Interstate Waste Services Unveils Cutting-Edge Recycling Facility
On April 22, 2025, Interstate Waste Services, Inc. (IWS) announced the grand opening of its highly anticipated Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in North Arlington, New Jersey. With a substantial investment of $30 million, this facility is positioned to process an impressive 215,000 tons of recyclable materials each year.
For over 25 years, IWS has demonstrated commitment to innovation in waste and recycling solutions. Their new North Arlington facility exemplifies this ethos with its state-of-the-art automation. It incorporates advanced technologies including AI-driven robotics, Mechanical Ballistic Screening, magnetic separation, optical sorting, air classification, and a dedicated glass cleanup system. These innovations not only enhance material recovery but also help in reducing the environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.
Michael DiBella, the CEO of Interstate Waste Services, highlighted the company's pioneering role in recycling practices, stating, “From pioneering organics collection in New York City, to opening advanced MRFs, IWS has consistently led the way in recycling innovations.” The North Arlington MRF is viewed as a significant advancement in their journey—an investment that aims to better capture recyclables and divert more materials from landfills, resulting in substantial benefits for surrounding communities.
The opening of this facility aligns with IWS's broader plan to modernize waste management in the tri-state area, contributing towards a more sustainable future. The company’s waste-by-rail initiative already effectively removes 300 long-haul trucks from local roads daily, leading to a reduction of 3,200 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. This new facility reinforces these efforts by not only increasing recycling capacities but also providing municipalities and businesses the critical infrastructure needed to meet recycling targets.
Jim Anderson, the engineering director at IWS, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, saying, “Standing here, I feel like a kid in a life-size Erector Set. This is among the most sophisticated recycling infrastructures in the nation.” The successful realization of such an ambitious project required extensive planning and collaboration.
Collaboration was indeed a theme echoed by Rusty Angel, Area Sales Manager at Machinex, who remarked on the rewarding experience of working alongside the IWS team. He emphasized the impact this facility will have on the region, celebrating the milestone as a step towards creating a more sustainable recycling framework.
Moreover, this facility goes beyond merely environmental benefits; it signifies a promising boost to the local economy. Built on the site of an outdated structure, the facility has revitalized the area, creating job opportunities and reinforcing local recycling capabilities. Richard Wierer, director of solid waste for the Bergen County Utilities Authority, articulated his excitement for the facility's opening, which he believes will lead to positive environmental changes for the region, as it fosters new markets for recyclable materials.
The North Arlington MRF expands IWS's reach beyond New Jersey, allowing the facility to accept materials from New York's five boroughs, where IWS’s affiliate, Action Environmental Services, thrives under the recently established Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) program. This program is slated to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of waste collection, resonating with IWS’s sustainable practices.
IWS continues to lead in waste management innovation by embracing advanced technology and sustainable practices, not only for operational improvements but also for fostering a cleaner environment for future generations. To learn more about their initiatives, visit
Interstate Waste Services.