AMP hub ramps up single-stream sorting as SPSA reports diversion gains

AMP and SPSA staff reported operational progress and early performance metrics for the new single-stream sort facility and related AMP work during the July 22 SPSA board meeting.


Andrew, speaking for AMP, described the hub on Frederick Boulevard as a state-of-the-art facility that is beginning to sort nine commodity streams out of single-stream inputs, compared with previous processing of five commodities. "We're now getting 9 materials out of that," Andrew said, noting the change should improve revenue optimization and material recovery.


For June, staff reported separation and diversion metrics that Andrew described as early indicators: "For June, that was 36 percent and 31 percent respectively," he said when explaining separation of biochar-eligible materials and overall diversion. Board members clarified that the percentages were mass-based (tons), not volume-based.


Board members asked about market risks for sorted commodities and project financing. Andrew said secondary-material markets fluctuate month to month but are stable over the long term; AMP has signed long-term offtake agreements to reduce revenue volatility and said financing talks with an institutional lender were advanced and expected to yield a concrete update next month.


Communications staff Zach reported public outreach tied to AMP and SPSA's 50th anniversary, including WHRO radio reads and eight digital placements; early campaign metrics showed stronger engagement for the "SPSA Sort" messaging than anniversary materials. Zach also said the SPSA transparency dashboard is live and will be promoted once additional recycling breakdown data from the hub is available.


Board members were invited to tour the AMP facility on Frederick Boulevard in the coming month. Staff said AMP would continue to refine design and move toward procurement and construction once final design milestones are met and financing is secured.