York County MRF - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The York County Material Recovery Facility (MRF) functions as a crucial component of the York County Government’s Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Division in South Carolina. Its core mission is to manage solid waste responsibly for county residents, by providing long-term programs and infrastructure that prioritize waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The facility plays a vital role in processing growing tonnages of residential recycling materials, aligning with broader county objectives for quality public services and environmental sustainability. Established in 1993, York County’s recycling program, driven by the MRF, is recognized as one of the forefront programs in South Carolina's waste management industry.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The primary objective of the York County MRF is to efficiently process the increasing volume of residential recycling materials, along with a limited amount of commercial waste, collected from the county’s 16 collection and recycling centers. The facility aims to ensure that recyclable materials are effectively sorted, prepared, and shipped for repurposing, thereby minimizing waste directed to landfills and promoting environmental sustainability. This aligns with the waste reduction and recycling goals outlined in the South Carolina Solid Waste Management Policy Act.

Specialization Areas

The MRF specializes in single-stream recycling operations, utilizing advanced technology to process mixed recycling materials efficiently. Its expertise lies in sorting, preparing, and shipping a diverse range of recyclables for repurposing.

Target Markets

The York County MRF primarily serves the approximately 2,900 York County residents who use the 16 collection and recycling centers weekly. It processes materials collected directly from these centers, rather than operating in a commercial market for customers in the traditional sense. Its "target market" is therefore the entire residential population of York County, ensuring accessible and efficient public recycling services.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

As a government-operated facility, the York County MRF's funding is predominantly sourced from general county funds and user fees. The York County Council recently approved the renewal of a solid waste disposal contract with Waste Management, with price adjustments not exceeding $4.53 million annually. This contract contributes to the broader waste management infrastructure and indirectly impacts the resources available for recycling operations. The county government has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), indicating robust financial planning and transparency.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

The York County MRF operates as a single-stream facility, processing mixed recycling materials collected from the county's 16 collection and recycling centers. The processed materials are then shipped to market for repurposing. The operational pipeline focuses on continuously handling the increasing volume of residential recycling materials generated by the county's growing population.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

The York County MRF utilizes an advanced Machinex single-stream system for its recycling operations. This modern technological platform includes:

MACH double-deck OCC screen: Designed to reduce wrapping and enhance cardboard recovery.

Fines screen: Positioned at the beginning of the process for initial material separation.

MACH Ballistic Separator: Efficiently separates fiber from containers, serving as an alternative to traditional disc screens.

Automated container sorting line: Integrates a PET optical sorter, a magnet for ferrous metals, and an eddy current separator for non-ferrous metals.

Machinex II-ram baler: Completes the system, compacting sorted materials.

This integrated approach represents a significant upgrade from the county's previous dual-stream facility, which relied predominantly on manual labor.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

The Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Division, encompassing the York County MRF, operates under the York County Public Works Department. Key individuals include:

Eric Rekitt: Director of Public Works.

Ryan Blancke: Assistant Director of Public Works.

Steven Williams: Solid Waste Collection/Recycling Supervisor.

Leslie Hatchell: County Recycling Coordinator/Educator.

Arthur Ligon: A representative from York County government who played a role in the Machinex MRF project.

These individuals are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the county's solid waste and recycling initiatives.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

York County's Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Division is actively recruiting for roles such as Sorters at the Material Recovery Facility and Collection/Recycling Center Attendants for its 16 centers. The county collaborates with staffing agencies like Marathon Staffing for recruitment efforts.

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

York County is experiencing strong economic and demographic growth. Over the past 12 months (as of April 2024), York County added 1,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate has consistently remained below 4% for two years. The average annual wage is $57,145, with local wages increasing by 11.6% over the last two years. The county's population grew by 1.4% in one year (as of July 2023), adding 4,119 residents, and a net increase of 16,231 residents since 2020. This population surge indicates a growing demand for solid waste management and recycling services, driving the need for continuous MRF expansion and efficiency improvements.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

The York County Government maintains an active social media presence on platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn. Dedicated social media channels for recycling and environmental initiatives include:

Facebook: York County Recycling (https://www.facebook.com/YCRecycling)

Instagram: York County Recycling (@yorkcountyrecycling)

Facebook: Keep York County Beautiful (www.facebook.com/kycb7)

X (Twitter): Keep York County Beautiful (@KeepYCBeautiful)

These platforms are utilized for community engagement, disseminating recycling guidelines, sharing information on collection center hours and special events, and promoting environmental stewardship. The county also features educational videos showcasing the MRF process on its YouTube channel.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

The York County recycling program, established in 1993, is recognized as one of the best in South Carolina. The York County MRF has served as a learning destination, hosting "Lunch, Learn, & Network" events by the Carolina Recycling Association, offering tours of its sorting, preparation, and shipping processes. The broader York County government has also received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), acknowledging sound financial management.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

As a county-owned public facility, the York County MRF primarily serves residents and does not compete in a commercial market. Its "competition" lies in the efficiency and accessibility of its public services compared to alternative waste disposal methods or private waste management companies. Key private companies operating within and around York County that represent alternative options or partners in the broader waste ecosystem include:

Republic Services: Offers recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal services, including scheduled pickup and dumpster rental.

Waste Management Inc.: A major player in municipal solid waste management, holding a solid waste disposal contract with York County.

Waste Pro USA: A third-party collector that partners with towns like Fort Mill to transport recyclables to the York County MRF.

These companies predominantly offer collection, hauling, and disposal services, and may operate their own or utilize various materials recovery facilities or landfills.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The global Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness, stringent government recycling regulations, and rising demand for recycled materials. The market was valued at approximately $15 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach an estimated $25 billion by 2033, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. North America holds a leading position in the MRF market, accounting for almost 40% of the world's installed capacity.

Key trends include increasing demand for recycled materials, stricter environmental regulations, advancements in sorting technology, and the integration of AI and robotics. York County, situated within the rapidly growing Charlotte metropolitan area, is experiencing considerable population growth. This demographic trend directly contributes to an increasing tonnage of residential recycling materials, underscoring the vital need for robust and efficient MRF operations.

11. Strategic Partnerships

The York County MRF has forged significant strategic collaborations to enhance its operational capabilities. A key partnership was established with Machinex, which was awarded the bid to provide the new single-stream materials recovery facility. Machinex's expertise and technology were instrumental in upgrading the county's recycling infrastructure.

The MRF also collaborates with external entities for recyclable collection and delivery. For instance, the Town of Fort Mill has arranged for its third-party collector, Waste Pro USA, to transport recyclables to York County's Material Recovery Facility, showcasing a localized partnership for efficient waste management.

12. Operational Insights

The York County MRF has successfully transitioned from a labor-intensive dual-stream system to a more automated single-stream facility with Machinex technology. This upgrade has significantly increased the county’s capacity to process a higher volume of mixed recyclables efficiently. The MRF processes materials from 16 county-operated collection and recycling centers, underscoring its centralized role in the county's waste management strategy.

13. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

The York County MRF is positioned strategically to address the increasing demand for recycling services fueled by the county's rapid population growth. Future initiatives will likely focus on optimizing the Machinex single-stream system to handle greater volumes and potentially exploring further technological advancements in sorting and material recovery. The operational roadmap will prioritize continuous efficiency improvements and maintaining the high standards of the county's recycling program.