The MRF Experience: Hope, Chaos and Hard Truths
- Treasure Coast Almanac
- May 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 2
by Heather Stapleton
I once naively thought that recycling was a way to have a positive impact. But, my visit to the local MRF revealed an intricate and challenging world of recycling. My experiences have reinforced the traditional 3R hierarchy – reducing is most important. Then reusing. And, as a last resort, recycling.
Recyclables are sent to processing facilities known as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). The MRF separates recyclables through a combination of human labor and sophisticated automated systems – think of an ear-splitting, industrial version of a Rube Goldberg contraption. The MRF packages recyclables for transport and sells them to companies that convert these materials into feedstocks for new products. The facility takes in on average 250 tons of material per day, and processes between 150 and 200 tons each operational day.
As I stepped inside, the sheer volume of materials hit me. Piles of cardboard, plastic containers, glass bottles, as well as bales of aluminum and paper stretch out in every direction. Some of it, a lot of it, is just loose, blowing around waiting to become new litter.
The Chaos of Wish Cycling
The MRF grapples with constant cross-contamination caused by “wish cycling.” People toss in items they wish were recyclable, even if they’re not. These items disrupt the sorting process, clogging conveyor belts and causing delays. Delays can even lead to recyclables being rerouted to a landfill. The day I visited, the workers had already removed multiple golf balls and an electric paint sprayer. Not to mention the almost hourly delays dealing with tangled up plastic grocery bags.
The air carried a peculiar blend of odors - stale cardboard, remnants of food, and the faint tang of chemicals. Decomposing organic matter from food scraps and liquids seep into the mix. The air also carried a cacophony of industrial noises - conveyor belts rumbling, materials clattering down chutes, sorting machines whirling and the constant crush of compactors. Employees endure all of this, day in and day out, just to sort our refuse. The MRF embodies hope and chaos - our collective efforts to recycle collide with the realities of contamination, smells, noise and litter.
Responsible recycling starts at home, with informed choices and a commitment to keep “wish cycling” out of the carts. Recycling rules can be confusing due to varying guidelines in different locations. For instance, pizza boxes, once considered unrecyclable due to grease, are now accepted by some recycling centers. Similarly, some cities allow juice boxes with hidden aluminum and plastic layers, while others don’t. The challenge lies in keeping track of different rules for hundreds of household items.
The Hard Truths
Single stream recycling was intended to increase recycling rates, but overall, less is being recycled, especially when it comes to plastic. We keep making and buying more plastic, while recycling less of it. Most plastic isn’t truly recycled, it’s downcycled - the quality of recycled plastic is often inferior, making it less desirable for manufacturers. Globally, only 9% of plastic gets recycled. The rest is burned, buried, or ends up in the environment, including the Indian River Lagoon. Plastic has managed to invade the most remote areas of our environment and has also been reported throughout the human body.
Mixed Hope
Recycling alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis but it remains an important and ever-evolving tool in waste management. The best hope we have for more meaningful impact depends largely on human behavior: manufacturers from all sectors must take responsibility for designing and constructing products with more sustainability in mind—while consumers must shift their habits toward reducing and reusing before relying on recycling. Without systemic changes in both production and consumption, plastic will continue to invade our oceans, waterways, and even our bodies. It is no longer enough to simply toss a bottle into a recycling bin and hope for the best. Only through shared responsibility can we begin to break free from the cycle of plastic pollution.
The St. Lucie County MRF is located at 6120 Glades Cut-Off Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. The facility currently processes, bails and sells recyclables from the counties of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and the city of Palm Bay. The facility offers guided tours to individuals and groups. Visitors can see and learn in person how the sorting process is done, what items are often incorrectly thought to be recyclable and other common misconceptions. Virtual tours are also available. This is a wonderful educational opportunity for families, social groups etc., but advance registration is required. Visit HERE to schedule a guided tour.
The system is designed to process 15 tons per hour of residential single stream and features a Drum Feeder for loading the system, Mach OCC Screen, Mach ONP Screen, Mach Finishing Screen, a Dual-Eject Optical Sorter for PET and HDPE, magnet for steel cans, an Eddy Current for aluminum, and a II-Ram Baler. The installation began in May of 2014 and was completed by late September. The official start-up and ribbon cutting ceremony was performed on October 24th, 2014.
Heather Stapleton is the Central IRL Community Engagement Coordinator with One Lagoon and holds degrees in Environmental Studies, Political Science, and French from Indiana University. She served three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin, West Africa, and spend 16 years as the Education Director at the Environmental Learning Center.