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Phoenix Wins Project of the Year Award for Recycling Facility Renovation

A group of 9 adults in professional attire pose indoors with a trophy in front of a photo backdrop that features the repeated logo of the American Public Works Association..

August 06, 2026

Public Works

The City of Phoenix Solid Waste Division was honored with the 2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) Arizona Project of the Year Award for the 27th Avenue Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Upgrades Project. The recognition, presented by the Arizona Chapter of APWA, celebrates outstanding innovation, collaboration, focus on the environment, and excellence in public works.

Phoenix is proud to own two transfer stations, each of which includes a MRF where recyclables are sorted, baled, and shipped off to manufacturers. In 2021, the City began a total renovation on the 20-year-old MRF at 27th Avenue. The multi-year project replaced outdated equipment with upgraded machinery and modern tech to improve recycling processing.

VIDEO: Phoenix Wins Project of the Year Award for upgrades to 27th Ave. MRF

The new Machinex sorting equipment, which was built into the MRF’s existing footprint, includes eleven optical sorters, two ballistic separators, a trommel screen, and a robot that can find and remove about 70 contaminants from a sorting line in one minute. Thanks to the renovation, Phoenix has increased the recovery of recyclable materials, meaning fewer items end up in the landfill.

Public Works leaders, and city vendors hold a white, paper banner that features the word 'Recycle' along with children's drawings as Mayor Kate Gallego uses giant scissors for a ceremonial ribbon cutting
Mayor Kate Gallego cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the grand reopening of the 27th Ave. MRF on April 30, 2025.

About the Awards

The APWA awards focus on projects that are developed, owned, and maintained by public agencies. The Project of the Year Committee selected Phoenix’s MRF renovation based on the following criteria, among others:

  • Use of good construction management
  • Timely project completion
  • Safety performance
  • Community relations
  • Environmental considerations and awareness.
  • Unusual accomplishments under adverse conditions
  • Use of alternative materials, practices, or funding that demonstrates a commitment to sustainability

Tour a MRF

If you're curious about how recyclables are sorted in Phoenix, sign up for a free tour! While the 27th Avenue facility does not host public tours, Public Works' Zero Waste Team offers tours at the North Gateway Transfer Station every Thursday.