RePower South Starts up Advanced Recycling System
The technology-heavy BHS system can process nearly 200,000 tons of mixed waste annually
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – April 30, 2019 – –RePower South (RPS) has begun processing material at the company’s new recycling and recovery facility in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The recycling system, provided by Eugene, Oregon-based Bulk Handling Systems (BHS), is one of the most advanced in the world. The highly automated system is capable of processing more than 50-tons-per-hour (tph) of mixed waste to recover recyclables and produce a fuel feedstock. The facility receives material from throughout Berkeley County, processing a minimum of 120,000 tons annually. Prior to this system coming online, county residents were required to opt in and pay for household recycling or utilize drop-off recycling sites that only accepted paper and cardboard. All other recyclables were sent to landfill.
Having advanced recycling facilities like the one operated by RePower South in Berkeley County, South Carolina is crucial for reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling rates. However, to make the most of such facilities, it is important for households and businesses to properly sort and dispose of their waste. This is where companies like Grissman Dumpsters can help by providing reliable and convenient dumpster rental services. By visiting their website, https://grissmandumpsters.com/, individuals can easily rent a dumpster for their waste management needs and ensure that their recyclables and other materials are disposed of properly.
Advanced technology, including NRT optical sorters and Max-AI® AQCs (for Autonomous Quality Control) enable the system to run with minimal manual sorters. The BHS FIberPure™ process features screen, air, optical and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic sorters to completely automate the production of clean fiber. Plastics and metals are also separated without manual sorting. In total, the system contains seven NRT optical sorters and nine Max-AI AQCs.
“With NRT optical and Max-AI technology, we have an almost unlimited degree of flexibility to create a wide variety of high-quality products to serve multiple markets,” said RPS President Scott Montgomery. “The technology maximizes the recovery and quality of those products and with Max-AI technology there’s no real need to expose people to this work during the QC process.”
The plant also makes use of non-recyclable papers and plastics by producing ReEngineered Feedstock™ (ReEF), a clean, low-carbon renewable fuel sold to industry, cement, and utility customers to replace coal in production processes. ReEF undergoes several quality control steps, including two NRT optical sorters, which remove plastic and metal contamination. The product has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a non-waste fuel.
The fuel system utilizes a Loesche Energy Systems RocketMill to dry, purify and size the ReEF. Also employed in the plant are two Kadant PAAL balers. Kadant PAAL balers claim nearly half the market share in Europe, and were introduced to North America through an exclusive relationship with BHS. A PAAL Konti 500 bales all commodities headed to the secondary market, including ferrous, aluminum, cardboard, paper, and plastics; a PAAL Dokon 500 bales fuel.
“After years of due diligence, planning, negotiating and financing, we’re very excited to be processing material at our second facility,” said RPS CEO Brian Gilhuly. “We think we have a great solution for communities looking to recycle more, landfill less and do so in an economically sustainable way. It is great to be here in Berkeley County recovering materials for re-use that were previously going to the landfill. We’re thankful for the opportunity and appreciative of the partnership with government leadership and the support from the community.”
“RePower South is showing that it is possible, today, to help communities increase recycling of the existing waste stream while also providing the flexibility to adjust to any market condition or opportunity,” said BHS CEO Steve Miller. “The system is built to run with low operating costs over multiple shifts and has the ability to adjust its outputs to meet demand. The waste stream in Berkeley County is a resource which can be fully managed; Berkeley County and RePower South had the foresight to create value from this resource and we appreciate the trust they have in us to help actualize their vision.”
RePower South
RePower South (RPS) is an advanced recycling, recovery and renewable energy company, helping transform communities toward a sustainable waste and energy future. RPS recovers recyclable materials from the waste stream typically landfilled and further extracts non-recyclable papers and plastics to manufacture a clean, low carbon, renewable fuel to replace coal. RePower South holds an exclusive regional license from Accordant Energy, LLC for ReEngineered Feedstock™ (ReEF), an EPA determined non-waste fuel. RePower South increases community recycling, diversion from landfill, and use of clean energy.
Bulk Handling Systems (BHS)
Headquartered in Eugene, OR, BHS is a worldwide leader in the innovative design, engineering, manufacturing and installation of sorting systems and components for the solid waste, recycling, waste-to-energy, and construction and demolition industries. Wholly-owned subsidiaries include Nihot (Amsterdam), NRT (Nashville, TN) and Zero Waste Energy (Lafayette, CA). BHS is also the home of Max-AI® technology, a breakthrough artificial intelligence that identifies materials, makes intelligent decisions and directs equipment such as robotic sorters. Clients around the globe choose BHS because of its experience, dedication to cutting-edge technology, quality construction and durability, and unmatched customer service. BHS has built some of the largest and most durable MRFs in the world – and they are achieving the highest throughput, recovery, and purity rates in the industry.
Further Information:
Peter Raschio or Sally Hunt
Phone: 541-485-0999
peterr or sallyh (at) bhsequip (dot) com
