A Holistic Approach To Recycling Facility Design

From a location standpoint, the facility was mindful to minimize its disruption to the neighborhood’s daily operations as much as possible. Effort was put into how traffic would access the site, placing the entrance in an area that didn’t affect the neighbors to the north. Landscaping and screening  was thoughtfully incorporated throughout the site to establish buffer zones between the building and the nearby homes. Establishing a healthy relationship with the community laid the foundation of the facility’s seamless adoption and the championing of its initiatives in the area.

Prioritizing Education

With the capacity to process over 250,000 tons of curbside plastics, metals, and glass annually, the Rumpke RRC combines the use of the latest technology with the prioritization of community education. If communities don’t understand the effectiveness or operations of their local recycling initiatives, they’re less likely to champion their success. The approach of Rumpke RRC directly bridges that gap. Creating an awareness of the operations and functionality of the facility among residents results in an enhanced participation in recycling initiatives, making the process as impactful as possible.

Developed in collaboration with the Center of Science & Industry (COSI), the facility’s 3,000-square-foot education center welcomes the community to learn about the recyclability of products and see firsthand the impact of recycling efforts through interactive exhibits and a tour platform to view the recycling process in action. Working alongside Holt Experiential, the design team drew inspiration from visits to COSI’s interactive exhibits, observing the best approaches for cultivating a design that supports an engaging and immersive experience. During a walking tour of the recycling facility, guests learn about the technology used at the state-of-the-art facility, witnessing recyclables being sorted and separated firsthand. Transparent spaces also give employees, students, and visitors a unique view into the recycling process, dispersing natural light deep into the MRF.

Additionally, Rumpke RRC includes a career center on the first floor and a Research and Development (R&D) Center on the second floor. The R&D Center facilitates collaborations with local schools and universities to advance recycling research, with ongoing projects involving The Ohio State University and other institutions. These partnerships further the mission of the facility, establishing the space as a tool for students, neighbors, and employees to embrace and appreciate the recycling life cycle.

Next Gen Recycling Approaches

Rumpke RRC is not only a pioneer in its approach to community involvement, but also in its top-of-the-line recycling equipment and processes. The advanced optical scanners and AI-integrated equipment required the design team’s careful coordination with project partners, resulting in a layout configuration for the material recovery facility (MRF) that maximizes square footage for various operational zones.

The MRF features three expansive tipping floors totaling 48,000 square feet — one for residential materials, one for commercial materials, and another for material sampling and auditing. The sorting, processing, and storage areas are thoughtfully designed and arranged to promote efficient operations while accounting for potential future expansions or technological upgrades. Designed with growth in mind, a built-in overhead crane system allows for the easy replacement of equipment if needed, facilitating the capability to upgrade in technology in the future. This ensures that Columbus and surrounding areas can scale up waste diversion as sustainability needs grow.