About the Springfield MRF
The Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) has been in operation since 1990. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) owns the land and buildings located on 84 Birnie Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts, but operational responsibilities are contracted to Waste Management Recycle America (WMRA), a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc. The recyclable paper and containers are delivered separately to the MRF for processing, also known as dual stream collection. The current operating contract for dual stream collection and processing commenced in July 2020 and expires in June 2025. Sixty-five (65) municipalities from the four counties of western Massachusetts have signed contracts to deliver their recyclables to the MRF.
Location & Contact Information
Springfield Materials Recycling Facility
84 Birnie Avenue
Springfield, MA 01107
Plant phone number: 413-747-9294
Plant fax number: 413-747-9198
MassDEP contact number: Steven Ellis at 413-755-2286 or email
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Closed for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. For weeks during which a holiday is observed, the MRF is open on the Saturday following the holiday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Contractual Information
Municipalities have certain requirements under their contractual agreement with DEP and WMRA, including, but not limited to, the following items:
- Adopting and enforcing a mandatory recycling by-law or ordinance.
- Collecting and transporting recyclables to the facility.
- Ensuring the delivery of all recyclable materials collected by or on behalf of the municipality to the facility.
- Ensuring that no hazardous waste is delivered to the MRF.
- Obtaining prior written consent from DEP if there is any modification to the recycling program by the municipality or its hauler, including changing tonnage amounts or eliminating or adding types of materials.
The current contract expires June 30, 2025. A copy of the current municipal contract is here.
Deliveries
Municipalities with a signed contract are eligible to deliver recyclables to the MRF according to the following terms:
- A municipality must designate a hauler(s) that will utilize their account.
- A municipality must include in any contract with a designated hauler a requirement that all recyclables collected on behalf of the municipality by that hauler will be delivered to the MRF.
Public Education Fees
The municipal contract includes a public education fee of five (5) cents per capita which is paid annually to the MRF Advisory Board for public education programs.
The MRF Advisory Board is a public body created by the municipal contract to discuss and review MRF operations, to provide education about the MRF recycling program, and to mediate disputes between towns, the MRF operators and DEP. The MRF Advisory Board administers the public education fees for a variety of educational purposes, including:
- Preparation and distribution of educational materials about the MRF.
- Development of programs, including grants and equipment distribution, to increase recycling participation.
- Public education to increase awareness about the benefits of recycling.