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MRF LOCATION, DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Where is the MRF located?
Springfield Materials Recycling Facility
84 Birnie Ave
Springfield, MA 01107
The MRF is convenient to Route 91 and the Mass.
Turnpike. It is located at 84 Birnie Ave. in Springfield.
Directions to the MRF from Route 91
 Route 91 south to exit 11, straight off the ramp
to the left onto Birnie Ave., 1/2 mile to the MRF on
the right.
Route 91 north to exit 10, left off the ramp onto
Main Street, then left onto Walter Street, then left onto Birnie Ave.,
approximately 1/2 mile to the MRF on the right.
How do I reach the MRF by phone or fax?
Weighmaster and Plant Manager:
Phone (413) 747-9294;
Fax (413) 747-9198
When is the MRF open?
The MRF is open for delivery of recyclables Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For weeks during which a holiday is observed, the MRF is open on the Saturday following the holiday from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free tours are available for schools and other groups.
To schedule a tour call DEP at (413) 755-2286
When does the MRF close for holidays?
The MRF is closed for the following holidays: New
Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day.
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COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION
Communities delivering recyclables to the
Springfield MRF represent a population of under one million. All
participating communities have contracts with DEP, known as the MRF
contract or "Springfield Materials Recycling Facility Municipal
Agreement," that defines each party's responsibilities in the program.
Municipalities are responsible for:
1.Enforcing mandatory recycling bylaws or ordinances.
2.Distributing educational materials to residents.
3. Collecting and transporting recyclables to the MRF.
What is the MRF Advisory Board (MAB)?
The MAB is a public body created by the MRF
contract to discuss and review MRF operations,to provide education
about the MRF recycling program,
and to mediate disputes between towns,
the MRF operators and DEP
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MRF BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A MRF, (pronounced "MURF") is a processing facility where recyclable paper, glass, metal, aseptic containers and plastics are sorted and baled before being marketed to industries which use recycled materials. The MRF was built by the state during the solid waste disposal crisis of the late 1980's. In 1990, the MRF was built by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide western Massachusetts communities with a cost-effective, long-term recycling alternative.
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MRF OWNERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
The land and buildings are owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The facility equipment is owned by the facility operator. The MRF is operated by a private contractor, Waste Management Recycle America (WMRA), a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. The contract runs through June 2015. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees the operation of the MRF by the private contractor.
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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE MRF
Who sends recyclables to the MRF?
Communities from the four western Massachusetts counties are eligible to deliver recyclables to the MRF if they have signed a contract with DEP and have a mandatory recycling ordinance or bylaw. Approximately 78 western Massachusetts communities send their recyclables to the MRF.
What is a Designated MRF Community?
A Designated MRF Community is one that has signed a
contract with DEP to bring recyclables to the MRF.
Can anyone else send recyclables to the MRF?
Yes. There are two ways that an entity other than a
Designated MRF Community can deliver materials to the MRF: 1) through
authorization as a Designated Hauler; or 2) through a separate agreement
with the MRF operator. For more information, contact DEP at (413)
755-2286.
Are recyclables delivered by these non-municipal
entities subject to different guidelines or
delivery schedules?
All loads are subject to standard MRF
specifications and scheduling procedures. Any entity that has made a
formal arrangement for accessing the MRF through a Designated MRF
Community, the MRF operator or DEP will not be subjected to disparate
policies or procedures. For more information, contact the
plant operator at (413) 747-9294.
What is a Designated Hauler?
A Designated Hauler is one that is authorized by a
Designated MRF Community to deliver recyclables collected from within
that community to the MRF. A community authorizes a hauler by submitting
a completed "Hauler Data Sheet" to the DEP. It is the community's
responsibility to annually notify DEP of its designated haulers.
Are there any restrictions on the source of
recyclables that
a Designated Hauler can deliver to the MRF?
The recyclables must be collected within the
boundaries of the Designated MRF Community. If the community so
chooses, a Designated Hauler may collect acceptable recyclables from
multifamily properties, institutions, and/or commercial settings.
Designated Communities must notify DEP of any changes to quantity or
type of materials being collected on its behalf. Any delivery from a
Designated MRF Community or Designated Hauler must conform to the MRF
delivery standards.
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DELIVERIES TO THE MRF
How are recyclables delivered to the MRF?
Individual communities either haul their own
recyclables to the MRF or contract with private haulers to have the
materials taken there. Recyclables are typically hauled in roll-off boxes,
curbside trucks or transfer trailers.
Where do materials get unloaded at the
MRF?
The MRF has two separate tipping floors for unloading materials -
one for paper and one for mixed containers.
What is required of trucks delivering to the
MRF?
All haulers delivering recyclables must read and
conform to Attachment B of the Municipal Contract. All trucks delivering incoming loads are required to weigh-in before
recyclables are off-loaded. Weights of recyclables are calculated by
subtracting the truck weight from the total weight of the truck and
load.
How long does it take to unload trucks and roll-offs
at the MRF?
On most days the entire process from weigh-in to
tipping to weigh-out does not exceed 5 to 10 minutes.
Is advance scheduling required for delivery of
recyclables?
The community or the community's hauler is responsible for pre-scheduling all loads of paper and cardboard. No appointment is necessary for mixed container deliveries. The following paper recycling conditions also apply.
1. Split containers do not require appointments.
2. "Paper only" roll-off appointments may be scheduled no more than one week (seven days) in advance of the delivery date by calling the facility weighmaster at (413) 747-9294.
3. Haulers are required to contact the MRF at least 24 hours in advance to cancel an appointment. Repeated failure to cancel without adequate notice will result in restriction of a hauler's access to appointments.
Who do we talk to about MRF delivery
problems?
Problems pertaining to the delivery of materials and/or the scheduling of deliveries to the MRF should be addressed to the MRF weighmaster at
(413) 747-9294 or your MAB representative.
How should communities/haulers load a roll-off box
for the MRF?
There are no specific requirements for loading a
roll-off box other than keeping out contaminants, including broken
glass. However, the following is recommended:
1. Paper and Cardboard: To reduce hauling costs,
paper should be as dense as possible through stacking, hand loading or
compression, but please avoid over-compacting or over-stuffing the box.
Many towns have found that hand loading through the open barn door of
the box works better than dropping paper through the sliding doors.
Bailing or wire banding is not acceptable. Wet paper is also
unacceptable.
2. Containers (glass, metal, waxed, aseptic,
plastic): Materials should not be compressed because this will crush
the glass, potentially causing the load to be rejected.
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REJECTED LOADS AND ASSOCIATED CHARGES
Can incoming loads of recyclables be
rejected?
Yes. Incoming loads of recyclables may be rejected
or assessed
a handling charge for the following reasons:
1. Incoming loads of paper or mixed containers with
any quantity
of hazardous, radioactive or infectious waste and/or loads
containing
in excess of 10% non-recyclable materials.
2. Incoming loads of paper will be rejected if they
have excessive food,
glass, ceramic or metal contamination, or contain
greater than 10%
non-recyclables.
3. Incoming loads (usually paper) will be rejected
if they are excessively wet
or frozen.
4. Incoming loads of mixed containers will be
rejected or assessed a
"Lost Revenue Charge" when found to contain
excessive amounts of broken
glass, determined visually and by the weight
of the recyclable material in
the load (see below for standard weight
limits).
5. Incoming loads of mixed containers may be
rejected or a charge may be
assessed for the presence of
other contaminants in excess of 10%, such as
scrap metal,
non-recyclable glass, food waste, plastic wrap and packaging,
etc.
Can rain or snow cause a load to be
rejected?
Yes. If a load of recyclables (usually paper) is
excessively wet or frozen, it may
be rejected or a handling/disposal
charge may be assessed if it is accepted. "Excessively wet" means more
than 10% of the load is wet, and "frozen" means
frozen together in a
block.
Why are wet or frozen loads of paper
rejected?
The MRF paper recycling operation is designed to
process clean, dry paper.
Excessively wet or frozen loads cause
unacceptable residue levels and are
difficult to sort and bale.
What is the primary cause for load rejection of
mixed containers?
The primary cause for load rejection is excessive
glass breakage, non-recyclable plastic, paint cans, excessive dirt/sand
and medical waste.
How is "excessive" glass breakage
determined?
The determination for "excessive" amounts of broken
glass in a load of mixed containers is based on both the weight of the
recyclables in the load and on a
visual inspection of the load.
The standard weight limits are:
1. More than 200 lbs. per cubic yard for loads of
mixed containers including plastics.
2. More than 250 lbs. per cubic yard for loads of
mixed containers not including
plastics. For example, mixed containers in a 40 cubic yard
roll-off cannot weigh
more than 8,000 lbs. (four tons) if plastics are
included in the load, or more than 10,000 lbs. (five tons) if plastics are
not included in the load. The conclusions from
the visual inspection of
the load may override the results of weigh scale calculations.
Why is "excessive" glass breakage determined by the
weight of the recyclables?
It is standard industry practice to use the load
density (weight over volume) for
a mixed container delivery to
determine the level of glass breakage in the load.
Is there a charge for removing contaminants from an
incoming load?
Yes. If all or part of a contaminated load is
tipped at the MRF, in-plant handling and disposal charges will be
assessed for all contaminants removed and disposed from the incoming load.
If the load is rejected, the municipality is responsible for the costs
of reloading and disposal.
Who pays for a rejected load?
Communities are billed for processing and/or
disposal of contaminated loads delivered from within the community,
even if the load is delivered by a Designated Hauler operating within the
community on a private subscription basis, but not under contract with
the town.
Who determines whether a MRF delivery is
contaminated?
The MRF operator in consultation with the DEP determines "excessive" contamination by inspecting the
loads. Contents of all deliveries are subject to inspection prior to,
during, or after unloading. The plant operator and/or DEP are required
to notify towns of rejected loads due to contamination. Towns usually
receive notification directly from the plant operator or DEP.
Is there an appeal process for a rejected load due
to contamination?
There is no formal process to appeal a rejected
load. If you have a problem with a rejected load, contact Steve Ellis
at 755-2239 or Justine Fallon at 755-2286 of DEP. Any community with a
chronic pattern of rejected loads should contact the MAB for advice or
information.
Are there any recommendations for reducing
contamination?
1. Weather related incidents (usually wet or frozen
loads from rain or snow) are
often avoidable if a community takes steps
to prevent water/snow contamination in
roll-off containers, such as
keeping open top containers under cover. Make sure transfer station
attendants know that recycling containers must be protected from
rain
or snow to prevent rejection at the MRF.
2. It is important to educate curbside customers
that paper should not be left uncovered during rain or snow.
3. Educate transfer station operators and curbside
haulers about which materials commonly found in the recycling
containers are unacceptable for recycling. MRF Tours are available for
haulers and attendants.
4. For divided roll-off containers that hold both
paper and mixed containers, make
sure the divider is locked in place to
prevent broken glass from migrating and contaminating the recyclable
paper. Also be sure the top of the divider is sealed to prevent
spillage during tipping.
5. Educate residents with easily understood, large
signs at drop-off centers. Make information readily available with
brochures and flyers on the "do's" and "don'ts" of proper recycling.
Distribute the information at drop-off centers and other public
gathering places in the community. For curbside collection programs,
distribute
recycling information in curbside recycling containers.
RECYCLABLES ACCEPTED AT THE MRF
Can the MRF change the types of materials
accepted?
Yes, although the
types of materials accepted at
the MRF are rarely changed. The most recent change
occurred in August
1995.
Are communities notified of changes in the materials
accepted at the MRF?
Yes. Communities will be notified in
advance.
Can a community change the quantity of materials
sent to the MRF?
Yes, but communities are required to contact DEP
prior to making any changes in
the materials sent to the MRF.
PUBLIC EDUCATION FEE
Are communities charged for use of the
MRF?
Although there is no charge for delivering
recyclables to the MRF, there is a Public Education Fee of five
(5) cents per capita which is paid annually to the MAB. The
DEP matches
this contribution on an annual basis.
Why are MRF communities assessed a Public Education
Fee?
The MRF contract provides for the payment of a
Public Education Fee. The fee
provides funds, to be administered by the
MAB, for a variety of educational
purposes, including:
1. Preparation and distribution of educational
materials about the MRF.
2. Development of programs, including grant awards,
to increase participation.
3. Public education to increase awareness of the
benefits of recycling.
4. A quarterly newsletter about MRF related
recycling issues.
How is the Public Education Fee paid?
Each year DEP sends a Public Education Fee invoice
to every MRF community.
The municipal contract allows DEP to release
public education fees from municipals
revenue accounts.
MISCELLANEOUS
Who do we talk to about MRF problems or
grievances?
MRF problems or concerns should be directed to
Steven Ellis, Deputy Regional
Director of DEP who oversees the
operation of the MRF, 755-2239. Another
option for mediation of problems
is to bring the matter to the attention of the
MAB through one of the
Advisory Board members representing your county.
Board List
What happens if the MRF shuts down?
The MRF is a successful partnership between the
state, the operator and member communities, and as such, a shutdown is
unlikely. (The MRF has been down only
one day during its eleven-plus years
of operation.) However, if the MRF should
shut down, municipalities are
responsible for finding other markets for their
recyclables. DEP will
notify communities, recycling coordinators and Designated
Haulers of a
MRF shutdown at the earliest possible time.
Are there any tipping fees for using the
MRF?
No. Communities with a MRF contract are not charged
tipping fees. However,
private haulers may be charged. Contact Plant
Manager for rates at (413) 747-9294.
Is there any revenue associated with using the
MRF?
Yes. Municipalities who have a signed agreement by
September 1, 2005 are eligible
to receive $15.67/ton of recyclable
materials delivered to the MRF, in addition to a revenue share of 50%
of any average $/ton revenue over $40.00.
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