Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.’s recycling division will operate Emerald Waste Services’ materials recovery facility and transfer station in Gainesville, Fla.

“This agreement between Smurfit-Stone and Emerald Waste Services reflects how industry partnerships can help close the gap between the waste that society generates and what is being recovered for recycling and reuse,” said Mike Oswald, senior vice president and general manager of Smurfit-Stone’s recycling division, in a press release. “By partnering with waste industry leaders, government, communities and non-government organizations we are able to provide financial and environmental benefits to both our customers and communities.”

“Emerald Waste Services is a leader in the solid waste collection and disposal industry in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi,” added Bart Begley, CEO of Emerald Waste, in the press release. “Combining the talent and resources of EWS and Smurfit-Stone allows both our companies to better serve our customers by providing an efficient and cost-effective solution to the waste and recycling needs of Gainesville and Alachua County, Fla. It’s a great partnership and we look forward to growing it as this project moves forward.”