Greenstar to build large recycling facility in Texas

Houston-based Greenstar North America, a private processor of recyclables and a municipal recycler in Texas, announced that it has rebranded all Vista Fibers operations across Texas.

Greenstar acquired Dallas-based Vista Fibers and Mid America, Vista Fibers’ previous parent company, in October 2007. Through this partnership, Greenstar now holds significant recycling operations in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio and employs more than 300 people across the state. In addition, Greenstar recently signed an agreement with the City of Austin to provide recycling processing services, which are scheduled to begin in October, 2008.

“The name switch will be largely transparent to our Texas customers,” said Steve Ragiel, CEO of Greenstar North America.

Greenstar has experienced a dramatic rise in recycling rates across its Texas markets, particularly in San Antonio and Dallas. The sharp increase is a direct result of both cities implementing a single-stream collection system, as well as converting their existing 18-gallon (San Antonio) and blue bag (Dallas) collection system to 95 gallon carts. Single-stream processing lets participants put recyclables conveniently into one bin, allowing for more efficient collection of materials and a decrease in labor.

Greenstar has recorded dramatic increases of materials collected. San Antonio rates have increased as high as 200 percent over the previous collection approach in some areas. Dallas has experienced a more than 300 percent increase during the past 18 months of utilizing single-stream processing and 95 gallon carts.

While Texas has not traditionally been known for its recycling programs, Greenstar sees that perception shifting in the near future. Ragiel added, “We have selected Texas to be our North American headquarters and believe that there is a significant amount of potential on the commercial and municipal side for growth in recycling. In fact, Greenstar has entered into an agreement to build one of the largest single-stream recycling plants in North America here in Texas.”

The new plant will be among the largest, most automated single-stream facilities in North America and the largest in Texas. It will have the capacity to process 20,000 tons per month at its 180,000 square foot facility, located on nine acres in San Antonio.

The facility is scheduled to open in first quarter of 2009. It will employ approximately 100 people and accept single-stream materials from other recycling programs across the Central and South Texas region.