Jan 06, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. AbitibiBowater announced the closing of the sale of its Recycling Division's material recycling facilities located in Arlington, Houston and San Antonio, Texas to Waste Management Recycle America for $12 million. AbitibiBowater will continue operating its recycling programs in Arlington, Houston and San Antonio, as well as in 20 other major metropolitan areas across North America. With this transaction, AbitibiBowater will refocus its recycling efforts on its innovative community recycling Paper Retriever® program, as well as on the EcoRewards® recycling initiative for commercial customers. "The sale of our Texas processing assets allows us to refocus our energy on expanding our recycling services to more customers in more cities across North America, while supporting responsible paper use and recovery," stated Sylvain Longval, Vice President, Recycling - North America. "These turnkey recycling programs are a testament to AbitibiBowater's product stewardship, leadership in recycling and proactive approach to sustainability." As part of the sale, AbitibiBowater's Recycling Division has also reached an agreement where Waste Management Recycle America will process the materials generated by the Paper Retriever and EcoRewards programs in Arlington, Houston and San Antonio. These transactions are part of AbitibiBowater's ongoing restructuring efforts to streamline its businesses and work through its creditor protection filings.