Founded in 1936, American Iron & Metal remains a family-led company. Herbert Black (right) serves as president and CEO of AIM Global, while Ronald Black (left) is executive vice president. Read more on page 20.
EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY
Slone Fox sfox@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 335
EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 330
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FROM THE EDITOR
WHY FACE-TO-FACE STILL HAS THE UPPER HAND
Like many people during the pandemic, I transitioned to a work-from-home scenario and never fully looked back. For the past few years, my commute has been about ten steps, and my dog has been thrilled to have me around all day. But even with the efficiencies of remote work, there’s an energy that only exists when a team is in the same room, bouncing ideas off each other and asking questions that they might not bother to send over a chat app.
The spontaneity is a major part of why I still appreciate getting out of the house and into the office from time to time (that, and the undeniable allure of Sweet Treat Fridays). The same logic applies, at a much larger scale, to the trade shows and events in the industry. While one might expect trade shows to be less relevant in an era of video calls and virtual demos, the opposite is often true.
Recycling, after all, is a relationship-driven business. A shredder, a baler, or a sorting system isn’t something most people want to evaluate purely through a laptop screen or a spec sheet; these are significant investments, and processors often work with the same suppliers for years. It’s much easier to build a foundation of trust when you can speak directly with the people behind the equipment and get a real-time feel for how they respond to your specific needs.
That’s exactly why these events continue to matter. Technology has changed how we communicate, but it hasn’t changed the importance of relationships, and relationships are still built the same way they always have been.
I recently returned from CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and like most people in this industry, I’m already looking ahead to the next event. Preparations are underway for this year’s ReMA Convention & Exposition, where the industry will gather for a few days of equipment launches, policy discussions, and candid conversations. In June, the Recycling Product News team is off to the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries’ 2026 convention in Gatineau, Quebec. I’ll have the pleasure of moderating the Next Generation Panel, a session dedicated to the rising voices
That’s exactly why these events continue to matter. Technology has changed how we communicate, but it hasn’t changed the importance of relationships, and relationships are still built the same way they always have been.
who are actively shaping where this industry goes next. You can read more about it on page 42.
Whether you’re a regular on the trade show circuit or making it out to just one event this year, these gatherings are worth the trip. The recycling industry has no shortage of important conversations to have right now, and the best ones tend to happen in person. No matter which events you’re attending this year, I hope to see you there!
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NEWS ROOM
TWO NEW MRFS STRENGTHEN ONTARIO’S CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM
OFRAMEWORK TO ADVANCE FILM AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGING CIRCULARITY
The U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP) has shared its latest paper — Journey to Film & Flex Circularity: A Framework of Necessary Design, Collection, and End Market Levers — a resource outlining the practical, system-level actions needed to advance the circularity of film and flexible plastic packaging in the United States.
Film and flexible packaging play an essential role in protecting products, extending shelf life, and delivering goods to consumers in a cost-effective way. At the same time, the lightweight nature and complex, multi-material designs common to many film packages create real challenges for collection, sorting, and recycling at scale. This new framework confronts those realities head-on, offering a pragmatic, actionable path forward grounded in today’s infrastructure, economics, and market conditions.
While the paper focuses primarily on improving the recycling outcomes for film, efforts to reduce packaging and scale reuse should be prioritized first, consistent with the waste hierarchy. Where recycling is pursued, the framework emphasizes that progress depends on addressing the full system — not just one part of it.
A central finding of the paper is that end market development is the most critical lever for change. Collecting more material without demand for recycled film risks simply shifting material without delivering real circular outcomes.
ntario’s new producer-funded, province-wide recycling program is designed to make it easier to recycle more materials. WM is supporting this system with two new processing facilities that have begun operations in Cambridge and the Greater Napanee area.
The facilities are designed to increase overall recycling capacity and support Ontario’s expanded material list. Advanced sorting technologies allow scanners, analyzers, and optical sorters to communicate with one another and with technicians, helping improve material quality and system functionality. Each facility is capable of processing up to 160,000 metric tonnes of material per year and features 19 optical sorters, including units with AI integration.
With the capacity to process approximately 30 percent of Ontario’s total blue box volumes, these facilities play a critical role in helping to optimize the province’s new recycling system. These new sites will help streamline processes, particularly as Circular Materials rolls out a new unified material list, which expands the number of items that can be recycled.
The new system allows universal materials to be recycled across the province, including hot and cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, frozen juice containers, ice cream tubs, toothpaste tubes, deodorant, and more. A unified and enhanced system will help make it easier for residents to recycle more materials, improving recovery rates.
NWRA NAMES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FOR 2026
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced the Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Frank Antonacci, Jerry Antonacci, and Dennis Pantano, who will be formally inducted during NWRA’s Annual Awards Gala at the Waste Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
NWRA’s Hall of Fame honours individuals whose careers reflect leadership, service, and contributions to the waste and recycling industry. This year’s inductees exemplify those values through decades of innovation, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the industry.
COASTAL WASTE & RECYCLING AND MACHINEX EXPAND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ACROSS FLORIDA
Coastal Waste & Recycling is investing in expanding its recycling operations across Florida, with four material recovery facility projects completed or underway. Following the successful start-up of two systems in 2025, two additional systems are scheduled to begin operations in 2026. As part of these projects, Coastal selected Machinex to provide turnkey systems aligned with its operational needs across commercial, C&D, and residential single-stream facilities. Commissioned in fall 2025, the 20-tph Fort Myers commercial single-stream system transformed a former dump-and-bale site into a fully integrated processing facility. Designed to improve OCC quality while adding flexibility to process residential
CANADA’S
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
BAN UPHELD BY COURT RULING
Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal has upheld its decision to list plastic-manufactured items, like bags, straws, stir sticks, and cutlery, as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act,1999 (CEPA). This listing enables the government to regulate plastic products. In its decision, the Court found the government’s approach to be reasonable, recognizing that plastics have the potential to cause harm to both human health and the environment.
recycling alongside commercial material, the system features a Back Scraping Drum, MACH Screw Screen, MACH Ballistic Separator, MACH Eddy Current and II Ram Baler, all manufactured by Machinex. In Indian River, Coastal expanded its C&D presence by adding a 100-tph system commissioned in late summer 2025. The system incorporates a MACH Trommel and MACH Eddy Current to recover wood, OCC, ferrous, non-ferrous, aggregate, and recovered screen material.
The collaboration quickly evolved beyond the initial projects. Coastal is now expanding its relationship with Machinex to include a commercial and residential single-stream facility in Pompano Beach and a C&D system in Miami in 2026.
SHOW PREVIEW
Taking place from June 8 to 10 in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries’ 85th Annual Convention will bring together recycling professionals from across North America.
Learn more on page 42.
TEXTILE REGENERATION FACILITY TO RECYCLE 300 MILLION ARTICLES OF CLOTHING ANNUALLY
Reju, a recycler focused on textile waste, has selected Rochester, New York, as the location for its first U.S.-based industrial facility. The 18-acre site will fulfill the company’s ambitions to regenerate the equivalent of 300 million articles annually that would otherwise end up as textile waste and will produce rBHET that will then be repolymerized into Reju PET. The site selection will also provide opportunities for diversifying and near-shoring manufacturing.
MORE THAN 60 PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS CAN NOW RECYCLE PLASTIC BEVERAGE CUPS
More communities across the U.S. can now recycle cold to-go cups, marking a major step toward reducing waste and building a more circular future. In the last four months, efforts have helped add cold cup access to more than 2 million new households. Access has grown steadily, increasing more than 10 percent over the last several years.
Polypropylene beverage cups, commonly used for cold drinks, have earned the Widely Recyclable designation from How2Recycle, which means more than 60 percent of U.S. households can recycle these cups through curbside programs or drop-off programs, helping reduce waste and improve recycling rates nationwide.
PLASTICS REUSE SHOWS SUSTAINED GROWTH, ACCORDING TO U.S. PLASTICS PACT REPORT
The U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP) released its 2024–25 Impact Report, detailing continued progress toward a more circular plastics system in the United States. The report underscores the sustained commitment and collaboration required to deliver impact at scale.
The 2024–25 Impact Report highlights steady, measurable progress. Of the plastic packaging placed on the market by U.S. Plastics Pact members, 54 percent is now reusable, recyclable, or compostable, up from 36 percent in 2021.
The average use of post-consumer recycled or responsibly sourced biobased content has increased to 14 percent, up from 8 percent in 2021.
The report notes that recycling rates remain constrained by gaps in infrastructure, end-market demand, and consistent national data, and emphasizes that scaling reuse systems and recycled-content markets will require sustained engagement across the value chain, including from companies, policymakers, and communities.
SWANA PARTNERS WITH FIRE ROVER TO LAUNCH BATTERY FIRE REPORTING TOOL
The Solid Waste Association of North America and Fire Rover have created a new collaborative webpage dedicated to improving battery safety and mitigating fire hazards caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries in the waste and recycling stream.
Through anonymous reporting, the webpage will collect essential data, photos, and incident reports on recent fires. The information will be used for further outreach and advocacy efforts for battery handling safety. Other tools on the webpage include resources for battery drop-off and recycling locations, education content, and resources for industry professionals.
Agromin has composted 250,000 more tons of organic compost in 2025 than it did in 2024, bringing its total amount up to 1.25 million tons of organic waste diverted from landfill. The company’s finished products are used by farmers, commercial landscapers, residential customers, nonprofits, schools, and state and local government agencies. Due to state-mandatory organic waste recycling laws, California jurisdictions have enlisted the help of organic recyclers to help turn their green waste into compost and mulch.
Ten of those jurisdictions partnered with Agromin in 2025 to distribute finished compost and mulch products to residents through customized coupon programs. Under these programs, residents could order free materials through an online portal operated by Agromin. In 2025, 1,806 tons of compost and 2,246 tons of mulch were distributed free to residents in bulk, and an additional 17,450 bags of compost were given away.
GFL MOVES HEADQUARTERS FROM CANADA TO U.S.
GFL Environmental has relocated its executive headquarters from Vaughan, Ontario, to Miami Beach, Florida. The company’s jurisdiction of incorporation will remain Ontario, Canada. The move has been decided in consistency with the desire for GFL to access a wider global investor base and to participate in U.S. equity indices.
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EQUIPMENT NEWS
LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGING FACILITY DOUBLES THROUGHPUT
STADLER has completed the modernization project of the Bizkaiko Zabor Berziklategia (BZB) light packaging sorting plant in Amorebieta-Extano, Bizkaia, Spain. The upgraded facility represents a major leap forward in capacity, automation, and digitalization, enabling BZB to significantly increase throughput, improve material purity, and future-proof operations in line with evolving regulatory and market demands.
Specializing in the collection, sorting, and processing of packaging waste, BZB transforms household and commercial materials into valuable recyclables and plays a vital role in promoting circular economy initiatives across Bizkaia.
The original BZB plant, commissioned in 2002, was STADLER’s first turnkey sorting facility in Spain. Nearly 25 years later, BZB collaborated with STADLER on the design and delivery of a new-generation plant. The new BZB plant increases processing capacity from 3 to 8 tons per hour, more than doubling throughput while delivering higher recovery rates and cleaner output fractions. Key features of the plant include reversible conveyors for flexible material routing, integrated bunker level sensors, and automatic container changes.
Designed to handle a wide range of light packaging waste, the facility produces high-quality fractions, including PET, HDPE, PP, PS, two film qualities, and ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Incoming material is fed into the system through an automatic feeder and a pre-shredding stage that opens bags and loosens the waste stream. A trommel then separates the material into three size fractions, each processed independently using a combination of STADLER ballistic separators, magnetic and inductive separators, and NIR optical sorters. The sorted materials are conveyed to dedicated bunkers and baled for shipment.
Bulk Handling Systems’ new Nashville-based customer testing and evaluation centre (CTEC) will provide in-person and virtual testing of customer-provided waste streams. The demo loop features a pair of Max-AI Flex robots followed by a SpydIR-HS optical sorter. Showcasing fully automated QC, users can choose either the Max-AI AQC-2 robotic QC with a patented intelligent End of Arm Tool, or the Max-AI AIR direct-eject QC machine. The fully integrated Total Intelligence Platform system can show material characterizations at every stage of the process, providing vital information about the value of the material being processed.
TOMMYCART ROLLOUT REFLECTS DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION WASTE SYSTEMS
Richard S. Burns & Company is moving forward with the multi-market expansion of its TOMMYcart system in Chicago, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.
Engineered specifically for metro environments, the TOMMYcart replaces the logistical burden of traditional roll-off dumpsters with a compact, manoeuvrable cart system that improves workflow and delivers measurable sustainability benefits. Burns’ early data shows a 20–30 percent increase in recovery rates versus traditional material recovery facilities, a 30 percent reduction in contamination rate, and a 15–18 percent reduction in hauling emissions utilizing box trucks versus traditional rolloff trucks across projects utilizing TOMMYcarts.
TEREX ECOTEC EXPANDS
SCREENING SOLUTIONS WITH THREE-FACTION MACHINE
Terex Ecotec has expanded its screening portfolio with the introduction of the TXS 350 Starscreen, a three-fraction machine developed for high-throughput screening across a range of organic and environmental materials including biomass, compost, green waste, topsoil, wood chips, and bark. The machine incorporates self-cleaning stars and sectional speed control combined with an intuitive control system, allowing operators to optimize screening performance in different material types and operating conditions.
A cassette-style screen deck design supports maintenance and reconfiguration, with both screen decks removable as complete units. The coarse deck measures 5 metres by 1.25 metres (16.4 feet by 4.1 feet) and is fitted with 19 shafts, each carrying 9 to 10 stars. The fines deck measures 6 metres by 1.25 metres (19.7 feet by 4.1 feet) and includes 44 shafts, each with 38 stars. Both decks are divided into independently controlled sections, allowing operators to adjust deck speeds to suit material characteristics. The stars on both decks can be fitted with cleaning fingers to prevent material buildup in difficult applications.
NEW MCLANAHAN IMPACT CRUSHER FOR C&D RECYCLING
McLanahan’s new Renew Impact Crusher is built to process materials such as asphalt, concrete, and rubble. It can also be used for virgin aggregate production, giving recyclers and producers a flexible option for handling a range of crushing applications. The crusher has a feed opening of 36 x 52 inches that is designed to process 24-inch feed material efficiently, producing a wide range of output sizes from 6 inches down to 3/4-inch, depending on application requirements. It features a 47- x 51-inch heavy-duty 4-bar rotor and utilizes robust hammers with a protruding leading edge to keep the gradation and production consistent as they wear.
OverBuilt Car Crushers boast the highest opening and fastest cycle times in the industry. The crane on our Baler Logger has a 26.5-foot reach with a 5000 pound lift at 25 feet.
SPOTLIGHT
INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES
4
LIEBHERR TELEHANDLER
1
Building on the T55-7s, the T48-8s features the same tested performance and comfort with an extended working range. The model offers a maximum lifting height of 8 metres and a load capacity of 4.8 tonnes. With an additional 550-millimetre extension of the telescopic boom arm, the T48-8s allows for efficient material handling in industrial recycling, particularly working with bulk trailers, hoppers, or loading containers up to 4 metres high. High-performance hydraulics and the multi-function joystick move synchronously with the operator to ensure precise control at all times.
EDGE INNOVATE WASTE SHREDDER
2
EDGE Innovate’s VS750s high-capacity waste shredder weighs 53 tonnes and features a heavy-duty twin-shaft shredding chamber. Purpose-built for largescale recycling and waste processing applications, the VS750s is engineered to process high volumes of difficult material streams while maintaining control, efficiency, and durability. The VS750s is available in both direct drive and electric hybrid power source configurations. Intelligent load management continuously regulates shaft speed and torque to protect the drivetrain, reduce wear, and maximize uptime.
RUBBLE MASTER MOBILE IMPACT CRUSHERS
3
The RM 90X and RM 100X mobile impact crushers from RUBBLE MASTER deliver high uptime and lower cost per ton with simplified controls. Both feature redesigned controls for ease of use, automated machine assistance, and a 12-inch display with new digital features. In addition to the updated look and usability, both benefit from a new heavy-duty rotor featuring a greater variety of hammer options. Developed with 25 percent more rotor inertia on the RM 90X and 17 percent more on the RM 100X, both crushers deliver consistent tonnage on busy work sites.
EVOQUIP SHREDDER
4
EvoQuip’s Caiman 150 shredder offers a small footprint for contractors and recyclers. Well-suited to C&D waste, asphalt, skip waste, green waste, wood, and household waste, the Caiman 150 shredder features twin, slow-speed, hightorque shafts that produce up to 80,000 Nm per shaft for reliable shredding, even where space is limited. Each shaft turns independently rather than in perfect sync to bite material at slightly different intervals. This staggered action keeps material moving, reduces jams, and helps the shredder work more efficiently through tough or clunky loads.
NINETY YEARS OF PEOPLE
In 2025, AIM’s Hamilton, Ontario, operations won the Community Builder Award based on charitable and community contributions.
PEOPLE AND PROGRESS
AIM CELEBRATES A LEGACY BUILT ON EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
Few industries reflect the past century of industrial change as clearly as metal recycling does — scrap provided an affordable source of raw materials during the Great Depression, postwar infrastructure projects reshaped cities, and the environmental movement of the 1970s shaped how materials were regarded and reused.
As these shifts unfolded, American Iron & Metal (AIM) grew alongside them. This year, the family-owned company marks its 90th anniversary, celebrating nearly a century of growth and innovation. Through decades of shifting commodity markets, industrial expansion, and changing environmental priorities, AIM has steadily scaled into a network that handles public drop-off recycling, industrial scrap management, site cleanups, and more.
With global headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, AIM manages a vast flow of ferrous and non-ferrous materials supported by transportation fleets, processing facilities, and international trading networks that move recycled metals through global manufacturing supply chains. What began as a single yard now spans more than 135 locations worldwide and has grown into one of the largest metal recycling operations in North America.
across 135 sites, moving materials by truck, rail, and cargo vessel to domestic and international markets. Supported by one of the largest private rail fleets in North America, it provides reach and flexibility across multiple markets.
A VISION TAKES SHAPE
American Iron & Metal’s story began back in 1936, when founder Peter Black was fired from his father’s business after announcing plans to get married. Peter’s father thought the company was too small to support two families, prompting the 19-year-old to go his own way and start a small scrap business. Nearly nine decades later, that modest venture has grown into a company that supports more than 4,000 families.
AIM remains family-led to this day, with Peter’s oldest son, Herbert Black, serving as president and CEO of AIM Global, while his youngest son, Ronald Black, is executive vice president. The next generations of the family are also involved in the business, with Herb’s son, Ricky Black, leading AIM Global Solder Solutions and his grandson, Harrison Black, in business development.
“My brother and I started to work together 57 years ago,” says Herb. “My late father got sick when my brother was 13 years old, and he passed away when my brother was 17 years old. I took care of him all my life, and because of the age difference — nine years between the two of us — I’m more like a father than a brother to him.”
I think the fact that we both get along so well . . . When people see that harmonious relationship at the top, it carries through the whole organization.
Herbert Black President and CEO, AIM Global
EQUIPMENT IN FULL FORCE
AIM’s facilities across North America and beyond operate at an industrial scale, integrating advanced technology with large-volume processing. The yards handle materials using a wide range of equipment, including 12 auto shredders, multiple downstream systems, wire chopping lines, balers, briquetters, and shears. Advanced separation and analysis technologies — X-ray, induction, spectrometry, ballistic separators, wet media plants, colour sorting, and more — allow materials to be recovered efficiently and accurately.
Innovation and sustainability have always been at the core of AIM’s operations. Today, AIM ensures that the most advanced machinery is utilized, rigorously maintained, and strategically replaced on shorter life cycles to guarantee continuous upgrades and optimal performance. Recent optimizations include RADCOMM RAID radiation detection systems — the first of their kind in North America — and custom-built electric mobile material handlers to eliminate diesel emissions and improve operations at stationery shears.
Supporting these processes is a vast logistics network — AIM operates more than 735 trucks, 2,500 railcars, and 1,000 trailers
Despite difficult circumstances at home growing up, the two remained close. According to Herb, disagreements have been rare, and they seldom fought, even as children. That dynamic has carried through their decades working together, with a mutual respect that has helped shape the company’s culture. “We’re blood united forever, always doing the best for each other,” he says. “I think the fact that we both get along so well . . . When people see that harmonious relationship at the top, it carries through the whole organization.”
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROCESS
From the scale of its equipment to the coordination needed to move material worldwide, AIM depends on both advanced technology and the people who operate it.
“Across every yard, port, office, and operation, there is a culture of learning and development that continues to shape the next generation of leaders in our industry,” says Corey Cooper, director of marketing at AIM Recycling. “Knowledge is shared, experience is respected, and people are empowered to grow. That commitment to developing people is one of the greatest strengths of this organization.”
For nearly a century, knowledge has been passed from one generation of employees to the next through mentorship, hands-on experience, and shared know-how. From identifying materials on-site to coordinating shipments across continents, the skill and dedication of employees ensures that the company grows stronger with each generation.
BEYOND THE YARD
That same spirit extends into the communities where AIM operates, with employees making a tangible difference beyond the gates of the facility. Many serve on local charity boards, organize interactive programs, and lead park adoptions, facility tours, and community open houses.
In Hamilton, Ontario, alone, the company has committed $1 million over five years to CityKidz, funding the develop-
AIM’s facilities integrate advanced technology with large-volume processing.
AIM leverages a wide range of equipment, including shredders, balers, shears, and more.
AIM has 4,000 employees across 135 locations worldwide.
ment of a new park and recreation space in one of Hamilton’s underserved neighbourhoods. A lifetime scholarship fund of $1 million supports the Boys and Girls Club, providing access to education, skills development, and leadership opportunities. More than $300,000 has been donated to Helping Hands Street Mission, supporting a new facility for vulnerable populations.
“Beyond the work we do in recycling and sustainability, there is a genuine belief in supporting our neighbours, lifting up the communities where we live and work through generosity, partnership, and care,” says Cooper. “It is a reminder that business success is most meaningful when it creates a positive impact for others.”
AIM extends support to its employees and their families through the Tuition Scholarship Assistance Program, which provides post-secondary scholarships to children of employees. Since its creation, more than 150 students have benefitted, opening doors to education and new opportunities.
The annual Take Your Kid to Work Day also offers young participants a hands-on look at recycling operations, sparking
curiosity about sustainability, technology, and industrial careers. The program reaches beyond employees’ children, welcoming youth from local organizations and providing mentorship, career opportunities, and encouragement to discover their potential.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
With thousands of employees across the company, Herb makes a point of staying connected with staff in person. He aims to visit every operation twice a year, once in the summer to hold employee picnics before the holiday season and again toward the end of the year. During the holiday visits, he also distributes raises and bonuses, often bringing together hundreds of employees at a time to spend an evening celebrating with the team.
“I give away a lot of prizes and gifts over and above the normal bonuses,” says Herb. “It gives me great pleasure to mingle with everyone who works day in and day out to personally thank them for all their effort, their energy, and what they put in to make this company so great.”
Even amid operational demands and
productivity pressures, AIM prioritizes investing in its people and cultivating a supportive workplace culture. Knowledge sharing and sustained community engagement ensure the company’s impact resonates both inside and outside its facilities, fostering environmental responsibility, education, and opportunity for future generations.
“It was truly a team effort from the beginning,” says Herb. “This is my 66th year, so I’m the longest employee, and I guess one could say I’m not just an owner, but the captain of the ship. I’m proud to be the captain. I really have to thank everybody who has worked at AIM, and the efforts and the energy they put into making this company what it is.”
CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD
As American Iron & Metal moves into its next chapter, the company continues to focus on the people who carry forward decades of knowledge while navigating complex operations and bringing new ideas, energy, and perspective to the table.
AIM depends on both advanced technology and the people who operate it.
“There is a genuine love here for the industry, for the business we are building together, and most importantly for the people who make it all possible,” says Cooper. “The pride, respect, and sense of purpose that come from being part of this organization extend far beyond the workplace; they carry into my family and the people who matter most to me.”
AIM’s legacy isn’t found in equipment or facilities alone. It lives in the people who run them and in the culture they’ve shaped, where expertise and innovation intersect. Looking ahead, that same passion and purpose will build on AIM’s foundation while opening doors for the generations to come.
“This is a very emotional time in my life,” says Herb. “I’m proud to say that my brother and I have built a tremendous company. We’ve taken this company from $600,000 in sales to $4.5 billion, and our father would be very proud of us. I don’t think he ever imagined that we could achieve what we’ve achieved, for the simple reason that I myself don’t believe what we’ve achieved — it’s really beyond any dreams I could have had.” RPN
AIM operates a vast logistics network, moving materials by truck, rail, and cargo vessel to domestic and international markets.
The first American Iron & Metal facility opened on Notre Dame St East in Montreal, Quebec, marking the beginning of a legacy in metal recycling.
AIM built one of the world’s first heated recycling facilities, significantly enhancing employee comfort, productivity, and morale.
AIM entered the solder business with the launch of AIM Global Solder Solutions, which is now recognized as a leading manufacturer of tin-lead and lead-free solder assembly materials.
The company relocated its global headquarters to a new 100+ acre location on Henri-Bourassa East in Montreal, significantly expanding its operations.
The creation of Delsan AIM combined AIM’s recycling expertise with advanced decommissioning and demolition services.
AIM commissioned its first shredder in Montreal, enhancing its competitive edge domestically and broadening its international client base.
AIM acquired SNF Inc. and Pièces d’Autos Kenny Inc., integrating Quebec’s two largest scrap metal recyclers into the AIM network, further strengthening its industry presence.
A significant investment in high-tech equipment led to the launch of AIM Éco-Centre, offering innovative turnkey solutions for construction and demolition waste management.
AIM entered the European market by opening operations in Belgium.
AIM expanded its U.S. footprint by acquiring Ecology Recycling Services, LLC in California.
The opening of the AIM Minesource division provided specialized expertise in custom industrial and mining solutions.
Honeycomb Catalytics was introduced, advancing the recycling of catalytic converters and precious metals recovery. AIM expanded operations in the U.S. through its acquisition of Liberty in Phoenix, Arizona.
Through a joint venture in Kalischatarra, AIM expanded its operations into Mexico and became full owners of Ecology.
An AIM truck in 1970.
Peter Black in 1960.
Operations began in Germany, extending AIM’s global reach. AIM introduced the Tuition Scholarship Assistance Program (TSAP) in Canada and the U.S.
Hamilton operations won the Community Builder Award based on charitable and community contributions. The company’s Colton, California, operations won the Business of the Year award for its dedication to staff, efficiency, and employee development.
American Iron & Metal celebrates 90 years of trust, innovation, and sustainability.
With operations spanning multiple regions and material streams, American Iron & Metal has built a diverse portfolio of divisions that support every stage of the recycling process. The company’s key businesses include:
• AIM Recycling: A global leader in the recovery and recycling of scrap metal.
• AIM Kenny U-Pull: A leader in the self-service, used car parts market with an inventory of over 25,000 cars and more than 27 locations across Canada.
• Honeycomb: Specializes in catalytic converter purchasing, processing, and recycling to meet the growing global demand for precious metal recovery.
• AIM Eco-Centre: A specialist in the recycling of C&D waste, from container rental to material recycling and reselling.
• AIM Minesource: Distributes all the products necessary for the operation of underground mines, collaborating with suppliers across Canada.
• BlackPearls: A hub in the global mining sector that designs, manufactures, and supplies high-performance grinding media.
Ron Black (left) and Herb Black (right) today.
The brothers in 1985.
TURNING TRANSPARENCY INTO TRUST
HOW A RURAL AUTO RECYCLER IN NEW MEXICO RECLAIMED CONTROL OVER CONVERTER VALUATION
The recycler’s sourcing model included collecting abandoned end-of-life vehicles from the roadside and purchasing them through auctions. The recycler relied on a buying model based on vehicle age brackets rather than converter-specific data. While familiar and consistent, this approach limited insight into actual catalytic converter value and introduced exposure to pricing and settlement risk.
THE
CHALLENGE: HABIT, MISTRUST, AND LIMITED VISIBILITY
The supplier had operated using established processes for years and was hesitant to adopt new tools or partners. Past experiences contributed to a degree of mistrust, particularly related to pricing transparency and settlement accuracy.
Key challenges included:
1. Lack of visibility into contained metal ounces
The supplier was provided only with returnable ounces, making it difficult to validate metal recovery percentages
or independently assess stated terms. Without access to contained ounce data, performance verification was not possible. This absence of detail created uncertainty and reliance on assumed accuracy.
2. Questionable and poorly explained fees
Invoices included charges that were not clearly defined, including:
• A 5 percent assay fee without a clear technical justification
• Treatment charges of $1.50 per pound, which appeared elevated relative to common industry benchmarks
3. Limited technical tools and reporting
The operation lacked access to detailed converter pricing tools and transparent reporting. There was no comprehensive pre-sale grading summary or post-sale reconciliation report available for review.
4. Operational risk from cash transactions
Some historical transactions were settled in cash, creating gaps in documentation, traceability, and auditability — a potential risk given evolving regulatory and compliance requirements.
PMR’S ANALYTICAL APPROACH: EDUCATION FOLLOWED BY SIMULATION
Rather than recommending immediate operational changes, the focus was placed on education and data review.
A key issue identified early was that, without access to both contained and returnable ounces, the supplier had no practical way to confirm whether stated terms accurately reflected material value.
To address this, a simulation was proposed using the supplier’s historical shipment data. The exercise was positioned strictly as a fact-finding comparison, with no obligation to change existing commercial relationships.
FINDINGS: QUANTIFYING THE COST OF LIMITED TRANSPARENCY
The simulation analyzed three recent loads previously sold to another buyer. The results indicated the supplier may have foregone in excess of $35,000 USD in potential value across those shipments.
Contributing factors included:
• Fees that were not clearly defined or reconciled
• Elevated treatment charges
• Limited accountability around assay costs and recovery percentages
THE OUTCOME: A DATA-DRIVEN TRANSITION
Based on the findings, the supplier elected to proceed with a trial shipment consisting of 1,000 converters.
This was followed by structured onboarding sessions for yard management, scale operators, and dispatch personnel. Demonstrations focused on improving visibility into pricing, grading, and settlement data, with the objective of improving operational clarity and efficiency.
The emphasis throughout the process was on enabling informed decision-making through accessible, verifiable information.
KEY TAKEAWAY
This case highlights a broader industry reality: Without transparency, outcomes rely on assumptions. With transparency, decisions are supported by data.
By addressing information gaps and validating results through comparative analysis, the recycler was able to reassess how material value was determined and move forward with greater confidence in its evaluation process.
WHY PMR WAS THE RIGHT FIT FOR THIS RECYCLER
PMR’s model directly addressed the operational and commercial gaps identified in this case:
• Full transparency: contained & returnable ounces
Providing both contained and returnable ounce data enabled independent validation of recovery percentages, eliminating reliance on assumptions and strengthening trust in settlement accuracy.
• Clearly defined, structured fee model
Assay, treatment, and refining charges are disclosed allowing suppliers to understand exactly how value is calculated.
• Advanced converter valuation tools
Access to detailed grading tools and structured preand post-sale reporting improves price visibility before shipment and reconciliation clarity after settlement.
• Data-backed performance validation
Simulation modelling and load comparisons allow suppliers to quantify financial impact before making commercial changes, reducing transition risk.
• Auditability & compliance alignment
Structured documentation, electronic reporting, and traceable settlement processes reduce regulatory exposure and eliminate risks associated with undocumented cash transactions.
WHERE SHREDDER PERFORMANCE REALLY BEGINS
HOW ONE ONTARIO RECYCLER REDUCED WEAR AND IMPROVED SAFETY UPSTREAM
BY MEGHAN BARTON, SENIOR WRITER
Running a shredder in 2026 is about managing risk as much as processing feedstock. Material streams are inconsistent. Electric vehicles are entering the scrap cycle. Unknown hazards arrive at the gate. Equipment is more connected, but also more complex. And when something goes wrong inside a shredder, the consequences are rarely minor.
For Attar Metals Inc., a full-service recycler based in Mississauga, Ontario, protecting the shredder meant shifting the focus upstream and addressing stress and risk.
The risks are not theoretical. Tony D’Alonzo, maintenance manager at Attar Metals, has spent four decades working around heavy equipment and shredder operations, watching how small problems escalate once material reaches the rotor. From his perspective, the most effective way to protect equipment and the people working around it is to reduce stress before material ever reaches the hammermill.
WHEN THE SHREDDER BECOMES THE BOTTLENECK
Attar Metals processes a mix of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap from industrial suppliers, dealers, and public drop-off. Before 2023, Attar Metals was feeding raw material directly into its shredder line. The machine was handling the brunt of the work, and the wear reflected it.
“We noticed that the shredder was working too hard. Too many
breakdowns . . . [there was] a lot of wear and tear on that machine,” D’Alonzo says.
The result wasn’t just maintenance hours. It was a strain across the system from engines to downstream conveyors. On top of wear, there was a safety concern.
“Oh, number one is explosions,” D’Alonzo says when asked about the biggest risk on a shredder line.
High-speed rotors introduced friction and sparks. If the material contains residual fuels, pressurized components, or hidden hazards, the consequences can escalate quickly.
At that point, the issue was no longer throughput. It was protecting the shredder from what it was being asked to absorb. Something upstream had to change.
RETHINKING THE FLOW BY ADDING PREPROCESSING
Attar Metals decided to expand the line and protect existing assets. In April 2023, Attar added the Blue Devil, a low-speed pre-shredder from Zato, positioned ahead of the shredder to prepare material before processing.
“It was an expansion to help our other machine out,” D’Alonzo says.
Zato’s Blue Devil is designed around a twin-shaft, high-torque configuration that uses counter-rotating shafts and replaceable cutting blades to shear material rather than fracture it through impact. Instead of relying on speed, the machine applies controlled force, gradually opening and reducing
incoming scrap before it reaches the hammermill.
While Attar deploys the Blue Devil as a pre-shredder ahead of its primary shredder, the platform can also operate as a standalone processing unit or for aluminum scrap or busheling applications.
For Attar Metals, that distinction proved critical. Rather than feeding
large, irregular scrap directly into the shredder, the Blue Devil introduced a controlled first stage of size reduction. Operating at low rotational speed with high torque, it shears and opens incoming material gradually, reducing bulk density, exposing enclosed components, and breaking down oversized pieces into a homogenous feed for the highspeed rotor.
When contaminants, trapped gases, or dense unshreddables enter a shredder at full speed, the consequences can escalate quickly. By comparison, the Blue Devil’s slowspeed pre-processing limits friction, reduces spark generation, and stabilizes material flow entering the primary shredder.
When contaminants, trapped gases, or dense unshreddables enter a shredder at full speed, the consequences can escalate quickly. By comparison, the Blue Devil’s slow-speed pre-processing limits friction, reduces spark generation, and stabilizes material flow entering the primary shredder.
The result at Attar was measurable operational relief. The change altered how material entered the mill and how the shredder responded. Since installing the pre-shredder, D’Alonzo has seen a significant reduction in downtime.
“Our maintenance has come down, everything has come down,” says D’Alonzo. “It’s a lot easier on [the shredder] now. Everything has already been processed.”
According to D’Alonzo, the benefits extended well beyond the shredder itself. Reduced impact loads translated into lower wear on hammers and liners, fewer conveyor jams downstream, and less strain on engines and support equipment.
Just as important was safety. By addressing oversized and potentially hazardous materials under controlled, low-speed conditions, the Blue Devil reduced the likelihood of high-energy events inside the shredder, reinforcing Attar’s focus on protecting equipment and people in the yard.
MEASURABLE IMPACT
For Attar Metals, the effect of adding upstream pre-processing is reflected in measurable maintenance savings. Since installing the pre-shredder, the company has seen a reduction in maintenance demands on the shredder itself.
“The Zato took the brunt of the beating before it got into our shredder,” D’Alonzo says.
By absorbing the initial stress of oversized and irregular scrap, the pre-shredder reduced the strain placed on hammers, liners, and internal components. The result has been fewer change-outs, fewer reactive repairs, and more predictable service intervals.
D’Alonzo estimates that Attar Metals has saved about 30 percent in maintenance costs on the shredder side.
In a shredder operation, that margin carries weight.
“Thirty percent is a huge number,” he says. “When you’re talking millions of dollars to run a shredder, 30 percent is a good chunk.”
The reduction has also extended beyond the shredder itself. Lower shock loads and more consistent feed have eased wear on conveyors, bearings, and downstream equipment, stabilizing the broader system rather than simply extending component life inside the shredder.
EVALUATING THE RIGHT FIT
For Attar Metals, selecting a pre-shredder was not simply a matter of capacity or horsepower. The team assessed how a new machine would integrate into the existing shredder line, how it would affect maintenance demands, and what kind of technical support would be available once it was installed.
“We went through a bunch of companies,” D’Alonzo says as they explored which equipment met their criteria. Beyond specifications, the evaluation focused on practical considerations: parts access, service responsiveness, and real-world performance under production conditions.
Attar Metals chose the Zato Blue Devil to introduce a controlled first-stage size reduction to its shredder line.
Before committing, Attar toured Glenview Iron & Metal in Smiths Falls, Ontario, and visited a facility in Chicago — Belson Scrap Metal — where a Blue Devil was already operating in a live scrap environment. Seeing the machine process material at scale provided the clarity the team needed.
“They were putting [all kinds of material] in there,” D’Alonzo says. “That gave us confidence.”
According to D’Alonzo, Zato’s ongoing support has remained an important part of the investment.
“These machines are very smart now,” he says. “You need support behind them.”
PRACTICAL DECISIONS IN AN UNCERTAIN MARKET
While the pre-shredder investment has delivered measurable results, Attar Metals is approaching future expansion cautiously. Even as the company considers additional downstream separation and system upgrades, broader market conditions continue to shape capital planning.
“I think that’s what it is. It’s just the uncertainty,” D’Alonzo says. “The economic downturn has affected us all in the industry.”
Procuring feedstock has also become more complex.
“My job has [become] a lot harder in the past 10 years,” he says. “Before, I had to make one or two calls, but now it’s 10 [or a] dozen.”
In that environment, equipment decisions are evaluated differently. Throughput remains important, but reliability, service support, and risk reduction increasingly drive investment priorities.
For operators considering upstream pre-processing, D’Alonzo points to three practical considerations: safety, capability, and support.
“First and foremost, it’s going to be safety,” he says. “Second is what the machine can do . . . that fits your line of work and third . . . the support from your [supplier].”
The economics, in his view, follow naturally.
In a market where uptime defines profitability, conditioning scrap before it reaches the rotor is no longer simply a processing choice. For scrapyards like Attar Metals, it has become a strategy for protecting equipment, managing risk, and sustaining performance over the long term. RPN
For Attar Metals, protecting the shredder meant shifting the focus upstream.
FORGING CONNECTIONS
Come Meet Canada’s
Recycled Materials Industry
Connect with recyclers from across Canada, the United States and abroad.
Network with peers. Meet sponsors and exhibitors. Hear from industry leaders shaping the future of recycled materials. And Don’t Miss the Golf Great connections. A little friendly competition.
Join the conversations shaping the future of recycled materials. REGISTER TODAY:
https://cari-acir.org/85th-annual-convention/
Dr. Jody Carrington Renowned psychologist & bestselling author speaks about resilient leadership
John Weigelt National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada speaks about AI
Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI)
WHAT’S NEW IN NON-FERROUS RECOVERY SORTING ZORBA, TWITCH, AND MORE WITH TOMRA EQUIPMENT
TOMRA’s X-TRACT sorts aluminum from heavy metals and helps clean contamination in cleaner streams (Taint/ Tabor). Based on atomic density, X-TRACT initially sorts shredded mixed non-ferrous metals (Zorba) to produce high-purity aluminum scrap (Twitch). Then, if necessary, it removes high-alloy aluminum cast and high-density wrought aluminum to further refine the Twitch. This process yields a high-quality fraction, containing both wrought aluminum and minor amounts of low-alloy, high-silicon cast. For higher purity levels in aluminum sorting, the wrought fraction can be further refined using TOMRA’s AUTOSORT PULSE system, which employs dynamic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (Dynamic LIBS) for precise identification and sorting of different alloy types.
AUTOSORT PULSE leverages precise elemental composition analysis and advanced dynamic laser detection to accurately distinguish between different alloy types like 5xxx and 6xxx aluminum, and prepares ready-to-melt products, as well as market specifications like Vesper.
AUTOSORT PULSE IN THE FIELD
Levitated Metals recently added TOMRA Recycling’s AUTOSORT PULSE to its New Caney, Texas, facility. Supplied by WENDT, AUTOSORT PULSE sorts wrought aluminum from the input stream, allowing flexible and fast sorting task changes. Polished and sized material coming from a heavy-media plant enters the LIBS line, and Levitated Metals sorts its Twitch into specialized products like Vesper.
TOMRA’s deep learning technology perceives and classifies materials by shape, size, and dimension.
“The material that Levitated Metals is making is far exceeding their expectations,” says Giuseppe Granara, segment manager of metals for the Americas at TOMRA Recycling. “The company made the right decision with the help of our metals partner, WENDT CORPORATION, who tested Levitated Metals’ feed material in its new metals test facility, which includes our X-TRACT, GAINnext, and AUTOSORT PULSE technologies.”
MATERIAL TESTING RESULTS
In addition to the results achieved by Levitated Materials, TOMRA and Novelis shared findings during a webcast last summer from their various test results conducted at TOMRA’s Test Center in Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany. They highlighted successful reduction of individual elements in Twitch using multiple sorting technologies, in which the sequence of X-ray transmission, followed by deep learning, then by Dynamic LIBS, provided the best overall results.
“By integrating GAINnext, which leverages deep learning AI, into the sorting process after X-TRACT, a pure wrought fraction can be achieved,” adds Granara.
GAINnext uses high-resolution cameras to rapidly process thousands of images per millisecond, perceiving and classifying materials by shape, size, and dimension with accuracy. This advanced system, trained over years by TOMRA’s experts, mimics human vision but with enhanced speed, facilitating high throughput sorting of up to 2,000 ejections per minute, depending on the application.
From 100 percent Twitch, the process extracted up to 40 percent wrought aluminum as exceptionally high-quality 5xxx and 6xxx alloys.
One of TOMRA’s significant metals applications with GAINnext detects and removes low-alloy cast and contamination from the wrought fraction that TOMRA’s X-TRACT (or the AUTOSORT PULSE) produces, delivering a high-purity wrought product that commands premium market prices.
“From 100 percent Twitch, the process extracted up to 40 percent wrought aluminum as exceptionally high-quality 5xxx and 6xxx alloys,” says Granara. “Additionally, the test results further highlight the future potential for recovering a broader range of aluminum alloys, including 2xxx, 3xxx, 7xxx, and 8xxx series.”
TOMRA’s AUTOSORT PULSE employs dynamic laser-induced plasma spectroscopy for precise identification and sorting of different alloy types.
SMARTER SORTING RESHAPES NON-FERROUS RECOVERY
AI AND EVOLVING MARKET DEMANDS INFLUENCE SENSOR-BASED SEPARATION
BY MEGHAN BARTON, SENIOR WRITER
Non-ferrous recovery is entering a new phase as recyclers face growing pressure to deliver cleaner materials, recover more value domestically, and respond to rapidly shifting end-market requirements. Advances in sensor-based sorting, artificial intelligence, and material characterization are redefining how facilities approach non-ferrous processing, particularly within aluminum streams.
For REDWAVE, an Austria-based manufacturer of sensor-based sorting systems, current development efforts reflect broader industry shifts toward higher-purity outputs and more localized material processing.
DOMESTIC PROCESSING DRIVES DEMAND FOR BETTER SORTING
One of the most significant drivers influencing non-ferrous recovery today is a global push to retain critical materials within regional markets rather than exporting mixed scrap streams.
“There’s currently a little bit of a shift in the market,” says Julian Tauterer, COO of REDWAVE USA. “More and more countries see it as more valuable to keep the materials and especially the non-ferrous metals within their own countries.”
“For example, in Europe, there are currently laws being passed that no non-fer-
rous scrap can be exported anymore,” says Tauterer. “The U.S. is also talking about such laws. Overall, the [future] strategy, as I see it, is to keep the resources inside the country, so as not to be dependent on other countries supplying those goods.”
As export pathways tighten and domestic processors demand cleaner feedstock, recyclers can no longer rely on shipping mixed material overseas for manual sorting. Instead, facilities must produce higher-quality fractions earlier in the processing chain.
This shift is increasing demand for advanced sorting technologies capable of separating metals into more precisely defined categories and alloy groups.
ALUMINUM MOVES TO THE FOREFRONT
While high-value heavy metals such as copper and brass historically dominated development priorities, market dynamics are shifting. Aluminum, which accounts for the majority of non-ferrous volume, has become a central focus for recyclers and technology innovators.
“Aluminum makes up 80 to 85 percent of all the non-ferrous metals,” says Tauterer. “The demand for aluminum is growing each year, so our current focus lies on further developing our existing hardware and software in order to produce different grades of aluminum.”
Industry attention is increasingly focused on upgrading shredded aluminum streams into higher-value products. Recent discussions across the recycling sector — including the introduction of the Vesper aluminum scrap specification — highlight growing demand for separating wrought aluminum from mixed shredded fractions to prevent material downcycling.
Rather than simply recovering aluminum as a single commodity stream, recyclers are seeking separation by alloy and application.
“In the future, we will be talking about sorting individual aluminum series,” he says, noting that separating cast from wrought aluminum represents an immediate priority before progressing toward more detailed alloy classification.
ADVANCING XRF SORTING WITH AI
To address these requirements, REDWAVE is expanding the capabilities of its X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sorting systems, a technology widely used for elemental analysis in non-ferrous recovery.
“We are currently working on improving our XRF sorting technology,” Tauterer says. “Especially in heavy metals, you have a very good identification and sorting method, and we are upgrading the sensor to also do more different sorting tasks inside the aluminum fraction.”
Artificial intelligence plays a role in this development. Traditional XRF sorting identifies metals by analyzing specific spectral peaks associated with individual elements. REDWAVE’s next step involves evaluating the entire spectral signature rather than isolated data points.
There’s currently a little bit of a shift in the market. More and more countries see it as more valuable to keep the materials, and especially the non-ferrous metals, within their own countries.
Julian Tauterer COO, REDWAVE USA
REDWAVE is expanding the capabilities of its X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sorting systems.
“What we are trying to do in the future is not look at single peaks, but look at the whole spectrum itself and compare whole spectrums with each other,” Tauterer explains.
Alongside spectral analysis, visual AI is also being explored to recognize material characteristics based on appearance.
The goal is not to change the fundamental sorting process, but to improve identification accuracy and expand the number of recoverable product grades.
AUTOMATION RESHAPES OPERATIONS
Beyond detection improvements, automation is influencing how recycling facilities manage non-ferrous lines overall. Data analysis and feedstock characterization are becoming as important as the sorting equipment itself.
“It is very essential to know what you put into the machine to have the best possible efficiency and purity,” says Tauterer. “If you know your feed very well, then you can adjust either the sorting equipment or the pre-processing better.”
AI applications are also expanding into plant optimization and maintenance planning.
“AI will play a huge role in plant optimization and also in maintenance,” he says. “It can detect preventive maintenance needs or even decide which products are most efficient to create based on market conditions.”
TACKLING COMPLEX MATERIAL STREAMS
Despite technological advances, challenges remain, particularly in aluminum recovery, where industry specifications are still evolving.
“The industry itself is still figuring out what types of products they need,” Tauterer says. “There are certain alloy groups which are currently difficult to detect and difficult to separate, and there is currently no perfect solution found yet.”
At the same time, recyclers are beginning to reconsider material streams that were historically overlooked. Fine fractions, once screened out and landfilled, represent an emerging opportunity.
“A lot of customers screen out everything below half an inch and just throw it in the landfill,” he says. “There’s a lot of valuable material in this fraction which can be recovered and should be recovered.”
Recovering these smaller particles could unlock additional revenue while reducing disposal costs.
FLEXIBILITY BECOMES THE DEFINING INVESTMENT STRATEGY
As technology, markets, and material flows continue to evolve, flexibility is emerging as the most important consideration for recyclers planning new investments.
“I think it’s very important for the scrapyard of the future to have the most versatile equipment as possible,” Tauterer says. “Requirements from five years ago differ a lot from requirements today,
and they will continue to change.”
Rather than designing systems for a single commodity or specification, Tauterer says operators need adaptable platforms to respond to price fluctuations, new product demands, and emerging recycling applications.
“Flexibility will be the key in the future to [keep] up with the demands,” he says. With AI integration accelerating, aluminum recovery expanding, and finer material streams gaining attention, non-ferrous processing is moving toward a more data-driven and precision-focused future where sorting technology plays an increasingly central role in maximizing resource recovery. RPN
XRF sorting systems are widely used for elemental analysis in non-ferrous recovery.
Non-ferrous recovery is entering a new phase as recyclers face growing pressure to deliver cleaner materials.
ERIEZ HELPS OPERATORS RECOVER ULTRA-FINE
NON-FERROUS
PARTICLES
In 1969, Eriez patented both permanent magnetic and electromagnetic systems. Since then, the company has refined its designs to incorporate improved permanent magnetic circuits using rare earth materials, resulting in stronger eddy currents.
To advance separation performance further, Eriez developed the RevX-E eddy current separator. The machine features an eccentrically mounted magnetic rotor inside a non-conductive shell, which focuses the magnetic field at the end of the belt. The design allows conveyor belt changes in as little as 10 minutes due to a cantilevered frame, while rack-and-pinion splitter adjustments provide accurate placement for optimal separation.
Maintenance is simplified with large access panels around the machine, while the compact footprint reduces the space needed in processing facilities. Both the rotor and conveyor are driven directly, contributing to operational efficiency.
The RevX-E is available in widths of one, 1.2, and 1.5 metres, with rotor assemblies designed for different size fractions. The LT2 rotor is an eight-pole rare earth eccentric rotor suitable for coarse fractions greater than one inch. The ST22 rotor is a 22-pole rare earth design intended for material sized between
one-quarter of an inch and one inch. These options allow operators to match machine configuration to the size distribution of their feed material.
SEPARATING SMALL FRACTIONS
Eriez has also introduced an ultra-high-frequency eddy current separator to recover ultra-fine non-ferrous particles. This separator combines a specially designed rotor that produces high gauss at the belt surface with a large number of magnetic poles operating at elevated speeds. The result is ultra-high-frequency field changes capable of separating small fractions, including bare copper wire. It offers an economical means to enhance Zorba recovery without the expense of sensor-based or optical sorting equipment.
Each ultra-high-frequency unit, typically 1 metre wide, is shipped with an Eriez Brute Force feeder to ensure even material distribution across the conveyor. The systems can recover valuable non-ferrous metals as small as 2 to 3 millimetres. Features include a carbon fibre shell, precise splitter adjustments, a rotor operating at higher rpms, and the ability to deliver consistent high-quality separation across the full width of the belt.
The ultra-high-frequency eddy current separator recovers ultra-fine non-ferrous particles.
9 SHREDDER METRICS EVERY YARD SHOULD TRACK
MEASURE, ADJUST, AND IMPROVE OPERATIONS BY SPOTTING SMALL CHANGES EARLY
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
The deterioration of shredder performance usually shows up as lost tons per hour, steadily increasing electrical costs, or reduced casting life, rather than something blatantly obvious. In fact, many operators believe their shredder is running completely fine when the data says otherwise. Here are nine key metrics that can help operators spot small changes early to measure, adjust, and improve day-to-day operations over time.
1. TONS PER HOUR
Although tons per hour is the most visible shredder metric, it’s often misunderstood. Many yards focus on daily or weekly tonnage without evaluating it against scheduled production time.
“Maximizing throughput during the scheduled production time is really the goal,” said Randy Brace, president of Riverside Engineering, during a session at the most recent ReMA Safety and Operations Forum. “Understanding what your shredder is capable of — depending on what size you have and what motor you have — plays a big part in understanding what you should be accomplishing through your shredder.”
Tracking tons per hour allows operators to see whether performance is improving, flat, or slipping. It also provides context for other metrics, like energy use and wear costs. Without that baseline, any talk about optimization is mostly guesswork.
2. UPTIME PERCENTAGE
Brace noted that when yards report exceptionally high uptime, it usually means downtime is not being tracked accurately. Uptime should reflect planned production time, not adjusted expectations after breakdowns occur. Reactive maintenance, unplanned stops, and extended cleanups all count against uptime.
“Anybody that’s doing more than 90 percent uptime is either not tracking it, and they just think they’re doing that well, or they’re doing a really good job,” said Brace. “The only way to do that is to be proactively doing your maintenance. If you’re having to do reactive maintenance, you’re stopping in the middle of a run, and you really shouldn’t be stopping the clock. You’re supposed to be shredding.”
3. MOTOR UTILIZATION
Motor utilization reveals how hard the shredder is actually working. Brace explained that many operators believe they are running at capacity when motor data actually shows long periods of underuse. Tracking motor utilization highlights inefficiencies caused by poor feeding practices, inconsistent operation, or unnecessary pauses.
4. GAPS IN FEED
Material blockage at the feed rolls and gaps in feed are two of the biggest thieves of production time, according to Brace. Without automated tracking or defined thresholds, yards rarely recognize how much time is lost to underfeeding. By measuring how often the shredder drops below a defined load level, yards can quantify this loss and address it through training, scheduling, or equipment adjustments.
5. TOP DOWNTIME CAUSES
Not all downtime is equal. Brace cautioned against chasing the most visible or frustrating problems instead of the most costly ones. Tracking the top five causes of downtime focuses attention where it matters most and prevents yards from solving minor issues repeatedly while major losses go unaddressed. “It’s really important to know your top five delays so that your
business can focus your resources — your people, your money, your time — on your big delays instead of just hitting the squeaky wheel, so to speak.”
6. ENERGY USE PER TON
Energy consumption can be one of the highest operating costs for yards, and can vary dramatically based on shredder size and operating conditions.
“We’re seeing a lot of the smaller shredders coming into our industry. The smaller the shredder, the lighter the hammer, and the more power or energy it takes to process scrap,” said Brace. “It takes twice as much energy to process scrap in a small shredder as it does in a big shredder because of the efficiency gains that get bigger as you process more scrap inside the shredding tube.”
7. HAMMER AND GRATE CONDITION VERSUS THROUGHPUT
One of the most common optimization mistakes is running castings too long in pursuit of maximum wear life. Brace warned that this approach often backfires.
“Trying to get every pound of wear out of those sometimes is not worth the loss in throughput or the efficiencies in the shredder,” he said. “Running hammers and grates past their
optimal condition, they run hotter. You’re starting to do more grinding instead of shredding inside the shredder, and it consumes more energy.”
8. DENSITY OF SHREDDED MATERIAL
Shred density is another good indicator of efficiency. If the density of shredded materials is too low, that could point to underfeeding or poor box loading. Density that is too high can increase wear and electrical costs.
“What I hear in the industry is 85 pounds per cubic foot,” said Brace. “How you measure that is different for every yard, because if you’re using a really small box, it’s hard to get 85 pounds per cubic foot.”
9. DAILY START AND STOP TIMES
At the most basic level, Brace stressed the importance of disciplined record keeping.
“If you don’t have a computer system, you have to at least be tracking when you started, when you ended, the tons that you produced, and the reasons for lost time,” said Brace.
Daily start and stop times anchor all other metrics, and without them, throughput, uptime, and downtime data lose accuracy. Brace emphasized that collecting data is only the first step: reviewing it and acting on it is what drives improvement. RPN
Many operators believe their shredder is running completely fine when the data says otherwise.
CARI CONVENTION SHOW PREVIEW
THE 85TH ANNUAL CONVENTION TAKES PLACE JUNE 8–10 IN GATINEAU, QUEBEC
Taking place from June 8th to 10th in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries’ (CARI) 85th Annual Convention will bring together recycling professionals, industry experts, and emerging voices from across North America. The three-day event will kick off with golf on Monday morning, followed by an evening welcome reception.
Alongside scheduled opportunities for socializing and networking, attendees can look forward to educational sessions that focus on critical issues in the recycling industry, like technology, commodities, and leadership. Check out the selection of curated events and panels below to see how CARI is supporting its members through a changing world.
1
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
DR. JODY CARRINGTON
June 9 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington transforms complex human challenges into actionable insights for leadership. To set the tone of the convention, Dr. Carrington’s Keynote Session will outline how to create a foundation of resilient leadership, strong teams, and healthy communities. She draws on two decades of front-line experience working in inpatient psychiatry, advising Fortune 500 companies, and showing how leaders can connect in a disconnected world.
2
THE SLOW DEATH OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT: HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN FASTER
June 9 | 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Colleen Miller, chief sales officer at SENNEBOGEN, will take the stage to discuss how effective maintenance is essential in ensuring operational efficiency, equipment longevity, and workplace safety. This educational presentation provides a comprehensive overview of best practices for common recycling machines like hydraulic material handlers. Specific tips on preventive maintenance and cost-saving techniques will be highlighted through real-world studies.
3
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SESSION
June 9 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Featured speaker Blake Hurtik from Argus Media will bring valuable insights into the external forces shaping recycled materials and metals markets. Hurtik runs a 12-person metals team covering ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, steel, ferroalloys, minor metals, and base metals. This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in understanding current market conditions and future speculations.
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NEXT GENERATION PANEL
June 9 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Focusing on the next generation of leaders in recycling, Slone Fox, editor of Recycling Product News, will moderate a dynamic discussion with young leaders in the industry, including Dan Lundquist of Rypac Metal Recycling; Chaise Coughlan of Triple M Metal; Chrysten Newton of PMR Inc.; and Sam Shine of Freight 130/Manitoba Corporation. The NextGen Panel will analyze how emerging and established leaders shape the industry with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a commitment to inclusion and innovation across the supply chain.
Attending the CARI Conference is incredibly important for companies like Metalogics because it brings our industry together to focus on the issues that directly impact how we operate and grow. Advocacy is a key part of that conversation, whether it’s trade policy, environmental regulations, or market transparency. The conference gives recyclers, processors, and consumers a unified voice and a chance to engage with the policies shaping our future. For us as business owners, being in the room isn’t just about networking — it’s about staying informed, supporting industry advocacy, and helping ensure the recycling sector continues to move forward in a responsible and sustainable way.
The 2026 CARI Convention takes place in Gatineau, Quebec.
Sessions will focus on topics like technology, commodities, and leadership.
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PANEL
June 10 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
In conjunction with CARI’s partnership with PAA Advisory | Conseils which strengthens federal government relations and policy engagement for Canada’s recycled materials sector, this panel will outline CARI policies and initiatives that benefit recycling organizations across the supply chain.
CLOSING KEYNOTE SESSION: AI MICROSOFT SESSION
June 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
John Weigelt, CTO of Microsoft Canada, will discuss AI’s real-world impact, tech trends, digital transformation, and how the economy is changing rapidly in the age of intelligent technology. The Closing Keynote Session promises to help organizations evolve alongside new tools and ensure they don’t get left behind.
CARI RESOURCES PANEL
June 10 | 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Panelists Shannon Fertitta of RIOS, Mike Morrison of NASCO-OP, Jodi Laplante of Agro Insurance, and Ryan Burns of Cowan Insurance Group discuss how recycling organizations can rely on CARI resources to manage and expand their businesses.
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COMMODITY PANEL
June 10 | 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Kirstyn Petras, a senior price reporter at Fast markets, will lean on her expert insights into the non-ferrous recycled materials market to moder ate the 2026 Commodity Panel. Aaron Rosenthal of Ingot Metal Company brings his experience purchasing scrap metal to discuss current price trends in copper.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY FOR CANADA’S RECYCLING INDUSTRY
CARI has formed a new partnership with PAA Advisory | Conseils to strengthen government relations and policy engage ment for Canada’s recycled materials sector. Members will gain access to new engagement opportunities, government relations education, and clearer, more timely communication on federal policy developments.
The 85th Annual Convention brings together recycling professionals and industry experts from across Canada and the U.S.
Q & A
JACQUELINE LOTZKAR ON ADVOCACY, COLLABORATION, AND THE CARI CONVENTION
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
As the recycled materials industry navigates shifting trade dynamics, evolving regulations, and new technologies, industry collaboration remains essential. The Canadian Association of Recycling Industries’ President and CEO Jacqueline Lotzkar discusses the association’s recent progress, the priorities shaping this year’s convention, and how stronger connections across the industry can help recyclers address shared challenges while positioning the sector for future growth.
Since the last CARI convention, what have been some of the notable achievements for the association?
Since our last convention, CARI has continued to build meaningful momentum across the association. We’re seeing steady growth in both membership and convention attendance, along with stronger engagement across our committees.
Our NextGen initiative is energizing the next generation of leaders, while our Membership, Communications & Events committees are actively shaping strategy and programming with valuable member input.
We’ve also significantly strengthened our government relations and advocacy efforts. By deepening our engagement with decision-makers and advancing conversations on key policy issues, we are ensuring the recycled materials industry has a strong and credible voice at the table.
Overall, CARI is growing — in participation, in impact, and in influence — and that’s a direct result of our members’ commitment and leadership.
What are the main themes and priorities for this year’s CARI convention? What uniquely Canadian challenges are shaping the agenda?
This year’s convention is built around the theme “Forging Connections,” recognizing that strong relationships, clear communication, and industry collaboration are more important than ever. The CARI Convention brings together recyclers from across Canada, the United States, and abroad for meaningful networking, practical learning, and strategic discussion.
The agenda reflects both leadership and industry realities. We’ll explore resilient leadership and team building, hear directly from Microsoft on the real-world impact of AI, examine modern heavy equipment and operational innovation, and review the economic outlook shaping our sector. Our commodity panel will provide market intelligence across key material streams, while sessions on advocacy and government relations will highlight the growing importance of industry engagement.
Uniquely Canadian challenges — including trade negotiations, cross-border dynamics under CUSMA, regulatory complexity, and evolving federal and provincial policy — are directly shaping the program. Our members operate in a global marketplace, but within a distinctly Canadian regulatory and economic environment. This year’s convention ensures they leave informed, connected, and prepared.
Slone Fox
Jacqueline Lotzkar
Where do you see the most alignment between provinces right now, and where are the gaps?
Across the country, there is strong alignment on the importance of circular economy principles, responsible resource management, and the role recycling plays in supporting economic resilience and environmental stewardship. Provinces across Canada recognize the value of keeping materials in circulation and strengthening domestic processing capacity. Workforce development, regulatory clarity, and supply chain stability are also shared priorities that resonate nationally.
Requirements can vary significantly by province and even municipality, creating complexity for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. That’s where CARI’s advocacy work plays an important role. We are actively engaging with elected officials and policymakers to ensure they better understand how our industry operates and how legislation can support — rather than unintentionally hinder — responsible recyclers.
Ultimately, while regional differences exist, the core issues facing our members are remarkably consistent. Our goal is to ensure the industry has a strong, unified voice in shaping practical, balanced policy solutions across Canada.
What opportunities exist at the convention for first-time attendees?
First-time attendees will find the CARI Convention both welcoming and highly valuable. From dedicated networking events — including the exhibitor reception, off-site gathering, and this year’s golf opportunity — to the energy of our NextGen community for members under 40, there are multiple ways to connect and get involved.
With a broad cross-section of experienced industry leaders in attendance, new participants are immersed in an environment that is open, collaborative, and supportive, making it easy to build relationships, ask questions, and leave with meaningful connections.
How does the CARI convention contribute to the overall advancement of the recycling industry?
CARI’s convention advances the recycling industry by creating a space where shared opportunities and challenges can be addressed collectively
rather than in isolation. It brings together diverse perspectives to tackle the bigger opportunities and issues affecting our members while fostering collaboration and alignment across the sector.
At the same time, the convention delivers practical value. Attendees leave with actionable insights and tools they can apply immediately within their own businesses, alongside the broader strategic context shaping the industry. Just as importantly, they leave with a stronger network and the confidence that they are part of a connected, forward-thinking community.
How do you see the future of CARI events evolving over the next five years?
Over the next five years, we see CARI’s events continuing to evolve in ways that reflect the national and increasingly global nature of our industry. Our goal is to ensure geographic accessibility and relevance for members across Canada and those operating internationally, while delivering timely, high-impact programming that reflects the issues shaping our sector.
We will continue to focus on building a strong, connected community — one that recognizes shared challenges and shared opportunities. By staying closely attuned to industry trends, policy developments, market shifts, and technological advancements, CARI’s events will remain proactive, forward-looking, and responsive. Our objective is not simply to host gatherings, but to lead meaningful conversations that help position the recycled materials industry at the forefront of innovation and collaboration.
On a personal level, what are you most looking forward to at this year’s convention?
I’m very much looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and long-standing friends in the industry, while also meeting new faces who are helping to shape its future. One of the most rewarding aspects of the convention is the opportunity for meaningful conversations — the kind that spark new ideas and strengthen relationships.
I’m also excited to experience Gatineau and the unique culture of the region. Bringing our community together in a new setting always adds fresh energy to the discussions. Above all, I look forward to the sense of shared purpose that defines CARI — the feeling that we’re building something important, together. RPN
WHY MOISTURE MATTERS IN PAPER BALES
MOISTURE INTRODUCES CHALLENGES THAT AFFECT BOTH THE FACILITY AND THE END PRODUCT
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
Paper and cardboard are some of the most easily recycled materials; yet if they get wet, they go straight to the landfill. Why is that?
Moisture is a critical, but sometimes overlooked, factor in paper recycling. Even small amounts of water in bales cause problems like increased handling costs, reduced fibre quality, and mould growth. Paper is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs or releases moisture from the surrounding environment. This makes moisture management a constant concern for recycling facilities, especially considering how many different environments paper passes through during the recycling process.
In many cases, moisture arrives with the paper itself. Trucks and containers that are wet from precipitation or were previously loaded with wet material can transfer moisture to new loads, and paper collected from residential, commercial, or industrial sources may already be damp due to improper storage or exposure during collection. Even indoors, facilities without climate control or adequate airflow can cause paper to take on moisture gradually, creating hidden internal dampness.
As well, recycling facilities frequently bale different paper grades together: corrugated cardboard, newsprint, office paper, and mixed paper all have varying absorption properties, and when wet materials are baled with dry ones, moisture moves between layers, creating internal hotspots that can degrade fibre quality and promote mould growth. Even minor moisture imbalances can weaken fibre strength, affect brightness, and reduce overall yield at the mill.
OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
Moisture introduces challenges that affect both the facility and the end product. Wet or damp bales weigh more than dry ones, increasing the load on forklifts, conveyors, and trucks. Heavy bales can also lead to higher transportation fees, overloading risks, or penalties from shipping providers.
Additionally, bales with uneven moisture distribution may stick together or feed inconsistently, leading to jams and
equipment damage. Misshapen bales are harder to stack or move efficiently, slowing operations and increasing labour demands.
FIBRE DEGRADATION
Paper gets its strength from tightly bonded fibres. When moisture gets in, those bonds begin to break down, and if that happens too early in the recycling process, the pulp degrades before it ever gets the chance to be turned into something new.
Wet fibres tend to clump together, resulting in uneven, lower-quality pulp. Moisture also speeds up chemical and microbial activity that weakens the fibres further, reducing how much usable pulp recyclers actually get out of each bale.
Paper mills and buyers expect bales to be within specific moisture ranges — often between 8 and 12 percent — depending on the grade. Bales exceeding these levels may be rejected, forcing recyclers to reprocess, dry, or discard materials, leading to lost revenue and strained buyer relationships.
CONTAMINATION RISKS
Excess moisture increases the likelihood that contaminants will stick to paper fibres. Adhesives, inks, food residue, and dirt can bond with damp fibres, complicating screening, cleaning, and pulping. This adds labour, energy, and time to produce usable pulp.
Mould is a particular concern when it comes to paper recycling. It not only affects worker safety but can also cause bales to be rejected. Even minor moisture inconsistencies within a bale can reduce pulp yield, impact sheet formation, and compromise the quality of the final product.
Water causes problems like increased handling costs and reduced fibre quality.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Traditionally, testing for moisture is done by oven-drying samples: weighing them, drying them in an oven, and re-weighing to determine moisture loss. This means destroying part of the bale and waiting for results, which can be slow and disruptive.
Technology has made moisture monitoring a lot more manageable — inline sensors built into conveyors or bale lines can flag problem bales on the spot, giving operators the chance to pull them before they cause issues further down the line.
Handheld moisture meters have also become a practical tool for facilities that need quick, on-the-spot readings without breaking open bales. Operators press the device against the bale and get an immediate moisture reading, making it easy to catch problem bales early and avoid the complaints and costs that come with moisture going unnoticed.
A VALUABLE COMMODITY
Moisture management may be a behind-the-scenes task, but it is a foundational part of any successful paper recycling operation. Facilities that prioritize moisture control will see improvements in safety, efficiency, and profitability, ensuring that paper bales remain a valuable commodity rather than a costly liability.
Concerns like fibre degradation, contamination, and compliance with mill specifications make proactive moisture management essential. By implementing strategies such as proper storage, careful transport, moisture monitoring, and staff training, facilities can minimize moisture-related problems and maintain both operational efficiency and product quality. RPN
BEST PRACTICES TO MINIMIZE MOISTURE
Effectively managing moisture requires a combination of operational strategies, facility design considerations, and staff awareness.
1. Proper storage and staging: Bales should be kept off the ground using pallets or raised platforms to prevent absorption from floors. They should be spaced to allow air circulation and stored away from exterior walls, which can create condensation.
2. Collection and transport: Trucks and containers should be dry before loading. Tarps or enclosed containers can protect bales from precipitation. Separating wetter paper grades from drier ones prevents moisture transfer within bales.
3. Moisture monitoring: Regular checks using handheld moisture meters or inline sensors help identify high-moisture bales before they enter processing. Monitoring different points in the stack ensures consistent moisture levels across bales.
4. Controlled drying and conditioning: For facilities that store paper long-term or receive wet bales, conditioning rooms or air circulation systems can maintain proper moisture levels. Dehumidifiers and fans promote airflow, reducing humidity and preventing mould formation.
5. Staff training: Operators should understand how moisture affects handling, equipment, and fibre quality. Training should cover stacking, storage, and handling procedures that minimize exposure to water. Staff should be able to recognize signs of damp bales, such as musty odours or warped edges.
6. Source management: Encourage suppliers and collection partners to store paper properly prior to pickup. Covered storage, dry vehicles, and careful sorting at the source help reduce moisture before bales reach the recycling facility.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DESIGNING WIRE CHOPPING LINES
UNDERSTANDING MATERIAL MIX, SYSTEM BALANCE, AND DOWNSTREAM EQUIPMENT IS KEY
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
Investing in a wire chopping system isn’t as simple as picking a machine from a spec sheet. According to Christopher Simon, recycling system sales representative at SWEED, a powerful machine alone doesn’t guarantee throughput — factors like line design, material mix, and equipment balance are the real determinants.
HORSEPOWER ALONE IS MISLEADING
A common misconception is that total horsepower determines a chopping system’s performance. Simon explains that “Most chopping lines include several high-horsepower size reduction machines along with smaller motors for conveyors and support equipment. Total installed horsepower alone is not a reliable indicator of overall system performance.”
Most chopping lines include several highhorsepower size reduction machines along with smaller motors for conveyors and support equipment. Total installed horsepower alone is not a reliable indicator of overall system performance.
Christopher Simon Recycling System Sales Representative, SWEED
Throughput depends less on raw motor power and more on how well each component of the line is balanced. Rotor speed, knife configuration, and screen surface area in pre-choppers and granulators all affect processing rates.
“Even relatively low-horsepower downstream equipment — density separators, vibratory screens, and air conveyance systems — can become the real bottleneck of the system,” says Simon.
UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM EQUIPMENT
If upstream and downstream equipment aren’t properly matched, the line operates at the pace of the weakest link. Consequences include bottlenecks, increased wear, higher operating costs, and inconsistent product quality.
Simon advises that buyers should “Visit existing installations to observe machines operating under real conditions and verify component capacity. Monitoring amp load helps identify which machine is limiting performance, and this can vary based on material profile.”
In addition to site visits, demo testing is a valuable tool. SWEED operates a demo chopping line at its facility in Gold
Hill, Oregon, where customers can send samples and attend testing. This allows the team to confirm system balance, realistic throughput, and copper quality before finalizing a design, says Simon.
MATERIAL MIX SHAPES PERFORMANCE
One of the most crucial factors in system design is the mix of materials being processed. As Simon notes, high-grade wire behaves very differently from lower-grade materials such as harness wire or heavily contaminated scrap. Processing low-grade or heavily contaminated material is inherently challenging, but a system engineered with these conditions in mind mitigates risk. Designing around worst-case material
A SWEED wire chopping line with linear inputs.
Material variability highlights the need for balanced upstream and downstream equipment.
scenarios provides insurance against feedstock variability since high-grade wire will move through the line faster and at a lower cost, while low-grade material is still handled efficiently.
Adjustability is another key consideration. Lower-grade materials may require additional processing and separation steps, while higher-grade streams can bypass these stages to reduce operational costs and minimize unnecessary handling, says Simon. Systems that can adapt based on material input allow processors to maximize efficiency without compromising product quality.
PLANNING FOR SCALABILITY
“One common misconception from first-time buyers is that a chopping line is a single machine that comes in one standard configuration,” says Simon. “While lower-volume ‘kit’ systems exist, customers processing meaningful volumes should be considering a custom solution designed around their specific material profile.”
Simon also emphasizes the importance of detailed material information. “The more information a customer can share about their material types, the better we can design a system that maximizes return on investment.” Material composition, cable diameter, and whether reels or spools will be processed all influence the expected performance of the line.
Processing needs are rarely static, which is why scalability should be part of system design from the outset. By collaborating early on in the process, many systems can be built with expansion in mind, leaving physical space and infrastructure to add additional capacity later. This approach allows companies to grow production without replacing major equipment or redesigning the entire line, says Simon.
This flexibility is particularly important in the wire recycling market, where volume and material composition can change rapidly. Lines that can scale without replacing core components provide a competitive advantage, enabling processors to respond quickly to market opportunities without significant downtime.
For buyers who approach the purchase strategically, the result is a line that not only meets current processing needs but adapts to future challenges, handles mixed material efficiently, and delivers consistent, high-quality output. RPN
Key questions buyers should ask:
• What is the expected material mix?
• Are there any challenging materials that will be processed?
• How do the upstream and downstream machines interact with the proposed line?
• Does the system process both low- and high-grade materials efficiently?
• What scalability options exist for future growth?
Copper content varies widely across cable types, affecting both recovery rates and processing speed.
Wire-chopping lines must be designed around material mix and system balance, not just installed horsepower.
A LONG WAY TOGETHER
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MOBILE SCREENING PLANTS REDEFINE FLEXIBILITY FOR MATERIAL PROCESSING
HOW ECOSTAR AND EFACTOR3’S PARTNERSHIP IS CHANGING THE ECONOMICS OF SCREENING
The North American recycling and waste processing landscape continues to evolve as inbound waste streams become increasingly heterogeneous. Commercial and industrial waste, construction and demolition debris, and fuel preparation feedstocks now contain higher levels of film plastics, textiles, moisture, and composite materials than ever before.
Evolving streams are placing significant strain on conventional screening technologies and driving demand for mobile equipment capable of maintaining performance under variable operating conditions. One of the technically distinct solutions gaining adoption in North America is flexible dynamic disc screening technology developed by Ecostar and deployed across the United States through its exclusive distribution and service partnership with eFACTOR3.
THE EVOLVING ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS OF MODERN SCREENING
Screening systems have traditionally been evaluated primarily on throughput and particle size separation. However, modern processors increasingly require screening equipment capable of delivering:
• Stable throughput despite material variability
• Resistance to wrapping and plugging from film and fibrous materials
• Consistent particle size distribution for downstream fuel or recycling processes
• Reduced maintenance frequency and faster service intervals
• Adaptability to mobile deployment environments
• Energy efficiency and reduced mechanical stress
These performance requirements are exposing inherent limitations within traditional screening technologies when processing mixed post-consumer waste streams.
ADVANTAGES OF DYNAMIC DISC SCREENING
Here are some of the advantages of the dynamic disc screening technology over traditional methods:
1. Screening surface efficiency
Although trommels, for example, offer a large overall screening area, only a portion of the drum surface is active-
Ecostar’s disc screen uses hexagonal or octagonal Hardox discs on counter-rotating shafts.
ly screening material at any given time. Material tends to cascade inside the drum, creating layered material beds that reduce screening accuracy. This layering effect becomes more pronounced as the moisture content increases or when processing film and fibrous materials that tend to ball and roll instead of stratifying.
Ecostar disc screening systems utilize a horizontal screening surface where material is continuously bounced and conveyed across the entire surface. This results in higher screening efficiency per square foot of footprint compared to traditional rotating drums.
2. Performance with high-moisture feedstocks
In trommel systems, wet materials often adhere to perforated drum surfaces or blind screen openings. Once blinding occurs, the effective open screening area can be reduced dramatically, leading to throughput losses and inconsistent particle separation.
Ecostar’s Dynamic Disc Screen (DDS) uses hexagonal or octagonal Hardox discs on counter-rotating shafts to generate a “jolting” up-and-down movement (dynamic movement) as material flows over them. The flat disc profile and jolting motion agitate wet, sticky, or bulky clumps, stratifying particles so undersize falls through fixed gaps while oversize conveys forward. This prevents clogging, maintaining steady flow even in high-moisture waste, like MSW, organic, or mixed commercial waste.
3. Film and textile limited wrapping risk
Rotating drum screening surfaces are prone to wrapping from plastic films, textiles, and fibrous materials. Once wrap-
Disc screening systems operate with lower rotational mass compared to large trommel drums, translating into lower start-up energy requirements and reduced stress on drive components.
ping begins, it typically requires manual cleaning and unplanned downtime.
Ecostar’s patented Hyper Dynamic Disc Screen (HDDS) makes dealing with tricky, tangly materials like textiles, long plastics, films, or straps less of a headache. It uses “hyper flaps” right next to the Hardox discs that grab the stringy bits and push them along to the oversize pile without snagging anything. Loose manifolds prevent twisting, and the system’s bouncy jolting action creates steady flow, enhanced separation (even for cans or bottles), and fewer pauses for cleanup, whether it’s messy MSW, C&I waste, or RDF. Operators spend less time fixing jams and more time keeping things moving.
The Ecostar Hextra 7000 3F can perform three-fraction screening in one pass.
4. Wear distribution and component longevity
Ecostar disc screening technology uses tough Hardox steel while improving separation with two main factors working together: controlled shaking to loosen material and a steady forward push across the whole screen. This lifts and spreads particles repeatedly for better layering and cleaner cuts.
5. Throughput stability under variable feed conditions
One of the most significant operational advantages observed in disc screening technology is throughput stability. In trommel systems, throughput often declines disproportionately when moisture or film content increases because material bed depth rises inside the drum, reducing screening efficiency.
Ecostar disc screens maintain consistent throughput because material is continuously conveyed across the screening deck and reaches a productivity level of up to 200 tph. This stable throughput is particularly valuable in mobile operations where feedstock composition can change daily, and operators require predictable production rates.
6. Footprint efficiency and mobility advantages
Because Ecostar disc screens utilize a horizontal screening architecture with high active screening area utilization, they typically achieve comparable or greater throughput than trommel systems while occupying a smaller equipment footprint.
This footprint reduction provides important advantages for
mobile screening plants, including:
• Reduced transport weight and dimensional constraints
• Faster mobilization and site set-up
• Improved compatibility with temporary or space-constrained processing sites
• Reduced civil infrastructure requirements when transitioning to stationary installations
7. Energy efficiency
Disc screening systems operate with lower rotational mass compared to large trommel drums, translating into lower startup energy requirements and reduced stress on drive components. Moreover, the efficiency of the Dynamic Disc Screening technology enables the use of smaller electric motors of 7.5 kW up to 20 tph, and saves up to 70 percent on energy consumption compared to traditional screens.
8. Downstream process optimization
Particle size uniformity plays a critical role in downstream processes such as refuse-derived fuel production, biomass processing, and optical sorting performance.
Ecostar dynamic disc screening systems provide tighter particle size control due to the jolting movement and consistent screening gap geometry. Improved particle size consistency can enhance:
• Combustion efficiency in fuel applications
• Optical sorting accuracy in recycling applications
• Conveyor and shredding equipment performance
• Air separation efficiency in windsifting systems
One industry. Global minds. Real impact.
Building on record-breaking attendance and membership growth in 2025, the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Gothenburg will once again unite the global recycling community to create real impact. Industry leaders from around the world will gather to strengthen trade, explore market trends and advance practical circular economy solutions
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TUESDAY, 2 JUNE 2026
Textiles Division Side Session
Stainless Steel & Special Alloys
Non-Ferrous Metals
General Assembly
Young Traders
EEEVB
WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 2026
Plastics Division
International Environment Council
With an expanded exhibition, high-level plenary sessions and outstanding networking opportunities, BIR Gothenburg 2026 will set the benchmark for international recycling events. Join us at Scandinavia’s premier conference venue for three days of market insight, dialogue and collaboration – where connections create business and ideas drive progress.
Join our interactive plenary sessions covering all our commodities as well as international trade and legislation.
EMERGING APPLICATIONS
Ecostar mobile screening machines are increasingly being utilized in solid recovered fuel and refuse-derived fuel production; commercial and industrial waste processing; plastic film and lightweight packaging separation; construction and demolition waste recovery; and biomass and compost feedstock preparation.
The ability to maintain screening accuracy across diverse and variable feedstocks has made disc screening a preferred solution in applications where traditional screening methods struggle to maintain uptime and consistency.
THE ROLE OF EFACTOR3
While screening technology selection is critical, successful deployment also requires application engineering tailored to regional feedstock characteristics. As Ecostar’s exclusive U.S. dealer, eFACTOR3 provides technical support, including feedstock characterization and process modelling; equipment configuration and integration design; demonstration and rental equipment programs; field commissioning and aftermarket service; and integration with shredding, separation, and conveying systems.
This engineering and service infrastructure ensures Ecostar screening technology is optimized for the specific operational realities faced by North American processors.
SCREENING AS A PERFORMANCE MULTIPLIER
As recycling and waste-to-energy markets continue to demand higher product specifications and operational reliability,
Evolving streams are placing significant strain on conventional screening technologies and driving demand for mobile equipment capable of maintaining performance under variable operating conditions.
screening systems are transitioning from a basic preprocessing function to a critical performance driver within material recovery operations.
Disc screening technology combined with mobile deployment capability is enabling processors to adapt more rapidly to changing feedstocks, market requirements, and infrastructure constraints.
Through the partnership between Ecostar and eFACTOR3, U.S. processors have access to screening solutions designed to address both current operational challenges and the evolving demands of future recycling and fuel production markets.
COPPER PRICE TRENDS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026
DATA CENTRES ARE THE NEWEST SECTOR
DRIVING COPPER CONSUMPTION
BY IVAN LECHUGA
Last year was a period of unprecedented volatility in copper prices worldwide. When U.S. President Donald Trump’s term began in January 2025, he announced that there would soon be import tariffs on an assortment of products. The industrial and manufacturing sector braced for import duties on copper products. President Trump’s administration levied 50 percent import tariffs on semi-finished copper products, but not refined copper.
Traders rushed to send copper to the U.S. before the tariffs took effect, and the COMEX copper next-active contract climbed from $4.03 per pound on January 1, 2025, to $5.82 per pound by July of that same year. During that period, 500,000 metric tonnes of copper was shipped to the U.S. Additionally, there were issues with copper supply during the same period, helping shore up its prices.
By August 1, 2025, the next-active price had crashed to $4.35 per pound after President Trump’s administration levied import tariffs on semi-finished copper products but exempted refined copper. Still, copper prices started climbing that same day and have been on a steady increase ever since, reaching a new high of $6.06 per pound as of March 1, 2026.
COPPER PRICES IN 2026
This year, the uncertainty on additional import tariffs for other copper products remains a factor. A decision on those tariffs will be made in June, but other factors continue to support the copper market.
Worldwide demand for copper is robust, and supply has not met those expectations. According to the International Copper Study Group (ICSG), there was a surplus of 380,000 metric tonnes of refined copper in 2025, a 451 percent increase from 69,000 metric tonnes in 2024.
Global refined copper consumption inched up by 3 percent to 28.16 million metric tonnes from 27.33 million metric tonnes
The recycled copper environment has differed somewhat from last year, unlike primary copper prices. Recycled copper spreads have remained relatively stable this year as opposed to 2025, when discounts grew to neverbefore-seen levels.
during the same period — Australia’s Resources and Energy Quarterly projects consumption will reach 29 million metric tonnes by 2027 — while global copper mine production grew by 1 percent to 23.13 million metric tonnes from 22.96 million metric tonnes. Chile’s output fell by 1.6 percent annually in 2025. ICSG forecasts that global refining capacity will grow by 3.9 percent from 2026 to 2028.
DISRUPTIONS IN SUPPLY
Some of the most significant copper output disruptions this year — which have helped shore up copper prices — have occurred at the Grasberg mine in Indonesia, owned by Freeport McMoran and the Indonesian government. On September 8, 2025, 800,000 wet metric tonnes of material flooded several levels of the underground complex. It is estimated that 270,000 metric tonnes of copper output will be lost in 2026 due to this disruption.
Recycled copper prices have moved in tandem with copper market indexes. In this case, the price of #2 copper, for both the domestic and export markets, has risen in line with COMEX’s new historic highs.
The Kamoa-Kakula complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffered flooding-related disruptions in mid-2025. Although dewatering efforts have been successful and production has resumed, Ivanhoe Mines, which owns the complex, lowered its copper guidance for 2026 to 380,000–420,000 metric tonnes from 520,000–580,000 metric tonnes in 2025.
El Teniente copper mine in Chile, operated by state company CODELCO and the world’s ninth-largest copper mine, went offline in July 2025. Operations resumed in September 2025; however, the miner’s annual output will be reduced by approximately 25,000 metric tonnes.
DATA CENTRES ARE THE NEWEST SECTOR DRIVING COPPER CONSUMPTION
Apart from the global decarbonization efforts already driving copper demand, the AI data centre sector has only exacerbated the global need for copper. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centre construction in the U.S. has doubled over the past two years as big companies in the sector, such as Amazon and Microsoft, continue to invest heavily in data centres to stay at the forefront of the AI revolution. Data centres are the technological backbone that powers AI’s set of complex calculations.
Data centres require copper for their power networks, circuit boards, and cooling systems. Microsoft’s $500 million data centre in Chicago, Illinois, used 2,177 metric tonnes of copper.
Additionally, there’s the copper required in the energy infrastructure that feeds the data centres. IEA reported that a large hyperscale data centre consumes in one year the electricity that could power 350,000–400,000 electric vehicles.
FINANCIAL SPECULATION
Despite stable demand trending upward, copper market prices in 2026 have ebbed and flowed as they did the previous year, sometimes wildly (also like in 2025). Some of these wild swings are due to financial speculation.
The
in Gypsum Recycling
This year, LME’s official settlement copper cash price reached $13,842 per metric tonne as investors, particularly “Chinese bulls,” invested heavily in copper futures — COMEX’s cash spot price peaked around $6.50 per pound in January, a historical high. The trend was speculative in nature, of course, and not tied to actual changes in supply and demand. The price fell as soon as the bullish run ended, and the COMEX cash spot price at the beginning of March sits at $5.75 per metric tonne.
RECYCLED COPPER
The recycled copper environment has differed somewhat from last year, unlike primary copper prices. Recycled copper spreads have remained relatively stable this year as opposed to 2025, when discounts grew to never-before-seen levels. In August 2025, the spread for #2 copper in the domestic market widened to $1.55 per pound under the COMEX spot cash agreement, a level not seen before, according to seasoned contacts in the sector.
Discounts grew at that time as the uncertainty in the market made it difficult for U.S. sellers to obtain quotes from domestic buyers and exporters, who were unwilling to re-enter the market amid the uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s import tariffs on copper products
The arbitrage, or disparity between COMEX and LME future contracts, had also reached historic levels at that time, approaching a one-dollar difference. In 2026, the arbitrage has remained stable. It currently sits at two cents, with the LME three-month agreement at $5.82 per pound and the COMEX next-active contract at $5.80 per pound. Domestic demand has not been robust in 2026, yet the export market has been a source of stable demand for sellers in 2026.
IVAN LECHUGA is a metals market analyst at Davis Index. You can reach him at hello@davisindex.com.
Worldwide demand for copper is robust, and supply has not met those expectations.
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CARI CONVENTION GATINEAU, QC | JUNE 8–10
CARI’s annual convention provides an opportunity for attendees to network with peers and industry leaders from the recycled materials industry across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. The event will feature educational sessions and panels led by experts and an exhibit hall presenting the latest in recycling technology. cari-acir.org/85th-annual-convention
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The Waste Leadership Summit is a forum for executives, decision-makers, and up-and-comers to connect with peers and mentors while discovering the latest insights into the industry. The event covers financial trends, market performance analysis, economic shifts, and growth forecasts. thewastesummit.com
BIR WORLD RECYCLING CONVENTION & EXHIBITION
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With more than 70 nationalities represented on a diverse stage, the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition analyzes the global role of recycling. Panels will focus on international legislation affecting trade, analytical commodity information, and market forecasts. Key technological developments enhancing recycling machinery, equipment, and services can be seen in the exhibition hall. bir.org/events
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YARD DOGS
Meet the unsung heroes of the industry — the dogs who keep watch, boost morale, and know the yard better than anyone. Send a photo of your four-legged coworker to sfox@baumpub.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue.
Johnnie Popcorn (and processing specialist
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