Operation and Maintenance of the Ocean County Recyclable Materials Processing Facility

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is requesting competitive contracting proposals for operation and maintenance of the Ocean County Recyclable Materials Processing Facility, a single-stream recycling facility, with proposals due August 4, 2026 and contract award anticipated in September 2026.

The scope encompasses receipt, processing, and marketing of mixed glass, ferrous containers, aluminum containers, mixed plastic containers, rigid plastic, old newspapers, old corrugated cardboard, and mixed paper at the primary facility in Lakewood and a baling operation at the Southern Recycling Center in Stafford Township. The facility processes approximately 62,000 tons annually at nominal 25 tons per hour capacity. The Operator is responsible for all operational costs, staffing, equipment maintenance, material marketing, and transportation; the County retains building and infrastructure maintenance, residue disposal, and site security improvements. Proposers must demonstrate substantial experience operating Class A single-stream recycling facilities of comparable size and complexity, with the Facility Manager and Maintenance Manager each holding minimum three years of such experience. The contract term is five years with an option to extend for an additional five years, commencing January 1, 2027.

Revenue allocation follows a standard formula: 95% of net revenues to the County and 5% to the Operator for tonnages up to 47,000 tons annually, with supplemental formulas for higher tonnages guaranteeing the County a minimum of 35% of net revenues. Maximum corporate overhead is capped at $5.00 per ton. Liquidated damages apply for non-compliance with operating schedules, facility cleanliness, and material quality, including maximum aluminum and plastic residue thresholds of 1.0% and 5.0% by weight respectively.

Proposers must submit performance bonds of $3 million, certificates of insurance, evidence of financial capability through recent annual reports and SEC filings, and signed letters of intent from established markets for all major commodity streams. A voluntary pre-proposal conference will be held at the Northern Recycling Center, 800 Towbin Avenue, Lakewood, to permit facility inspection and review of maintenance records. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov Procurement Portal.