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Staples has partnered with ERI, an electronics recycling company, to offer free battery recycling at its stores nationwide. The program includes rechargeable and single-use alkaline batteries and aims to reduce the 3 million batteries that enter landfills each year. Call2Recycle is also involved in the initiative, ensuring the safe transportation of collected batteries to ERI's recycling facilities. The program has been well-received by consumers and has increased recycling rates significantly. [Extracted from the article]

Shapiro, a St. Louis-based company, has focused on sustainability and improving results for the companies it serves over its 120-year history. By managing scrap streams and designing sustainable programs, Shapiro helps U.S. manufacturers increase revenue and decrease their environmental footprint. The company has created a culture where employees have a voice, allowing for new ideas and innovation to thrive. Shapiro's embrace of sustainability services and its Circular by Shapiro division helps manufacturers transition to a circular economy and provides tools for data-driven decision-making. The company also operates a Master Alloys division that produces recycled aluminum products. Shapiro's culture of transparency, integrity, and partnership has attracted engaged employees and enabled further growth. [Extracted from the article]

Waste Management (WM) has completed an upgrade to its Germantown Recycling Facility in Wisconsin as part of its plan to invest over $1 billion in new and upgraded recycling facilities across North America by 2026. The Germantown facility is one of 13 facilities that WM will upgrade or open this year. The upgrade includes the installation of 17 optical sorters that use artificial intelligence to adapt to changing material streams and improve the quality of recovered materials. The facility's capacity has been increased from 150,000 tons per year to 230,000 tons, and it can now recover various types of plastics, beverage cans, old corrugated containers, mixed paper, and high-quality recovered fiber. WM's investments in recycling facilities aim to meet the growing demand for recycling access and recycled-content products. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the sustainability efforts of the WM Phoenix Open (WMPO), which aims to be a zero-waste event. This year, WM partnered with Unifi to recycle plastic bottles generated during the 2023 tournament into Repreve fiber, which was used by Peter Millar to create shirts with the WMPO logo. Peter Millar also used 100% recycled packaging for the shirts. WMPO diverts materials from landfill through recycling, composting, energy generation, and donations. The event also educates attendees about sustainability through interactive activities. WM has a company-wide goal to increase recovery of recyclables by 60% by 2030. [Extracted from the article]

Iron Mountain, a company specializing in IT asset management and recycling, has made recent acquisitions in the sector to enhance its logistics network and improve environmental sustainability. The company's goal is to optimize reuse while protecting information, reducing carbon footprint, and promoting circularity. Iron Mountain has 12 locations in the US, three in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and two in the Asia-Pacific region that provide asset lifecycle management services. The company aims to help its clients measure and communicate progress toward their sustainability commitments and has developed an Environmental Benefits Report to quantify their progress. Iron Mountain is experiencing strong demand for its services, particularly as organizations manage the end-of-life stage of remote devices used during the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the challenge of decarbonization in the steel and aluminum industries, which have come under pressure to reduce their carbon emissions due to initiatives like the Paris Climate Agreement. The use of scrap is identified as a key solution, as it significantly lowers emissions. Recycling aluminum requires only 5% of the energy used in primary production, while recycling ferrous scrap uses 75% less energy than processing iron ore. The transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking is also highlighted as a way to reduce emissions, with many companies announcing plans to shift from blast furnace/basic oxygen furnace (BF/BOF) to EAF production. Other low-emissions processes, such as direct-reduced iron, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and renewable energy production, are also mentioned as potential solutions. The article emphasizes the importance of free and fair trade in ensuring the availability of scrap. It also discusses specific initiatives by companies like Nucor and Steel Dynamics Inc. to reduce their carbon footprints through partnerships with fusion power companies, renewable energy purchases, and the exploration of carbon capture and renewable energy use. The global aluminum sector has managed to increase production without a corresponding increase in greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to investment in research, development, and new technologies. Aluminum producers are encouraged to set their own decarbonization targets and are focusing on decarbonizing the electricity supply, reducing direct emissions, and increasing recycling rates. In the US, recycling plays a significant role in reducing emissions from aluminum production, [Extracted from the article]

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has rebranded to the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) in order to better communicate the industry's role in the supply chain. The rebranding effort began in 2021 with a focus on changing the negative perceptions associated with the recycling industry. The new name, logo, and messaging aim to highlight the industry's positive attributes and the value it creates. The rebranding is seen as an opportunity to raise the industry's profile and engage with stakeholders more effectively. [Extracted from the article]

According to an article in Recycling Today, North America's largest ferrous scrap processors handled more tons of scrap in 2023 than in 2021. This increase in volume is attributed to the growth of electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking capacity in the region. Many companies that saw an increase in scrap volume are EAF steel producers who acquired scrap processing companies to ensure a steady supply of scrap for their operations. Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) tops the list as the largest ferrous scrap processor, followed closely by SA Recycling. Other companies, such as Sims Ltd. and Gerdau, also advanced their rankings on the list. The article suggests that as the transition to EAF steelmaking continues, these companies will have more opportunities to handle larger volumes of ferrous scrap. [Extracted from the article]

Schupan & Sons is a recycling company that has experienced significant growth under the leadership of CEO Marc A. Schupan. The company prioritizes talent acquisition and has a culture of employee empowerment, environmental stewardship, and excellent customer service. They offer various benefits to their employees and value integrity and compassion. Schupan's business units include industrial recycling services, aluminum and plastic sales, beverage container recycling, materials trading, international materials trading, and asset management. They plan to expand their operations in the next 12 to 18 months to meet the growing demand for recycled aluminum. The company also offers event recycling services and supports internal recycling activities through their Sustainability and Events Recycling department. They are focused on growing their International Materials Trading business and integrating sustainability into their supply chain and employee treatment. [Extracted from the article]

SDI LaFarga Copperworks, a joint venture between Steel Dynamics Inc. and La Farga Group, has expanded its copper wire and rod production capacity at its New Haven, Indiana plant. The addition of a second furnace has increased the company's finished copper production from 180 million pounds to 430 million pounds annually, allowing for more efficient operation. The company produces a wide range of copper products, including high-conductivity copper rod and wire, and is committed to sustainability, using both scrap and cathode in its production processes. The company's culture of flexibility and commitment has contributed to its success in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Cirba Solutions, a battery recycling company, is investing in its lithium-ion battery processing capacity to meet the growing demand for critical battery materials. The company offers end-to-end solutions for recycling and processing batteries of various chemistries, including lead-acid, alkaline, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion batteries. Cirba Solutions aims to return critical materials to the supply chain for reuse and prevent them from ending up in landfills. The company plans to expand its lithium-ion battery processing capabilities through investments in facilities and partnerships, with the goal of increasing its recycled battery cathode production by 600 percent in the next four years. [Extracted from the article]

The importance of conducting preventive maintenance on baling equipment in the United States recycling industry is discussed. Keeping balers clean ensures that dust do not impede visual inspections of parts and detection of oil leaks. Maintenance tasks also include checking oil level and leak detection.

United States representatives Gene Green and Mike Thompson have passed a bill to halt illegal exports of obsolete electronics that contain hazardous substances. Lack of oversight on such exports have led to recyclers' claim of an uneven playing field. Comments from lawmakers are also included.

Plastics recycling firm InterGroup International continues to grow. The economic crisis has adversely impacted the company's workforce. Comments from executives are also included.

The 2010 European Paper Recycling Conference will be held in Frankfurt, Germany. The event will feature discussions on the latest recycling issues and trends. It is also designed to bring suppliers and consumers together.

The Aluminum Association has been promoting aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable material for the automotive, packaging and construction industry. It has also launched a sustainable initiative to increase aluminum recycling. A study by the organization has revealed that recycling lowers the material's environmental footprint.

The benefits of using software to track inventories in the United States recycling industry are discussed. Software could track both the amount of material and their costs. Transact's ScrapDragon software provides users with a model of what occurs in the scrap yard.

The impact of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Comprehensive Safety Analysis program on the recycling industry is discussed. The program is aimed at reducing commercial vehicle crashes, fatalities and injuries. Under the program, truck drivers will be subjected to more scrutiny.

Sims Recycling Solutions vice-president for business and strategy development Renee St. Denis says the United States electronics recycling industry has become more professional. She also said more legislations would benefit the sector. Her views on the role of original equipment manufacturers in the industry's growth are also given.

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc.'s Design for Recycling awards honors manufacturers that practice sustainability. The award is aimed at promoting a sustainable environment and economy. Among the early recipients of the award are Hewlett-Packard, the US Environmental Protection Agency and Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Members of the United States recycling industry could benefit from conducting preventive maintenance on paper shredding equipment. Preventive maintenance is a planned, proactive approach to ensure equipment efficiency. It also generally includes inspection, lubrication and cleaning at a minimum.

The use of optical sorting equipment in electronics recycling facilities is described. Optical sorting, which is used to detect circuit boards and copper wires, is more economical when used in facilities with higher recovery rates.

The Paper Recycling Conference will be held from June 13 to 15, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The event will feature networking opportunities for participants. It will also showcase an exhibit hall featuring suppliers to the recycling industry.

Third-party certification programs available to electronic recyclers in the United States are discussed. These programs have been developed by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. and the Basel Action Network. The US Environmental Protection Agency's R2 certification requires recyclers to use environmental, health, and safety management systems.

Increased orders for new aircraft has contributed to the rise in demand for scrap metal in the United States. Production of the Boeing 787 is seen as a reason for the increased demand for metal scrap. But scrap generation is seen to hinder the industry from meeting the demand.

Evermore Recycling LLP general manager John Woehlke says the company aims to improve the used beverage container (UBC) recycling rate. Evermore also encourages all suppliers to contact their respective territory manager if they want to work with the company. His views on the current quality of collected UBCs are also given.

Donna Harman, president and chief executive officer of American Forest & Paper Association, talks about the organization's opinion on recycling and sustainability and the issues facing paper manufacturers. She discusses the group's dedication to economic and societal commitments. The use of the black liquor alternative energy credit is also tackled.

Intechtra Holding Corp. chief executive officer Michael Profit says the company's sale to Environmental Capital Partners (ECP) has given Intechtra back its financial flexibility. He also says his company is performing well compared to others in view of the economic crisis.