WM's Cascade Recycling Facility combines advanced technology
with WM's proprietary design to capture more recyclables and
advance sustainability for communities and businesses across
Western Washington.
Rebuilt in 2023, this state-of-the-art facility uses cutting-edge
technology to power efficient and high-tech recycling. The result
is less material going to landfills and more recyclables that can be
used for new products.
Cascade Recycling Facility sorts and bales aluminum cans
to be made into new cans, paper and cardboard boxes for new
paper products, glass jars for new glass, and water bottles for
eco-friendly toys, clothing, carpet and other items.
Proprietary Design and
Advanced Technologies
The intelligent sorting technology at this facility links advanced
optical sorters and volumetric scanners with eddy current separators
for maximum efficiency, versatility and automation. The facility's
technology package also includes a system to detect and
suppress fires.
Sustainability Leadership
Across North America, WM has invested $1 billion in recycling
infrastructure over the past decade. In Washington,
WM's investment to advance recycling technology totaled
more than $65 million in 2022-2023.
In Washington and Oregon, WM operates four recycling
centers using state-of-the-art equipment. This results in
higher quality materials leaving our facilities to be recycled
into new products or repurposed in meaningful ways,
conserving natural resources.
Facility Technology
Intelligent sorting enables
communication throughout the
facility, allowing systems to work
together to rapidly identify and
remove contaminants.
Optical sorters analyze materials
along conveyor belts and use air
jets to sort items (600 pieces
per minute)!
Volumetric scanners evaluate
how materials are distributed
throughout the facility and
adjust material flows to prevent
system overloads.
Fire suppression technology
supports workplace safety by
detecting and suppressing
fires that result from flammable
materials that are prohibited and
yet end up in the recycling.
