ReSource Waste Services Makes Significant Progress in $1.5-Million Upgrade at Lewiston Site

ReSource Waste Services has achieved significant milestones in site infrastructure improvements to prepare for the installation of new equipment and process upgrades at its recycling facility in Lewiston.

The facility’s new processing line will include two new high-intensity magnets to increase the recovery of ferrous metals; an eddy current separator to increase the recovery of non-ferrous metal; a destoner to increase the recovery of asphalt, brick and concrete; and an added picking line to allow for the additional recovery of wood.

Over the past several months, ReSource employees and contractors have built a new access road at the site, along with a new load-out ramp, a newly expanded bunker, and new conveyors. The footings for the new main process conveyor are finished and they have completed the foundation for the new eddy current separator and destoner.

Earlier this year, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) approved a minor permit amendment for the ReSource Waste site in Lewiston. Having received that approval, ReSource Waste ordered new equipment and finalized plans for site improvements to install a new processing line. The project is expected to cost approximately $1.5 million. This effort, which is the result of working with MEDEP and state legislators over the past few years, will materially increase the recycling rate at the facility.

The Lewiston facility accepts a wide variety of solid, non-hazardous construction and demolition (C&D) materials from waste handlers, contractors, roofers, landscapers, property managers, clean-out companies and homeowners. It uses personnel and equipment to recover components of value and transform the waste into reusable commodities. The facility has been operating since 1985. ReEnergy Holdings LLC acquired the facility in August 2013. ReEnergy’s waste division was rebranded as ReSource Waste Services in September 2020.

ReSource expects to have the new processing line in place by the end of 2021, and it is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2022.

“The team has performed this work with a perfect safety record and complete environmental compliance,” said Greg Leahey, the President & Chief Operating Officer of ReSource Waste Services.

“We are looking forward to the delivery of the new state-of-the-art equipment in the coming months. This investment will lead to significant improvements in our recycling rates, and will improve how we serve our community in meeting its ambitious solid waste goals.”