This Earth Day, we are proud to celebrate two major milestones:two decades of pioneering mission-driven materials processing and the launch of its newly upgraded, cutting-edge Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Following a $12 million investment, the enhanced facility promises to substantially increase processing capacity and efficiency. The process of upgrading the facility took years of planning and implementation took place over six months to minimize downtime.

“This upgrade represents more than just new equipment—it’s a recommitment to the communities we serve and to the zero-waste mission that’s guided us for 20 years said Katie Drews, Co-President and CEO of Eureka Recycling. Every bale that leaves our facility reflects the values we fight for: environmental justice, strong local economies and communities, and a future free from waste. As the recycling industry changes, we’re proud to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.”

What’s New at the MRF

Our upgraded facility represents the next generation of local, responsible materials recovery. The enhancements increase efficiency, improve safety, and help us meet the growing challenges of today’s recycling stream. They include:

Advanced Optical Sorting Technology

• Installation of four state-of-the-art optical sorters, significantly enhancing sortation precision and
  effectiveness.

• Utilizes laser technology for rapid and accurate material identification.

• Employs targeted air jets to isolate specific materials at speeds exceeding 1,000 sorts per
  minute.

• Three sorters dedicated to the paper line ensure superior paper quality by removing
  contaminants such as recyclable containers and non-recyclables (plastic bags, wrappers, etc.).

• One sorter on the container line optimizes container purity and captures misplaced paper,
  including small or crumpled pieces.

Enhanced Cardboard Separation System:

• Upgraded to maximize the recovery of small cardboard, reflecting the increase in smaller
  packaging.

• Engineered to minimize film wrapping around screens, improving worker safety.

• Features an enlarged cardboard conveyor belt to reduce downtime caused by jams.

Streamlined Operations

• New automated conveyors now feed directly into our balers and compactors, making our processing smoother and faster than ever.

These upgrades enhance our ability to adapt to today’s material stream. It’s the second major upgrade in our facility’s history, following our 2014 transition to single-stream recycling.

“This facility upgrade is a game-changer,” said Miriam Holsinger, Co-President and COO of Eureka Recycling. “It’s not just about processing more—it’s about doing it better. We’re committed to using the best available technology to protect our workers, improve material quality, and stay true to our mission.”

Recycling That Stays Local

We’re proud that 75% of the material sorted at Eureka in 2024 remained in Minnesota for processing, and another 20% stayed in the broader Midwest. That means 95% of the recyclables sorted here support local and regional economies—and all of it stays within North America. This local loop is key to reducing transportation emissions, building domestic recycling markets, and creating jobs close to home.

Made Possible by Mission-Aligned Funding

This upgrade wouldn’t have been possible without the support of organizations that believe in the power of local, circular economies:

• Closed Loop Partners provided nearly 90% of the project’s funding through a below-market loan aimed at building circular infrastructure.

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) awarded us an $850,000 grant to fund one of the optical sorters—allowing for better separation of paper, glass, and cardboard on the container line.

• The Recycling Partnership also contributed a grant to cover additional expenses, supporting the upgrade across the board.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 20 years of community-first recycling and look ahead to the next 20, this upgrade sets the stage for deeper impact. 

Stay tuned for upcoming events, including public tours of the upgraded facility and opportunities to get involved. And if you’re a fan of creative engagement, don’t miss our “Name the Sorter” campaign launching soon—a chance for our community to help name one of our new optical sorters!

Here’s to 20 years of progress—and the next chapter in the fight for a zero-waste future.