Spring 2025
Clear Path Recycling Closes
Last week, Alpek Polyester announced that the Clear Path Recycling facility in Fayetteville, NC would be ceasing operations by July 31, 2025. Clear Path Recycling, in operation since 2010, is one of the largest processors of recycled PET in the state, producing an average 35,000 tons of rPET flake annually, according to the company’s press release.The recycled plastic from the facility has primarily been used in textile applications.
Recyclers in need of PET outlets can visit the Recycling Market Directory.
More details can be found here.
New On-farm Compost Facility Opens in Marshall, NC
Western North Carolina now has additional processing capacity for pre-consumer food waste. Dirtcraft Compost Works, a new Type 2 compost facility in Marshall, began accepting material earlier this year. Once fully operational, the site could receive up to 3,536 tons of pre-consumer food waste and other organics per year. Collection services in Asheville and surrounding counties are expected to launch this summer.
Divert, Inc. Breaks Ground on Food Waste to Energy Facility in Lexington, NC
On April 30th, Divert, Inc., a circular economy company, broke ground on its Integrated Diversion and Energy Facility in Lexington, NC. Once operational, the facility will accept unsold food products from retailers to either be donated to feed people or processed into renewable natural gas and fertilizer for the community. The facility will employ around 60 individuals and have the capacity to process 100,000 tons of food waste.
NC Composting Council's Annual Meeting June 11th
The North Carolina Composting Council (NCCC) cordially invites members, partners, and friends to attend their 2025 Annual Meeting for Members and Friends on June 11th in Raleigh, NC at NCSU’s Plant Sciences Building from 9-4:30 pm.. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Economies and Communities Start with Compost,” highlights the powerful role composting plays in shaping resilient local systems, and the robust economic opportunity the composting industry has in North Carolina.
Organics Recycling Funding Opportunities
Self-Help Credit Union will lend loans ranging from $50,000 to $15 million to “agripreneurs,” including food waste and recycling companies! Click here to learn more!
- The Composting Consortium has partnered with the US Composting Council (USCC) and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to award grants to composters, municipalities and nonprofits who are interested in establishing or scaling their programs to include certified, food-contact compostable packaging.
- The maximum amount per grant is $50,000 with 50% of the grant will be awarded up front, and 50% will be awarded upon project completion, with some exceptions.
- All applications are due by 11:59pm PST on Friday, June 13, 2025.
- Click here to learn more
2024 State of the State Recycling Report
The State of the State Recycling Report presents data for North Carolina’s public sector recycling, composting, and waste reduction efforts for the 2023-24 fiscal year. DEACS compiled and analyzed annual report data from each city and county to assess tonnages of materials collected, recycling market trends, and various collection methods. This brief report summarizes the waste reduction chapter within the full North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Consolidated Solid Waste Report, and the topics covered include:
• Overall traditional tonnage recovered;
• Local government collection methods;
• Market and material recovery facility trends;
• Food waste recovery and composting;
• Electronics and solar panels;
• Non-traditional materials — construction and demolition, household hazardous waste, special recyclables
• Environmental and economic impacts
While the report focuses on local government programs, it offers valuable insights for recycling and recovery businesses. Understanding what materials are being collected, how they are processed, and where market shifts are occurring can help businesses identify opportunities, adjust services, and align with statewide trends.
By tracking this information, DEACS supports data-driven decision-making and uses the findings to promote effective recovery strategies. Recycling and recovery businesses can utilize the report to stay informed, anticipate demand, and explore new service areas in alignment with the state’s evolving recycling landscape.
CRA Hosts Lunch, Learn, & Network at Pellenc ST
On May 1, CRA members and guests gathered at Pellenc ST in Pineville, NC, for a Lunch, Learn, & Network event highlighting the role of optical sorting technology in modern Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and recycling processing companies.
The event featured presentations from Matt Todd (RRS), Harry White (Pellenc ST), Steven Williams (York County), and DEACS Deputy Director, Wendy Worley (NC DEQ), covering real-world applications, funding opportunities, and the evolving role of technology in recycling infrastructure.
Attendees also toured the Pellenc ST facility to see optical sorting in action—showcasing its speed, precision, and impact on reducing contamination. The event emphasized the importance of continued investment and collaboration to support innovation in recycling systems.
For more information about CRA and the programs they offer year-round, please visit their website.
CRA Conference Recap
RBAC and the entire RMMS team from DEACS attended and participated in the Carolina Recycling Association’s 35th Annual Conference and Trade Show, held March 24–27 at the Wilmington Convention Center in Wilmington, NC. With more than 390 attendees representing a broad spectrum of the recycling industry across the Carolinas, the event offered an outstanding opportunity for connection, collaboration, and continued learning.
Three NC Recycling Businesses were honored with CRA awards:
- Powerhouse recycling was recognized for their solar panel recycling lines.
Synergy Electronics Recycling and RePolyTex were awarded for their Mamba Board line that utilizes mixed plastic from electronics recycling operations. - Simply Green Recycling was highlighted for their efforts to go above and beyond and provide assistance to the communities that they serve in the aftermath of Helene.
Recycling Markets Directory Update Underway
The North Carolina Recycling Markets Directory (RMD), managed by the Recycling Business Assistance Center (RBAC), is currently being updated. This useful tool connects waste generators with companies that collect, process, recycle, or remanufacture materials. Users can search by material type, location, or company to find recycling services available throughout the state.
To help maintain accuracy, RBAC staff periodically review and verify the information. Companies already listed in the RMD may receive a verification call in the coming months as part of this process.
The goal is to continually improve the RMD and ensure it remains a valuable resource. Companies interested in being added to the directory can submit their information on the RMD portal or contact an RBAC staff member.
Please note that inclusion in the directory does not imply endorsement by RBAC or NCDEQ.
Environmental Stewardship Initiative
The Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) is a recognition program that brings together companies across North Carolina that have sustainability goals that exceed their regulatory requirements.
By joining, ESI members gain opportunities to network with other environmentally responsible companies, a DEQ coach, training access to the annual conference, and recognition of their commitment.
Over the 23 years of the program, ESI has over 100 member organizations who have achieved $118.4 million cost savings, 16.4 billion gallons of water saved, and 4.4 million tons of waste reduced.
Companies can apply to join at three levels determined by their commitment to their respective environmental management systems—partner, rising steward, and steward. If you are interested in applying to join ESI on behalf of your company, please follow this link.
We Want to Hear from You!
Do you have business news, upcoming events, or activities to share? Let us help spread the word! Reach out to Laura McCoy at Laura.McCoy@deq.nc.gov with your updates!