclables rather than developing discrete "products" in the traditional sense. Its primary service is the efficient sorting and processing of mixed recyclable materials into marketable commodities.
However, in terms of broader waste management infrastructure development, a significant "pipeline development" relates to the Prince George's County Organics Composting Facility.
Product Name: Organic Composting Facility (service) and LeafGro® / LeafGro GOLD (products)
Description: The facility processes yard waste and food waste into nutrient-rich compost products. It is the largest food waste composting facility on the East Coast.
Development Stage: Fully operational and recently expanded (expansion completed late summer 2018).
Target Market/Condition: The facility targets county residents and businesses for organic waste diversion, converting waste into valuable soil amendments. LeafGro® and LeafGro GOLD are sold commercially to consumers, landscapers, and agricultural users.
Key Features and Benefits: The expansion significantly increased processing capacity from 12,000 tons/year to 57,000 tons/year for food and green waste. It utilizes a 12-windrow SG Bunker System with GORE Covers, which accelerates compost production to approximately 8 weeks, reduces odors, and ensures environmental compliance by managing leachate. This facility is crucial for diverting organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the county's zero-waste initiative.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The Prince George's County MRF employs a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies and equipment for single-stream recyclable processing:
Conveyor belts: Facilitate the movement of mixed recyclables through the processing line.
Manual sorting stations: Staff perform initial removal of non-recyclable items and oversized objects, acting as a crucial contamination control point.
Star screens: Mechanically separate flat items like cardboard from containers.
Combination screens: Further differentiate paper materials from other commingled containers.
Magnets: Automatically extract steel cans from the material stream.
Glass breakers/removers: Process and direct glass shards into storage.
Eddy currents: Utilize magnetic fields to eject aluminum cans into dedicated storage bunkers for baling.
Advanced optical sorting technology: This sophisticated system identifies and segregates various plastic types by resin, directing them to appropriate bunkers for baling. This technology is vital for producing high-quality, marketable plastic commodities.
Baling machines: Compact sorted materials (paper, plastics, metals) into dense bales for efficient storage and transportation to end markets.
The associated Organics Composting Facility leverages the GORE Cover System, an aerated static pile system for compost production. This technology includes oxygen and temperature monitoring, significantly reducing composting time from 6-9 months to about 8 weeks. It also effectively mitigates odors and vermin, enhances environmental compliance by preventing stormwater contamination of leachate, and protects groundwater.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
The Prince George's County MRF's governance and operations are a collaborative effort between the Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE) and the Maryland Environmental Service (MES).
Dr. Samuel B. Moki, Director, Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE):
Background: Dr. Moki possesses a law degree, two master's degrees, and a Ph.D. in political science with a minor in public administration. He has prior experience within the Department of the Environment.
Contributions: As Director, he leads the DoE's vision and initiatives, including those impacting waste management and recycling efforts in the county.
Charles C. Glass, Ph.D., P.E., Executive Director, Maryland Environmental Service (MES):
Background: Dr. Glass's career spans over 30 years as a research and engineering professional in civil and environmental engineering. His previous roles include Deputy Secretary at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Analysis and Planning at the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Contributions: As Executive Director, he guides MES in providing operational and technical services that safeguard and enhance Maryland's environment, overseeing the management of facilities like the Prince George's County MRF.
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-glass-ph-d-p-e-a6121415](https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-glass-ph-d-p-e-a6121415)
Hament Patel, Managing Director, Finance, MES:
Contributions: Responsible for the financial strategic direction and oversight of key operational financial areas within MES.
Timothy J. Ford, Managing Director, Environmental Operations, MES:
Contributions: Oversees the delivery and efficiency of MES's environmental operations, which includes the management of facilities such as the MRF.
Melissa J. Slatnick, Managing Director, Technical & Environmental Services, MES:
Contributions: Directs technical and environmental service initiatives, ensuring the application of best practices and innovative solutions. (Melissa Filiaggi was previously identified as Division Chief overseeing Prince George's County operations at MES).
Jessica Moore, Manager of the Recycling Section, DoE:
Achievements: Accepted the Organics Diversion Program of the Year award in February 2024, highlighting the success of the county's initiatives under her section's management.
Recent Leadership Changes
Dr. Samuel B. Moki was confirmed as the Director of the Prince George's County Department of the Environment on October 21, 2025. This appointment maintains strong leadership for the county's environmental programs.
Charles C. Glass, Ph.D., P.E. was reappointed as the Executive Director of Maryland Environmental Service by Governor Wes Moore on July 1, 2023, ensuring continuity and continued expertise at the helm of MES.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Maryland Environmental Service (MES) is a significant regional employer with over 800 employees, managing more than 1,000 environmental projects across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), health plans, paid leave, and tuition assistance, emphasizing employee well-being, continuous learning, and career development.
Current hiring trends at MES highlight recruitment for specialized roles such as "Senior Lead, Recycling Program" in various counties. These roles involve crucial responsibilities like planning and implementing recycling activities, and preparing financial analyses (cost/revenue). The estimated salary range for these positions is between $64,289.46 and $88,397.83, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Environmental Science, or a related field, coupled with three years of professional experience in solid waste management or the recycling industry. This indicates a demand for skilled professionals to manage and expand recycling initiatives.
Company Growth Trajectory Indicators
MES was recognized as a "Top Workplaces 2023," reflecting high employee satisfaction and a strong reputation within the region. This recognition, along with the organization's commitment to innovation and sustainability, contributes to a positive environment for career advancement for those passionate about environmental impact. The consistent growth in MES's revenues, which totaled $218.2 million in 2024, with increases across various environmental services, indicates a robust and expanding operational scope. The net position increase of $674,000 between fiscal 2023 and 2024 further underscores financial stability and growth. The expansion of facilities like the Organics Composting Facility also demonstrates a commitment to increasing operational capacity and environmental services.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
Both the Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE) and the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) actively leverage social media to disseminate information, promote their initiatives, and engage the public on waste management and recycling.
YouTube: The Prince George's County Government's YouTube channel features content relevant to the MRF, including virtual tours and educational videos. These videos demonstrate the recycling process and highlight the county's zero-waste commitment, providing transparency and public education.
YouTube Channel (relevant content): [https://www.youtube.com/@PrinceGeorgesCountyGov](https://www.youtube.com/@PrinceGeorgesCountyGov)
Facebook: Maryland Environmental Service maintains an active presence on Facebook, which is utilized for funding services and general communication.
LinkedIn: Maryland Environmental Service uses LinkedIn for professional networking, showcasing its operations, and potentially recruitment.
Instagram: Maryland Environmental Service also has an Instagram presence, likely used for visual communication and community engagement.
Brand Messaging and Positioning
Key digital messaging centers on promoting the convenience and benefits of single-stream recycling, educating residents about acceptable and unacceptable materials, and fostering community participation in waste reduction. Both organizations emphasize Prince George's County's ambitious long-term goal of achieving zero waste. Campaigns and content aim to involve residents, businesses, and visitors in collective efforts towards environmental sustainability.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
The Prince George's County Department of the Environment (DoE) has received notable industry recognition for its initiatives.
In February 2024, Jessica Moore, Manager of the Recycling Section for the DoE, accepted the Organics Diversion Program of the Year award. This highlights the success and effectiveness of the county's efforts in diverting organic waste from landfills.
Maryland Environmental Service (MES), the operator of the MRF, was recognized as a "Top Workplaces 2023." This accolade indicates a positive organizational culture and strong employee sentiment, contributing to its reputable standing as a leading environmental service provider in the region.
9. Competitive Analysis
Major Competitors
The Prince George's County MRF operates within the public waste management and recycling sector. Its "competitors" are primarily other waste disposal methods, such as landfills, and other regional waste and recycling service providers—both public and private—that compete for contracts or the flow of waste materials.
Montgomery County MRF: This facility, also operated by the Maryland Environmental Service, provides recycling services for its residents. However, it employs a dual-stream system, which separates paper/cardboard from commingled materials (glass, metal, plastic), distinct from Prince George's County's single-stream approach. This difference in processing methodology represents an alternative approach to residential recycling.
Private Recycling Facilities (e.g., Olive Street Processing LLC): Private entities like Olive Street Processing LLC in Capitol Heights handle recycled goods, often serving institutions or commercial clients rather than directly competing for residential curbside waste. These facilities demonstrate alternative capacities and service models within the recycling industry.
Other Regional Waste Management Departments: Major public entities such as the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Philadelphia Water Department, Pennsylvania American Water, and DC Water, serve similar missions regarding waste management and environmental services. While their specific operational models, geographic scopes, and service offerings may vary, they represent the broader continuum of public sector waste and environmental service provision.
The competitive landscape emphasizes that public entities like Prince George's County and MES prioritize public service goals, including environmental protection, waste diversion, and sustainability for their communities, often contrasting with the profit-driven motives of purely private waste management companies.
10. Market Analysis
Market Overview
Prince George's County generates approximately 1.6 million tons of waste annually, encompassing municipal solid waste. The county's long-term vision is to achieve zero waste, driven by increased recycling, food waste diversion, reuse initiatives, and source reduction. The market for recycled materials is a critical component of the MRF's success. The county is committed to producing high-quality, uncontaminated baled materials to meet global market demands and secure optimal prices for its commodities. The quality of these materials is paramount, as buyers often reject contaminated batches.
Growth Potential
The market for compost products, specifically LeafGro® and LeafGro GOLD from the Organics Composting Facility, demonstrates robust demand. These products consistently sell out annually, with a notable waiting list from institutions and communities eager to participate in food scrap diversion and purchase the compost. This strong demand highlights a significant economic opportunity within waste diversion. The expansion of the composting facility, which addressed the fact that roughly one-third of landfill-bound materials were organic and compostable, underscores a substantial growth area for sustainable waste management.
Key Market Trends
The global recycling market increasingly demands high-quality, uncontaminated recyclable materials. This trend emphasizes the importance of effective sorting technologies and public education on proper recycling practices. Another significant trend is the growing focus on organic waste diversion and composting. This addresses the substantial portion of municipal waste that can be converted into valuable soil amendments, reducing landfill dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. The move towards zero waste initiatives at the county level reflects a broader societal and governmental commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.
Market Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges include maintaining stringent material quality to meet market demands and combatting contamination issues, such as plastic bags and Styrofoam, which can degrade the value of recycled commodities. Expanding recycling opportunities for apartment buildings and businesses also presents logistical hurdles.
Opportunities lie in further investing in advanced sorting technologies, expanding public outreach and education programs to reduce contamination, and developing additional capacity for organic waste processing. The strong demand for compost products presents an opportunity to scale up production and explore new markets for these valuable resources, contributing to both environmental benefits and revenue generation for the county.
11. Strategic Partnerships
The operational backbone of the Prince George's County MRF is the critical partnership between the Prince George's County Government (the owner) and the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) (the operator). This collaboration ensures that the facility's day-to-day operations, including the marketing and sale of processed recyclable materials, are efficiently managed.
Another significant partnership for the county's broader waste management strategy is with Sustainable Generation, a clean technology composting company. Sustainable Generation played a pivotal role in assisting Prince George's County with its food waste pilot project and the subsequent major expansion of the Organics Composting Facility. This collaboration facilitated the implementation of advanced composting technologies and significantly increased the county's capacity for organic waste diversion.
12. Operational Insights
Current Market Position
The Prince George's County MRF holds a strong operational position as a modernized single-stream recycling facility serving a large metropolitan county. Its strategic location in Capitol Heights, Maryland, enhances its ability to serve residential waste streams efficiently. The county's long-term commitment to zero waste provides a robust framework for the MRF's continued relevance and expansion within the regional waste management landscape.
Competitive Advantages
Single-
