What is the Resource Recovery Facility?
The Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) is the plant located at Russell and Ferry streets where Detroit's municipal solid waste is processed. The facility was developed in the late 1980s to reduce the city's reliance on landfills for handling the city's waste. The solid waste is processed into refuse derived fuel, which is then burned in the furnaces, producing 720,000 pound of steam per hour. The steam is used to generate up to 68 megawatts of electricity and supply export steam at a rate of up to 550,000 pounds per hour. Energy-from-Waste is the most responsible means of solid waste disposal. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Energy-from-Waste facilities generate power "with less environmental impact than almost any other source of electricity." The RRF uses a continuous emissions monitoring system and air pollution controls that meet EPA Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards.
In addition to the Resource Recovery Facility, the primary facilities involved in the processing of Detroit's solid waste include the Southfield Transfer Station, and the Harper Transfer Station. GDDRA also offers a hazardous waste drop off center operated by EQ Detroit, Inc. at 2000 E. Ferry Street where residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including batteries, paint, varnish, herbicids and pesticides, home electronics, oil, fuel, and other items. There is no charge for this service, and a schedule of mobile collection sites makes drop off more convenient for Detroit residents.