Republic Services, Lab USA unveil landfill ash metal recovery plant in Washington

The waste management firm Republic Services Inc., Phoenix, and Lab USA, which specializes in reducing emissions to air, water and soil, have unveiled an ash metal recovery facility that will operate at Republic Services’ Roosevelt, Washington, regional landfill. The ash processing system allows for the reclamation of metals found in ash previously lost through traditional methods of resource recovery.

The facility is set to process ash delivered to the landfill, as well as process all of the existing ash currently in the landfill. Once recovered, the metals are processed and shipped to manufacturers.

“Environmental challenges require innovative solutions. We are proud to partner with Lab USA, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and remain committed to identifying advanced technologies and resources that allow us to repurpose valuable commodities to make new products,” says Mike Huycke, area president with Republic Services. “We must lead by example, working diligently to preserve our natural environment through innovative landfill and processing technologies.”

"Lab USA is very excited about beginning this long-term relationship with Republic Services. The Roosevelt Regional Landfill is an example of progressive waste management and Lab USA is proud to be a part of the effort to protect the planet. The removal of metals from ash is a big step in recycling efforts and it is the first step in the beneficial use of ash, on which Lab USA is focused," says Brent DuBois, president and CEO of Lab USA. 

In a news release, Republic says the facility is expected to recover and recycle more than 46,200 tons of ferrous metals and 42,900 tons of nonferrous metals per year.

Roosevelt Landfill uses the waste collected from municipalities across Washington and converts the methane gas into a renewable energy source. Working with the Klickitat Public Utility District, the landfill currently provides enough energy to power up to 30,000 local households annually.

“The ash processing facility continues a tradition of environmental stewardship and technical innovation that has always been present at the Roosevelt Regional Landfill. Klickitat County is a proud partner with Republic Services and Lab USA," says Kevin Berry, Klickitat County solid waste director.