Tri-M Sanitary-Recycling

MRF

Mellen, WI

Facility details

Address
415 Olson Rd
Mellen, WI 54546
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Facility type
MRF
County
Ashland County
EPA Region
5
Data sources
EPA
Last verified
2026-10-15

About this facility

A materials recovery facility, or MRF, is the plant where mixed curbside recycling is sorted. Collection trucks tip commingled material on the floor, and a line of screens, magnets, eddy-current separators, optical sorters and hand-picking stations separates it into bales of cardboard, paper, plastics by resin, aluminum and steel for sale to end markets. MRFs mainly serve haulers and municipal programs rather than walk-in customers, although some operate a public drop-off area. Contamination such as bagged recyclables, food waste and hoses slows the line and lowers bale value. Hours, fees and accepted materials vary — call ahead before bringing material, since many MRFs accept only contracted route loads.

Typically accepted at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

  • Cardboard and mixed paper
  • Plastic bottles, jugs and tubs
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Glass containers (program dependent)
  • Cartons (program dependent)

Hours, fees and accepted materials vary by site — call ahead before hauling a load.

County context

One of 7 recycling centers in Ashland County, WI.

8 waste haulers in Ashland County, WI.

ZIP 54546 at a glance

Population
1,332 (2 per sq mi)
Median age
45
Households
Median income $70,104 · 29% earn six figures
Housing
89% owner-occupied · median home value $141,538 · median rent $594
Workforce
58% labor-force participation · 4.5% unemployment

ZIP figures are US Census estimates for the ZIP area, not the company.

Wisconsin solid-waste agency: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)