“We hear it all the time, why recycle? Recycling is dead.” But that narrative couldn’t be further from the truth. WM, a Fortune 200 company, is proving that recycling is not only alive, but expanding through a $90 million investment in its new recycling facility WM Recycling South Florida in Pembroke Pines.
To highlight this commitment, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation recently hosted an event showcasing the new state-of-the-art recycling facility located just north of the Miami-Dade County line. The 127,000-square-foot facility represents a significant step forward in how recyclables are processed and managed in the region.
The event kicked off with remarks from WM Communications Director Dawn McCormick, who emphasized WM’s broader $300 million investment in Florida’s recycling infrastructure, including a complete technology upgrade at WM Recycling Brevard, the new WM Recycling Orlanda (a C&D facility opening this month) and a new single-stream facility planned for Hillsborough County in 2027.
Her message was clear: WM is doubling down on innovation and long-term sustainability infrastructure investments across the state.
WM Director of Recycling Mike DeClerck provided an inside look at WM Recycling South Florida’s capabilities and technology. Designed to process approximately 275,000 tons of material annually and more than 60 tons per hour, the facility is built to meet the growing demands of the region.
DeClerck was joined by several of the facility’s equipment manufacturers, who shared how their collective vision became a reality. Attendees then experienced that vision firsthand during a guided tour, where they saw cutting-edge technology in action—including 18 advanced optical sorters, artificial intelligence systems, and volumetric scanners. These innovations are transforming the recycling process, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.
The event was made possible with support from industry partners including Sierra International Machinery, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions, CP Group, the Plastics Industry Association. Attendees also learned about the Association’s “Recycling is Real” initiative, which is raising awareness about the importance and impact of recycling.
Serving Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties, the WM Recycling South Florida facility is poised to deliver meaningful sustainability solutions for years to come. It stands as a powerful reminder that recycling is not a thing of the past—it is a critical part of our future.
So, the next time you hear someone say recycling is dead, you’ll know the truth: Recycling is real—and it’s stronger than ever.
Keyna Cory serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, whose mission is to educate policymakers, business leaders, and the public about recycling and how to recycle right. keyna@flrecycling.org