Eureka co-presidents Miriam Holsinger, left, and Katie Drews.(Provided)
Eureka Recycling commemorated Earth Day by celebrating two significant milestones: two decades of pioneering mission-driven materials processing and the launch of its newly upgraded, cutting-edge Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Following a $12 million investment, the enhanced facility promises to substantially increase processing capacity and efficiency. The process of upgrading the facility took years of planning, and implementation took place over six months to minimize downtime.
“This upgrade represents more than just new equipment — it’s a recommitment to the communities we serve and to the zero-waste mission that’s guided us for 20 years,” said Katie Drews, co-president and CEO. “Every bale that leaves our facility reflects the values we fight for: environmental justice, strong local economies and communities, and a future free from waste. As the recycling industry changes, we’re proud to lead with integrity, innovation and impact.”
Through education and policy and advocacy work, Eureka, 2828 Kennedy St. NE, is dedicated to demonstrating that waste is preventable. The nonprofit provides recycling collection services to more than 100,000 Twin Cities metro residents, and sorts approximately 100,000 tons of single-stream recycling annually, serving residents in the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and eastern Wisconsin.
Facility upgrades include advanced optical sorting technology that uses lasers for rapid and accurate material identification, employs targeted air jets to isolate specific materials at speeds exceeding 1,000 sorts per minute and three sorters dedicated to the paper line that ensure superior paper quality by removing contaminants such as recyclable containers and non-recyclables such as plastic bags and wrappers. One sorter on the container line optimizes container purity and captures misplaced paper, including small or crumpled pieces.
Eureka also upgraded its cardboard separation system to maximize the recovery of small pieces of cardboard, reflecting the increase in smaller packaging. The system was also engineered to minimize film wrapping around screens, improving worker safety. An enlarged cardboard conveyor belt reduces downtime caused by jams. Automated feeding conveyors to balers and compactors further optimize processing efficiency.
This marks Eureka Recycling’s second major facility upgrade in 20 years. Building on the 2014 transition to single-stream processing, this latest enhancement addresses evolving material streams, including increased volumes of non-recyclables, bottles, cans and cardboard, alongside a decline in traditional paper grades. This ensures that recovered materials are effectively repurposed into new products, predominantly within Minnesota.
“This facility upgrade is a game-changer for how we process materials efficiently, safely and responsibly,” said Miriam Holsinger, Eureka co-president and COO. “We’ve invested in the kind of technology that not only meets today’s challenges — like more plastics, packaging and contamination — but does so without compromising our commitment to worker safety or material quality. That’s what mission-driven operations look like.”