Update: 10/07/2021
We are pleased to announce that the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) is up and running! We began operating this week with a “soft start” to clear out some of the stockpiled recyclables on the tipping floor and ensure all the lines are working well by processing the recyclables collected by ECUA. Beginning on Monday, October 11, the MRF will be open to the cities, counties, and commercial haulers who use our facility to process their recyclables.
We are still expecting delivery of the magnet used in the metals’ sorting area in December. Until then, metal items will be sorted manually.
We thank all our customers who maintained positive recycling habits as we worked to repair our fire-damaged facility and all our employees and contractor who worked diligently to restore operations so quickly.
----------
Update: 9/29/2021
We are making excellent progress with repairs and are getting close to resuming operations! The electrical contractor has completed their work and the demolition of the fire-damaged cabins is underway and completed. We received delivery of the replacement robot (used in the plastics’ sorting area), and it is being installed. This should be completed by the end of this week. We are still awaiting delivery of the magnet used in the metals’ sorting area. It is on backorder and the expected delivery is December. We will sort metal items manually until this equipment is delivered and installed.
Our projected time for reopening the facility is the first half of October-- shooting for as early in October as possible. The first few days of operation will entail a “soft start” while we clear out some of the stockpiled recyclables on the tipping floor and ensure the lines are all working well.
----------
Update: 8-19-21
The ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) sustained damage as a result of a fire that occurred on July 15, which required significant clean-up and repair work. The first few weeks following the fire were spent assessing the damage and investigating the source of the fire. While investigators were not able to make a final determination as to the cause of the fire, it is strongly suspected that batteries or a propane tank caught in the metals’ sorting equipment ignited, and fire erupted, in this area. This serves as a stark reminder that such combustible materials should not be placed in the recycling carts.
Once the assessment and investigation were completed, deep cleaning of the entire facility began to remove all smoke residue and fire-damaged equipment. This phase is largely complete, as is a complete inventory of damaged conveyor belts, rollers, bearings, and electrical conduit and wiring. Some of the electrical components were damaged by water in the firefighting effort. Replacements for these parts have been ordered, some have already been received, and they are being installed as they arrive. The one item that will have the longest lead time is the replacement magnet that provides the sorting capability in the metals’ sorting area. While we are waiting for its arrival, ECUA staff are evaluating the relocation of this sorting station and associated equipment to the front of the operation for a potentially more efficient process.
A specific re-opening date is not available at this time as we await replacement parts and equipment. However, ECUA maintenance crews and our contractors continue to work diligently to bring MRF operations back online as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we are still maintaining normal recycling collections (*please note that this only applies to ECUA sanitation customers) and continue to urge our customers to keep in the positive recycling habit.
----------
Update: 7-21-21
Our Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) sustained damage as a result of a fire that occurred on July 15 and we will require some time for clean-up and repair work. We are extremely grateful that no one was hurt and for the swift action of our MRF staff, as well as the Escambia County Fire and Rescue officials who responded.
ECUA maintenance crews and contractors are working diligently to repair the areas that were damaged by the fire to bring MRF operations back as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we are continuing normal recycling collections and urge our customers to keep in the positive recycling habit.
We will provide updates to the recovery process as progress is made and information becomes available.
----------
A fire occurred at the ECUA Materials Recycling Facility this afternoon at approximately 5:10 PM. ECUA’s first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of our employees. We are grateful and pleased to report that nobody was injured.
The fire appears to have been located in the chute of the metal sorting area. Initial indications point to the possibility of a propane tank or battery, mixed in with the metal recyclables, as the potential source of the fire. An investigation as to the cause of the fire is ongoing.
ECUA staff and fire authorities are now waiting for the smoke to clear to assess the damage. There is currently no impact to recycling collections for tomorrow and they remain on the normal schedule. Updates will be released as information becomes available.
We appreciate the quick and professional action on the part of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Public Safety officials who responded.