Single Stream Recycling Facility
November, 2007

Why is the Cooperative considering a single stream recycling facility?
At what stage in the process is the Cooperative?
What is single stream recycling?
What materials are/are not accepted at a single stream recycling facility?
How are materials delivered?
How does the process work?
What are the advantages of single stream recycling?
What size facility is the Cooperative considering?
Where will the facility be located?
What is the anticipated project structure?
What are potential partnership arrangements?
What are the anticipated economics of the project?
What is the anticipated project schedule?

Why is the Cooperative considering a single stream recycling facility?
The Cooperative was initially formed to provide for solid waste disposal for the 27 member municipalities. The Cooperative has been evaluating methods to improve overall recycling within the member municipalities and to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of at the waste-to-energy plant in Penacook. Single stream recycling was found to best meet those needs. 

At what stage in the process is the Cooperative?
The Cooperative has voted to proceed with evaluations and development of a single stream recycling facility to serve the 27 Cooperative municipalities and surrounding areas. Evaluations are on-going including initial discussions with potential partners and final evaluations of three viable sites. Final decisions to proceed are anticipated for early 2008. Additional schedule information is provided below.

What is single stream recycling?
Single stream recycling is a process where mixed recyclables materials are collected and transported in a single container for transport to a recycling facility where the materials are sorted and processed into various marketable recyclable materials.

What materials are/are not accepted at a single stream recycling facility?
In general all materials that are typically source separated or picked up curbside for recycling are acceptable (plus additional plastics which are often not recycled).

The following materials are accepted:

The following materials are not accepted:

How are materials delivered?
Materials can be delivered either loose or compacted in a variety of hauling vehicles including open top containers, compacted boxes or trailers, and packer trucks.

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How does the process work?
The proposed facility will use state of the art equipment which will sort the materials into various recyclables streams and bale or process materials for transport to markets. A schematic showing a typical single stream recyclable facility is attached. Evaluations of the specific equipment and technologies for the proposed facility are on-going.

What are the advantages of single stream recycling?
With all materials mixed in one container, recycling is simplified. It is much easier for homeowners and businesses to store one material in one bin. Collection and transportation is also simplified with only one material to handle. Materials can be compacted leading to increased transportation efficiencies.  Specific benefits include:

• Increased recycling participation due to ease of recycling

• Increased recycling rates due to ease of recycling and in some cases additional materials accepted

• Improved efficiencies for curbside recycling including less time per stop, ability to compact recyclables in packers, and potential for automated collection

• Improved efficiencies at drop-off recycling centers including greatly simplified drop off (less time for residents/shorter lines), simplified facility requirements and storage, and ability to compact recyclables for transport to minimize transport costs.

What size facility is the Cooperative considering?
The single stream facility is anticipated to be in the range of 35,000 - 50,000 tons per year (14-20 tons/hour). Initially one shift per day with potential for two shift operation.

The facility will serve the 27 communities within the Cooperative. Due to economies of scale, recyclables from outside the Cooperative are also needed (Cooperative single stream recycling quantities are expected to be in the range of 10,000 tons/year or greater. 25,000 tons/year of material is required for efficient and economic operation. 

Where will the facility be located?
Siting evaluations within the Cooperative communities is on-going. Initial potential sites are in Franklin and Concord.

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What is the anticipated project structure?
It is currently anticipated the Cooperative will design and build the plant with a conventional construction contract, and separate procurement of the recycling equipment from qualified manufacturers. The Cooperative anticipates procuring services from qualified companies for the operation of the facility on a contract basis. The Cooperative will own the facility for the long term benefit of the Cooperative and Associate Cooperative members.

What are potential partnership arrangements?
The Cooperative is considering entering into partnership arrangements with interested municipalities as Associate Cooperative Members for long term delivery of materials with cost/revenue sharing arrangements for preferred pricing. Associate Cooperative Members will be accepted on a first come/first served basis until projected base level tonnages are achieved. 

Short term and spot market arrangements with interested parties will also be considered.

The Cooperative is also communicating with private waste companies and material brokers regarding potential use of the facility.

What are the anticipated economics of the project?
The final cost structure is yet to be determined and will depend in part on the amount of materials processed and recycling markets.

At present, the economics are anticipated to allow a modest return of revenue for every ton delivered, with potential additional profit sharing for Associate Cooperative Members.

What is the anticipated project schedule?
The current anticipated schedule is as follows:

• Continued evaluations and discussion with potential partners in 2007/early 2008

• Cooperative to make final decision in March 2008 on facility implementation

• Design, equipment procurement and RFP for operator in 2008

• Construction 2009

• Operations – Beginning late 2009/early 2010

We will be requesting non-binding letters of interest from potential Associate Cooperative Members in the spring of 2008, with Town Meeting or City Council authorization anticipated in the spring of 2009.

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