"We're adding high-tech equipment that will allow us to further grow our capacity and more effectively sort residential single-stream waste. Additions will include new sorting screens, separators, high-speed conveyors, steel disks and other state-of-the-art equipment," said Marcy Thompson, company VP and general manager.

There already is one MRF in the area, but Thompson said the area needs a second one due to high growth in the Mecklenburg County area. Sonoco recycling invested $2 million in the Charlotte center in 2009 to expand its footprint by 23,500 ft², add new commercial sorting and baling equipment, and improve traffic flow.

Sonoco Recycling, including its nine North Carolina facilities, collects and processes about 3 million tons of recyclable materials annually at 41 locations. It is part of Sonoco, a $3.6 billion maker of industrial and consumer products and supplier of packaging services with operations in 35 countries. —[email protected]