Greater Michigan District’s largest facility recently introduced recycling equipment that is helping the Postal Service save money and boost efficiency.
The Grand Rapids, MI, Processing and Distribution Center installed two compactors and dumpers that allow the facility to recycle mixed paper from other sites throughout the district, which is part of Great Lakes Area.
Since the equipment was installed in March, the facility has recycled more than 154 tons of mixed paper, generating net revenue of almost $7,500.
The equipment has also helped the district generate 48 percent more revenue from recycling compared to the same period a year ago, while the cost of moving waste to landfills has fallen 13 percent.
“This will help us achieve the goal of recycling 100 percent of the mixed paper generated in our facilities,” Acting Sr. Plant Manager Rick Moreton said.
The new equipment is part of the Postal Service’s National Recycling Operation, which is helping the organization standardize its recycling efforts.
USPS recycled more than 255,000 short tons of waste last year, up from 239,000 tons in 2015, according to this year’s Annual Sustainability Report.