“This represents a new chapter in the evolution of the recycling program in the city and the state,” said Myles Cohen, Pratt’s Recycling Division President. “By raising awareness and educating the residents of Columbus about the benefits of recycling, Pratt and the City have proven that a facility nearly five times the size of the original MRF is not only justified but a sound investment for Pratt and the citizens of this region.” Cohen said the new plant would become “the economic hub” of curbside recycling for south west Georgia and many communities in neighboring Alabama. The MRF takes in single stream recyclables and sorts them using the latest in sorting machinery. At capacity, the plant will produce 200 tons a day of recyclables, including 150 tons of paper and OCC which will be used as furnish for Pratt’s 100% paper mill in Conyers, about 120 miles to the north. City officials are hoping the new MRF will help raise residential trash recycling from the current 5% rate to as much as 40% within 12 months. “It will improve the recycling capability for the entire region, so from an economic standpoint, this expansion benefits the state as well as area businesses and the communities,” Cohen said.
Pratt Recycling is a subsidiary of Pratt Industries, the 5th largest corrugated packaging company in the USA and the world’s largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company.
