Circular Services Chosen as Recycling Partner for Mecklenburg County's Modern Infrastructure

Circular Services Chosen as Recycling Partner for Mecklenburg County

In a significant move towards enhancing its recycling infrastructure, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, has announced that it has partnered with Circular Services, a prominent player in the development and management of circular economy infrastructure across the United States. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in the County's efforts to modernize its recycling capabilities and improve the recovery of valuable materials from waste.

On June 18, 2025, Circular Services revealed that it will oversee the operations of two Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) within the County. The initial phase begins with the County's 48,510 square-foot facility located at 7833 Pence Road. This collaboration is set against the backdrop of Mecklenburg County's commitment to meeting the growing demands for sustainable and efficient recycling processes, which will play a crucial role in both environmental stewardship and local economic growth.

The partnership will commence with Circular Services stepping into an interim role, operationally processing residential single-stream recyclable materials as Mecklenburg County undertakes significant renovations at its flagship Metrolina MRF located on Amble Drive. The renovations are expected to be completed by mid-2026, at which point the responsibility for residential recycling will transition to the newly upgraded Metrolina facility. The Pence Road location will then be repurposed to serve as a construction and demolition (C&D) recycling facility, addressing the region’s increasing needs for industrial material recycling.

On June 17, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate this new partnership. The event was attended by various leaders, including Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, the Director of the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA), and Circular Services' CEO Ron Gonen. Their speeches highlighted the shared dedication to bolstering local recycling initiatives and ensuring a sustainable future for Mecklenburg County.

Gonen emphasized that this collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach by Mecklenburg County, stating, "We are proud to bring our operational expertise to North Carolina and support the County's efforts to maximize recovery, reduce landfill disposal costs, and build a more circular local economy." Meanwhile, Gujjarlapudi remarked on the essential nature of recycling, indicating that, "Recycling in Mecklenburg County is not optional; it is essential."

As part of its operational capabilities, Circular Services is expected to manage the processing and marketing of over 6,000 tons of residential single-stream material transported to the Pence Road facility each month. The company aims to bolster the workforce by hiring around 35 full-time employees to support operations, emphasizing the job creation aspect of this initiative.

The facility at Pence Road boasts a BHS processing system designed for flexibility. This infrastructure will facilitate a smooth transition from processing residential recycling to handling industrial and C&D materials in the near future. Conveniently located just a few hundred yards from the Hickory Grove Recycling Center, this facility ensures easy access for local residents to participate in the recycling programs.

This partnership not only strengthens Circular Services' national operations but also fulfills its mission of developing resilient regional infrastructure that keeps valuable materials in circulation. By minimizing reliance on landfill disposal and promoting local economic development, Circular Services is poised to make a meaningful impact on Mecklenburg County's recycling efforts.

About Circular Services

Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of infrastructure and services focused on the circular economy in the United States. With 27 operational sites nationwide, the company aims to provide comprehensive materials management solutions for municipalities and businesses, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact associated with landfilling waste. For more information, visit www.circularservices.com.