Construction Recycling Comes to Memphis
What We Do:
Construction Materials Recycling
Bearwater Material’s purpose as a construction materials recycling facility is simple:
Keep reusable materials out of landfills and put them back to work in Memphis.
The wood, drywall, concrete, cardboard, and metals brought to Bearwater will be recycled and given a second life instead of being buried in a landfill. What comes into our facility will be sent back into the local economy.
Incoming trucks will be weighed before proceeding to the drop-off zone where materials are unloaded and sorted for recycling.
Why It Matters:
Not Another Landfill
Right now, Shelby County sends nearly 900,000 tons of construction and vegetation debris to landfills every year. By recycling these materials instead of burying them, we:
- Reduce landfill use
- Lower carbon emissions
- Support a more sustainable Memphis
Because this is a recycling operation, there will be no toxic waste or odors from decomposing trash.
Local Jobs:
Investing in Local Workers
Bearwater Materials will hire locally and create good-paying jobs for people in our community.
Jobs range from $15 to $22/hour with benefits, including:
- Paid job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Profit-sharing
- A pathway toward employee ownership
This facility will support both the environment and local families.
This is more than just recycling. Every load of material processed helps create jobs and strengthen our community.
FAQS
1. What is Construction Waste Recycling?
Construction Waste Recycling is the process of recovering usable materials from construction and demolition projects instead of sending them to a landfill. Wood, concrete, drywall, metals, and other recyclables are sorted on site and processed into new products.
2. What types of materials will be brought to the site?
The focus is strictly on construction material. The facility will not accept household trash, hazardous waste, food waste, liquid waste, appliances, furniture, or other prohibited materials.
3. Will there be traffic, odors, or dust?
Truck traffic will be limited to regular business hours, there will be no decomposing trash odors, and the area is paved, but we will implement standard dust control measures.
4. How does this help the environment?
Shelby County generates approximately 900,000 tons of construction and vegetative debris each year. Most of it ends up in landfills, even though it could be recovered and reused. This facility reduces landfill use and keeps valuable materials in productive use.
5. Will this project create new jobs?
Yes. This facility will create good-paying jobs with paid training, benefits, and opportunities for profit sharing and future employee ownership.
6. What does this mean for Memphis?
Bearwater is the first construction material recycling facility (MRF) in Memphis. In addition to diverting construction waste from landfills, having an MRF close to local construction sites lowers emissions from trucks hauling debris for recovery, recycling, and reuse.
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