In April 2026, WM announced the official opening of its brand-new, $60 million state-of-the-art recycling facility in Indianapolis. The new, nearly 125,000-square-foot plant is projected to process up to 200,000 tons of recyclable waste annually. This massive investment provides critical infrastructure for the state of Indiana, supporting its transition toward a circular economy and sustainable manufacturing.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Single-Stream Recycling
The Indianapolis facility features the latest advancements in industry technology. The installed equipment includes state-of-the-art glass recovery systems, advanced optical sorters, non-wrapping screens, and ballistic separators.
These cutting-edge technological innovations primarily serve two strategic goals for the company:
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Capacity Expansion and Quality: They enable the expansion of existing regional recycling programs and ensure that the secondary raw materials generated are of the highest possible quality for end-market buyers.
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Protection Against Contamination: The advanced machinery significantly facilitates a much more efficient screening and separation of contaminants mixed into the incoming materials—specifically, non-compliant or “non-recyclable” waste.
Education and Local Support for the Circular Economy
Beyond technological innovation, the new regional hub also provides a platform for WM to actively educate customers on the practical steps of how to “recycle right.”
“WM continues to invest in recycling infrastructure with the opening of our new state-of-the-art Indianapolis recycling facility,” emphasized Frank Fello, WM Great Lakes area vice president. “Our team is proud to provide a local solution for state-of-the-art, single-stream recycling in Central Indiana. Working together with our communities, we are supporting the growth of the circular economy in the state, while educating on ways to recycle right.”
An Industrial Milestone for Indiana Manufacturers
This major investment is of paramount importance not only for residential and commercial waste management but also for local industrial supply chains. For Indiana’s robust manufacturing industry, a reliable and high-quality domestic source of raw materials is essential for future growth.
This sentiment was reinforced by Andrew Berger, President and CEO of the Indiana Manufacturers Association, regarding the facility’s opening:
“The opening of WM’s Indianapolis recycling facility is a significant milestone for Indiana’s manufacturing ecosystem. By investing in advanced optical sorting and glass recovery technology, WM is providing a reliable, local source of high-quality recycled materials for our state’s manufacturers. This facility does more than just process waste; it strengthens the resilience of our supply chain and helps Indiana companies meet the growing global demand for sustainable production.”
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