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DESIGNED FOR TWO-RAM BALERS A C C E N T ® 4 7 0

S T RONG PE OPLE .

S T RONG PR ODU C TS . S T RONG T IE S .

Accent W ire Tie is the largest supplier of baling wire and wire tier technology in the recycling and waste industry. Our leading line of bale packaging equipment includes the Accent 470® W ire Tier, featured on balers around the world and the Envirobale® bagging system for solid waste containment. Accent W ire Ties’ sales and service technicians teams have hands-on experience and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Accent W ire Tie has forged the strongest ties in the industry since 1986.

FE A T U RE S & B E N EF IT S

Four-wheel drive design for exceptional performance and reliability

Pivot-out or removable parts cartridge cutting maintenance time from hours to minutes

No mechanical or hydraulic adjustments needed, allowing for trouble-free operation

Meets ANSI, CSA standards and is CE compliant

THE DOER’S DREAM

MAKE YOUR MOVE

Better Control

Get smooth, more responsive control with Hyundai's EPFC (Electric Positive Flow Control), hydraulic flow work modes, designed to accommodate operator preferences, specific applications, and attachments.

Improved Vision

See better with a raised, 8’ 2” elevating cabin that provides ideal visibility when loading and unloading trucks and containers in scrap and waste yards.

Reliability

Cummins engine, ZF axles and transmission, Kawasaki MCV and pump provide the industry leading assurance along with 3-yrs / 3,000 hours of factory warranty.

Safety & Comfort

Side bumpers, AAVM (All Around View Monitoring), 2nd monitor, rear radar, air vent seat and many others ensure safety and comfort for your operation.

No wonder so many first-time Hyundai users become longtime fans. See the Hyundai difference yourself at your local dealer, or na.hd-hyundaice.com.

With the Eggersmann Recycling Technology product lines of screens, shredders and self-propelled windrow turners, Eggersmann North America Inc. provides leading technology of mobile and stationary recycling equipment for almost all kinds of applications where shredding, screening or turning is required. The company pays attention to the customer’sneedsandprovidesinnovativesolutionsbysupplyingfullsupportandpartsavailability.Ourgrowingdealer networkthroughoutNorthAmericatakescareofourcustomersandrepresentsourequipmentlinesintheirterritories.

SHREDDING

FROM THE COVER

Mother-daughter duo Susan Weinstein and Saren Weinstein-Schapiro in M&M Recycling’s Locust Grove, GA, yard.

A LONG WAY TOGETHER

MULTIMAX MP 540

For multi-purpose vehicles operating in municipality and maintenance applications, BKT has designed MULTIMAX MP 540. Thanks to the All Steel casing, MULTIMAX MP 540 enables to carry heavy loads during on and off-road applications. Another key feature is the block pattern design, that provides outstanding stability and durability to this tire.

Joe Dias

Eastern Zone Manager

Directeur Régional, Est du Canada

BKT Tires (Canada) Inc.

Cell: 514-792-9220 Web: www.bkt-tires.com

FROM THE EDITOR

TECH ACCELERATION IS ON THE HORIZON FOR 2026

As 2025 winds down, it’s worth pausing to look back on another remarkable — and occasionally chaotic — year in recycling. Tariffs kept recyclers on their toes, and the back-and-forth on trade and shifting import/export rules caused headaches for those who rely on cross-border markets for their materials. Some recyclers saw shipments slow to a crawl or had to scramble for new buyers, while others faced surprise costs. The takeaway is one we keep relearning: recyclers need to be flexible, creative, and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.

Technology has also seen tremendous growth this year. Artificial intelligence and sophisticated sorting systems have become part of everyday operations, while predictive maintenance has shifted from a buzzword to a practical tool. Even small add-ons like sensors and conveyor tweaks can save hours of frustration on the floor. You can never just “set it and forget it” in recycling — there’s always a problem to solve or a process to improve.

With so many advancements in technology, operators have had to become data interpreters too, learning to read dashboards and identify trends that can improve throughput. Meanwhile, technicians are optimizing machines to squeeze every ounce of efficiency from the line, and managers are navigating labour challenges on top of it all. Even as automation looms on the horizon, it’s humans who keep operations running smoothly.

Beyond technical roles, many facilities embraced cultural shifts this year. Culture has a major impact on retention, and in a hands-on, relationship-driven industry like recycling, the day-to-day work environment matters more than ever. Workers are far more likely to stick around when they feel safe, supported, respected, and positioned to succeed. For a closer look at strategies to tackle staffing shortages, take a look at page 54 of this issue.

So, what does 2026 hold? If 2025 is any indication, we can expect equipment and technology to become even faster, smarter, and more capable than ever. Manufacturers will continue to push the envelope, designing machines that are not only more versatile and efficient but also easier to maintain and adapt to different materials and processes.

You can never just ‘set it and forget it’ in recycling — there’s always a problem to solve or a process to improve.

AI and automation will likely advance further, allowing facilities to fine-tune operations with greater precision, anticipate maintenance needs before problems arise, and optimize throughput in real time. Add-ons and sensors that track flows, reduce errors, and provide detailed reporting will increasingly become standard, giving operators a clearer view of how every aspect of the facility is performing.

Of course, challenges won’t disappear. Labour shortages, energy costs, and fluctuating markets will keep things interesting. Regulatory pressures and ESG expectations will also shape the year ahead, and facilities that can provide data-driven proof of quality, traceability, and sustainability will have an advantage. In some ways, 2026 may feel like a tech acceleration year where the operations that embrace innovation holistically through equipment, software, and workflow will pull ahead.

• 42 years of experience

BEST PRACTICES GUIDE AIMS TO IMPROVE MRF PERFORMANCE

Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy, in collaboration with American Beverage, released a new best practices guide for materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S. The guide supports MRFs in their efforts to optimize recovery rates, enhance material quality, and promote resilient operations. The guide, Materials Recovery Facilities: Effective Operation, Design and Management in Theory and in Practice, draws on insights from leading public and private MRF operators, recycling equipment vendors, recycling industry experts, and others, establishing the industry standards needed to improve U.S. recycling infrastructure.

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws gain momentum across the U.S., there will be a growing need for transparency, performance-based metrics, and targeted education and funds to help MRFs adapt. This guide was created to assist MRF management personnel in identifying areas for improvement at their facilities and optimizing operations to maximize the recovery of material streams and strengthen financial outcomes.

The guide outlines proven approaches to material flow design, equipment configurations, maintenance routines, municipal contract updates, and staff training, among other areas. Developed through direct engagement with MRF operators — both public and private — as well as equipment manufacturers, the manual draws on site visits, real-world testing, and case studies to highlight what works. This guide delivers actionable insights to help MRFs increase material capture, reduce residuals, and enhance both environmental and financial performance.

This report is part of Closed Loop Partners’ broader work to support recycling and circular economy infrastructure in the U.S. across its platform. Closed Loop Partners’ innovation firm, the Center for the Circular Economy, has partnered with several leading recycling facilities across the country to test the recovery of packaging materials.

REPUBLIC SERVICES’ RECYCLED

PLASTIC FLAKE HAS LOWER CARBON OUTPUT

Republic Services is producing recycled plastic flake at its Las Vegas Polymer Center for use in sustainable packaging. Packaging made from recycled plastic flake has a significantly lower carbon footprint than representative recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) or virgin PET in the U.S. market. A recently completed product carbon footprint (PCF) study confirms its potential to help consumers decarbonize supply chains and reduce Scope 3 emissions.

On average, the global warming potential of Republic Services’ bottle-grade, clear rPET flake produced at the Las Vegas Polymer Center is 54 percent lower than the rPET flake alternatives evaluated, and 82 percent lower than virgin PET. These findings are included in an independent cradle-to-gate PCF study of rPET flake produced at the Las Vegas Polymer Center during the first seven months of 2024, which included comparisons to representative rPET and virgin PET produced in the U.S., as well as imported to the U.S. from Asia.

The lower carbon footprint of Republic Services’ rPET is primarily due to more effective energy use at the Las Vegas Polymer Center. The facility uses a patented equipment line that is more efficient, using less electricity and thermal energy per kilogram of flake than other mechanical recycling processes; processing is shared with other key materials recovered; and the regional utility grid has a lower carbon footprint than either the average U.S. grid or the Asian market’s grid mix considered in the PCF study.

The polymer centre offers several additional environmental benefits, such as creating bottle-grade products. The PCF study noted that Republic Services’ rPET flake is bottle-grade, unlike most rPET produced from mechanical recycling, enabling bottle-to-bottle circularity. As well, the facility will further enhance circularity of the supply chain by recovering and recycling non-PET materials from streams that would otherwise be disposed of through landfill or incineration.

REPORT EXAMINES

CONTAMINATION CHALLENGES IN CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAMS

The Solid Waste Association of North America’s (SWANA) Applied Research Foundation (ARF) has released a new report, Best Practices for Reducing Curbside Recycling Contamination and Code Enforcement, providing waste and recycling managers with guidance to improve recycling quality while addressing enforcement challenges.

The report examines the challenge of contamination in curbside recycling programs, referring to materials placed in bins that are not accepted by the local recycling program, and offers practical strategies to reduce contamination. The report includes data on the costs of contamination as well as strategies for outreach and enforcement.

Curbside cart tagging and non-servicing is one of the main recommendations. Research shows that tagging contaminated carts, combined with temporarily refusing service, can reduce contamination rates by as much as 59 percent, with households being 75 percent less likely to reoffend.

While some communities use fines to deter contamination, penalties create administrative burdens and are not proven to be more effective than consistent cart rejection.

Solid waste code enforcement provides guidance on when to consider employing full-time code enforcers within public works departments or when to consolidate enforcement staff into a single agency.

The potential cost savings through reducing costly contamination are generated by investing in inspections and enforcement.

A BLUEPRINT FOR THE MRF OF THE FUTURE

Rumpke’s latest facility sets a new industry standard with a modular design, no manual plastic sorting, and a focus on R&D. Read more on page 36.

WHAT MRF OPERATORS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANSI Z245

The recycling and waste industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the safety standards that govern operations and equipment. The ANSI Z245 standard — with the latest update applying specifically to MRFs — is set to be finalized next year, and municipal solid waste and recycling operators need to understand the forthcoming changes.

ANSI Z245 has evolved over time with updates to individual sections, but the next version will be the first time the standard is issued as a complete, unified document. After that, every MRF in the U.S. will be required to comply with all clauses within the 18-month compliance window.

ANSI Z245 is a set of safety standards specifically designed for recycling operations and waste management facilities. The standards are developed by the ANSI Accredited Standards Committee, which represents manufacturers, operators, safety professionals, and other industry stakeholders.

Unlike general OSHA regulations, this standard focuses on the unique hazards of the industry, from mobile equipment and sortation systems to chemical recycling and new technologies like collaborative robots and mobile control devices. Key components include:

• Mobile collection and compaction (ANSI Z245.1): Safety rules for collection and recycling trucks, smaller collection vehicles, and equipment that lifts carts or containers.

• Baling equipment (ANSI Z245.5): Guidelines to keep operators safe when using, maintaining, or installing balers.

• Waste containers (ANSI Z245.3): Rules for safe container use, labelling, and compatibility with lifting machines.

• Stationary compactors (ANSI Z245.2, Z245.21): Safety re-

quirements for building and operating fixed compactors.

• Transfer stations (ANSI Z245.42): Standards to protect workers and organize safe operations at waste transfer facilities.

KEY CHANGES IN THE UPDATED STANDARD

The last decade has brought significant updates to ANSI Z245: Mobile control devices: Tablets and iPads used to operate equipment remotely within a facility must have emergency stops and proper safety measures. Operators are required to perform risk assessments to ensure these systems are safe.

Robotic equipment: The standards now distinguish between collaborative and non-collaborative robots. Non-collaborative robots must have guarding, controlled access, and emergency stop systems. Facilities must conduct risk assessments to make sure robots can be safely stopped during maintenance.

Specialized work areas: Activities such as manual sorting on tipping floors or cleaning bales need clearly defined work zones, protective barriers, and proper supervision to protect workers.

Chemical recycling: The standards cover only the sortation parts of chemical recycling operations, ensuring safety where the rules are applicable.

The ANSI Z245 standard is expected to be finalized in January, with public comments accepted for 45 to 60 days. Full compliance is required 18 months after the effective date, giving facilities time to adjust to new requirements. After that, all MRFs will be required to comply with all clauses.

MINEHUB ACQUIRES JULES AI TO STRENGTHEN DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAINS

MineHub Technologies has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Jules AI, a tech company that automates workflows in commodity trading with an emphasis on recycling and scrap markets. In 2024, the platform processed nearly 2 million metric tons of scrap materials. The platform uses AI automation to replace manual processes such as data entry, document verification, and compliance tracking. By consolidating institutional knowledge and applying predictive analytics, Jules AI supports global trade decision-making in real time.

The combined platform gives MineHub direct exposure to the US$1 trillion global scrap industry, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, aluminum, copper, and lithium, all of which are critical to fast-growing markets like electric vehicle batteries, aerospace alloys, and low-carbon steel for construction. By integrating Jules AI’s recycling-specific workflows with MineHub’s existing digital infrastructure, the platform can serve both primary and secondary metals markets.

Jules AI introduces machine learning tools that reduce manual processes in commodity trading. The platform automates document verification, such as bills of lading and letters of credit, as well as data entry and compliance reporting.

MineHub’s current strength lies in being a digital system of record for commodity transactions. With Jules AI, the platform expands into a system of execution that covers the full trade life cycle. This includes spot and formula-based pricing, order management, hedging, logistics coordination across bulk shipments, containers, and trucking, as well as settlement and accounting.

MineHub has already piloted digital bills of lading to improve visibility in global shipping. Jules AI strengthens this approach by applying AI to fragmented and chaotic processes in the scrap trade. The result is a platform that turns paper-heavy manual systems into auditable, AI-optimized workflows, increasing transparency across recycling supply chains. This level of traceability is critical as industries adapt to stricter reporting requirements on emissions, recycled content, and cross-border trade compliance.

PCPA AIMS TO STRENGTHEN RECOVERY OF POLY-COATED PAPER PACKAGING

Poly-coated paper is found in everyday items like take-out cups and containers, ice cream tubs, detergent boxes, and much more. Despite proven markets and recovery pathways for paper, many recycling programs do not currently accept poly-coated paper items.

The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) has created a new strategy to advance recovery of poly-coated paper and to meet the emerging requirements of EPR programs in key U.S. states.

The strategy focuses on achieving widespread collection and recycling of poly-coated paper products by filling data gaps. Research to document the flow of poly-coated paper can then be included on EPR collections lists and in other communities across the country. Additionally, collaborating with partners and mills to expand end-market acceptance for poly-coated paper will boost responsible recovery.

The ultimate goal of establishing universal design guidance gives brands, converters, MRFs, and end markets confidence in a shared understanding of what will be introduced into the market, sorted, and delivered to end markets.

BATTERY RECYCLING PROGRAM EXPANDS TO THE YUKON

Call2Recycle has launched its Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program in the Yukon. This marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first Canadian territory to implement an EPR battery recycling program. Residents will now have access to a growing network of convenient battery collection sites in retail outlets, municipal facilities, public institutions, and other accessible locations throughout the territory. This expansion follows the organization’s successful program launches in multiple provinces. In 2024, Call2Recycle collected over 6.8 million kilograms of batteries nationwide.

OLF CLOSES THE LOOP ON MARINE PLASTICS WITH ENDOF-LIFE FISHING GEAR DISPOSAL PROGRAM

Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF), an organization accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and a participant in marine plastic recovery and recycling, has launched the Marine Plastic Management Program (MPMP), an initiative designed to support British Columbia’s fishing and aquaculture industry in responsibly managing

fishing gear disposal while driving Canada’s circular economy. By participating in this program, businesses join a growing network of changemakers who are reducing plastic leakage into ecosystems and improving material traceability. The program supports plastic-carbon footprint reporting and aligns with EPR principles, helping businesses prepare for regulatory shifts while promoting long-term environmental and operational resilience.

APR AND REMA REVISE HDPE AND FILM PLASTIC SPECS TO MATCH MARKET TRENDS

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) have released the latest updates to the APR Model Bale Specifications and ReMA’s ISRI Specifications.

The specifications serve as reference tools detailing accepted materials and contaminants to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers of recycled plastic commodities and are not intended to replace individual agreements or MRF material acceptance lists. Periodic updates are published as needed to reflect changes in the post-consumer product and packaging mix, design for recyclability for packaging and packaging innovations, reclaimer technologies, and end markets for recycled resins.

Okada America has been in business since 1995. We are the US subsidiary of publicly owned Okada Aiyon Corp., founded in

FIRST COMMERCIAL ADVANCED BLACK MASS RECYCLING PLANT IN U.S. OPENS

Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) operates a global lithium-ion battery direct recycling, materials rejuvenation, and cathode manufacturing business. Now, PNE has officially opened its milestone Advanced Black Mass (ABM) recycling production facility.

Located in Chester, South Carolina, PNE’s flagship recycling facility is the nation’s first commercial-scale ABM and battery-grade cathode active material production facility (both NCM and LFP chemistries), demonstrating the company’s ability to regenerate and produce critical battery minerals domestically.

PNE’s facility produces a consistent, high-purity ABM from manufacturing scrap using a proprietary advanced recycling process. Fully permitted and compliant with all U.S. and state environmental and operational standards, the Chester facility operates under strict standard operating procedures to ensure safety, traceability, and material quality.

The operation has achieved a recovery yield exceeding 97 percent, producing high-value downstream feedstock for battery production. In 2026, the Chester facility’s capacity will expand to 15,000 tonnes per year, scaling up to 50,000 tonnes per year as market demand grows.

PNE currently operates a joint pilot facility with a co-located partner in McKinney, Texas, that is further advancing its direct

recycling technologies and capabilities. Nationally, PNE is building a network dedicated to U.S. closed-loop battery material recovery and production. In Princeton, New Jersey, PNE has launched a Materials Testing Center, the largest in the northeast, for third-party validation and downstream application testing, providing a resource to accelerate U.S. battery manufacturing.

GRF GRANTS DIVERT 5.4 MILLION POUNDS OF GLASS FROM LANDFILLS

The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) has successfully increased glass recycling in the U.S. by providing grants that assist with upgrading equipment, providing collection containers for glass drop-offs, developing resident education, and other glass recovery-related projects.

The GRF released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting $137,000 in grants that supported eight projects diverting 2,700 tons (5.4 million pounds) of glass from landfills. This

equates to more than 12.3 million glass bottles that were recycled as a result of the GRF’s local engagements.

PARTNERSHIP SIMPLIFIES FOAM RECYCLING THROUGH SCALABLE MODELS

Circular Colorado is partnering with the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to make it easier for communities across the state to recycle expanded polystyrene (EPS), the lightweight foam packaging commonly used to protect appliances, electronics, and other goods.

The partnership is designed to develop replicable, statewide collection models for post-use EPS generated from a variety of applications and transport it to existing end markets.

At the heart of this new effort is Circular Colorado’s Circular Transportation Network (CTN), an innovative system that collects recyclable materials from rural and underserved communities and delivers them to centralized processing hubs. Developed by Circular Colorado for the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC), the CTN is designed to solve one of the toughest problems in recycling: how to get materials from places that generate small amounts, like rural towns or small businesses, to places that can process and reuse them.

THIS IS WHAT RECYCLING LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE

MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO REFLECTS ON EVOLVING LEADERSHIP, CULTURE, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO GROW FROM WITHIN

BY MEGHAN BARTON, SENIOR WRITER

Saren Weinstein-Schapiro and Susan Weinstein at M&M Recycling’s Locust Grove, GA, scrapyard.

In the 1980s, Susan and Clinton Weinstein arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, from South Africa with young children, limited resources, and a fierce determination to build something of their own. From their simple start as a typical scrapyard — smelting aluminum and buying and selling scrap — the Weinsteins would build a notable, full-service recycling enterprise.

For Susan, the journey from South Africa into scrap metal wasn’t a calculated leap. It was a pragmatic step toward stability in a new country. “It just grew organically,” she says. “We started small, with very little. Then we started putting in more equipment, improving processes, and making smarter decisions as we went.”

Decades later, M&M is more than a business. It’s a multi-generational ecosystem of family leadership, long-time employees, and next-generation innovation led in part by Susan and Clinton’s daughter, Saren Weinstein-Schapiro, and by their son, Ryan Weinstein.

ON WOMEN IN RECYCLING

Susan never saw herself as a woman in a man’s world. “In this industry, you either step up or you don’t,” she says. “It’s not about gender. It’s about character.”

That said, she acknowledges that there weren’t many women around when she started. “It was mostly mom-and-pop scrapyards, and women would be in the office while the men were in the yard. But both roles were essential.”

Saren agrees. “Growing up, I never heard, ‘You can’t do that because you’re a girl.’ It was always, ‘Of course you can do that.’”

Now, as the industry begins to welcome more women into leadership roles in operations and on the technology and business side, Saren sees visibility as key.

“There are so many ways to be part of this industry,” she says. “But if young women don’t know it exists, they won’t pursue it. That’s why education and exposure are so important.”

GROWING UP IN THE YARD

“I always thought it was so much fun,” Saren says, reflecting on her childhood in and around the scrapyard. “Saturday mornings meant riding along with my Dad and french toast sticks on the way to the yard. And there were always scrapyard dogs. Many of the dogs we had growing up came from the yard.”

But while her early years were steeped in the sounds, smells, and steel of the family business, Saren initially forged her own path. After venturing cross-country to make her own way and earning a degree in speech pathology, Saren launched successful practices in the healthcare field, raised a family, and homeschooled her children for nearly five years.

“I’ve been running businesses, building teams, and implementing technology for 17 years. All of that feeds directly into what I’m doing [now] at M&M,” she says. “But it wasn’t a straight line. For many years, I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m going into the family business.’”

That changed when Saren saw an opportunity not just to continue her parents’ legacy, but to evolve it, bringing in more modern systems, a renewed focus on leadership development, and a sense of long-term vision. “I think when you grow up surrounded by something, even if you leave it for a while, it’s still in your blood.”

STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED

With multiple large-scale players operating mega-shredders and export hubs, Atlanta is a competitive landscape where location and efficiency can make or break a business.

“Atlanta’s very unique,” says Susan. “Because of the traffic, the demographics, there is a place for the middle guys and the smaller guys . . . no single company can buy everything.”

M&M’s facilities are spread across Atlanta, one in Austell, one downtown near the airport, one in Griffin, and one in Locust Grove. These locations were selected deliberately to serve

Each M&M site is equipped to receive, sort, and prepare materials for centralized processing.

Clinton Weinstein in the M&M office circa 1989.

Susan & Clinton’s first scrapyard, Douglas Iron, in Douglasville, GA, circa 1989.

geographically distinct customer bases. Each site is equipped to receive, sort, and prepare materials for centralized processing.

The ability to process that volume efficiently is the name of the game.

“Our focus is to improve on the processes that we have and use technology to derive the most value from the scrap materials that we buy,” says Susan. “In this industry everyone knows the most important thing is to upgrade wherever you can.”

That means investing in downstream systems, refining material separation, and optimizing every load to turn low-grade mix into clean, high-value commodities ready for sale into domestic or international markets.

“Whether we processed or we didn’t process, we always had somewhere to sell,” she adds. “But today, the more value you can extract before it leaves your yard, the better your margins and your leverage.”

BUILDING FROM THE INSIDE

Today, M&M Recycling buys, processes, and resells ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal with four locations in the greater Atlanta area. The company handles a range of materials, including steel, copper, and aluminum sourced from public drop-offs, tradespeople, and industrial scrap producers. Materials are sorted, graded, and prepared for sale to domestic and international buyers. It also offers a logistics and trucking department and roll-off container service for industrial customers. These operations support metal recovery and recirculation across manufacturing supply chains.

As M&M Recycling has expanded its physical footprint by adding new equipment, multiple locations, and higher volumes, the internal infrastructure has had to grow with it. For

Saren, that means looking beyond throughput and the machinery to the people doing the work.

“Part of growing on the outside,” she says, “is that you need to have a solid team supporting each other on the inside.” Every new piece of equipment or satellite yard requires capable hands, trained operators, and leaders who want to grow with the business. That’s why Saren has made employee development a cornerstone of her role.

She describes her focus as building a workplace where people see not just a job, but a path. “Even though we’re not corporate,” she says, “they can still have some of the advantages of working for a mid-size company where team members are offered industry education, hands on training, and career, management, and leadership opportunities.”

At each of M&M’s sites, leadership development and internal promotions are prioritized. The goal is to cultivate people who understand the work and care about the culture. As the company grows, so does its commitment to training, mentorship, and investing in the workforce.

WORKING HARD TOGETHER

Long before leadership training programs or site-level expansion, the family business was built on one simple principle: the Weinstein family work ethic. “The harder you work, the luckier you get,” Saren recalls, quoting one of her parents’ guiding mantras. “There were no assumptions that we’d come into the family business. But we were absolutely expected to work hard at whatever we chose.”

Today, Saren works alongside her parents, continuing the family tradition of showing up early, working hard, and leading by example. Susan’s two sons are also part of the business, with

Saren Weinstein-Schapiro is bringing nextgeneration innovation to the company founded by her mom and dad, Susan and Clinton Weinstein.

M&M Recycling buys, processes, and resells ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal.

Ryan involved in daily operations as vice president, and David, a real estate attorney, always keeping an eye out for new opportunities to grow the business. Son-in-law, Bram, and daughter-inlaw, Danielle, have joined the family business too. “Our employees see how hard we work,” says Susan. “There’s no red tape, no closed doors. We support them the way we support each other.”

EDUCATION, MENTORSHIP, AND MIDDLE SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURS

To build a stronger pipeline of future talent and leadership, Saren recently launched a pilot entrepreneurship program with her daughter’s school, The Howard School. The goal? Teach middle and high school students about the recycling industry by having them build their own scrap businesses.

Students form teams; learn about material types, logistics, and pricing; collect scrap together; and, at the end of the semester, visit M&M Recycling to sell what they’ve gathered.

“They go through the entire process from collection to processing to payout,” Saren explains. “It’s not just about recycling. It’s about seeing the full loop and realizing there are career opportunities here.”

The program is just one part of Saren’s broader push to develop career and leadership tracks within M&M itself. “We want to build a place where people can grow, not just clock in and out,” she says. “That means mentorship, training, and opportunities at every level.”

TECHNOLOGY MEETS EXPERIENCE

As both generations at M&M work toward building a strong future, the family is focused on balancing new tools with

hard-earned wisdom.

“When we started, a forklift felt like a big upgrade,” Susan recalls. “Now we’re looking at AI and automation, but this is still a hands-on industry. You have to touch the material. You have to know what you’re buying, what it’s turned into, and how it’s being sold.”

Saren is currently pushing to modernize more of the company’s workflow: digitizing processes, introducing new hiring and training systems, and streamlining to make operations more efficient.

“There’s a lot of negotiation over things like handwritten weight tickets,” she jokes. “But we’re getting there.”

That balance of analog experience and digital progress is something both generations value. “The key is having a backup plan,” Susan says. “You can use all the new tech, but you’d better still know how to run the yard if the power goes out.”

LEGACY IN MOTION

When asked what she’s most proud of, Susan doesn’t hesitate. “That my kids went out into the world, explored it, and then chose to come back,” she says. “They see value in what we’ve built. That’s my greatest achievement.”

And what does Saren hope her own legacy will be?

“I don’t look for accolades and for big industry people to know my name,” she says. “But I hope that everyone who worked with us remembers that this was a place where they were supported. Their experience was positive. I think if I can leave a legacy, it would be for my children to know that what we built here was meaningful to all the people that interacted with us.” RPN

There was a time when Saren resisted going into the family business, but today this mother-daughter duo represents a multi-generational recycling ecosystem.

CARRYING THE

FOUR GENERATIONS OF SCRAP

EXPERTISE DRIVE LEWIS SALVAGE’S

INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO ORTHOPEDIC RECYCLING

BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR

TORCH

Cary Lewis builds on decades of innovation and community trust at Lewis Salvage.

METALS

Nearly a century ago, in a quiet corner of Warsaw, Indiana, one man’s knack for finding value in discarded metal sparked a family legacy that would span generations.

Abe Magazine started buying scrap from neighbours in the 1920s, creating more than a small business — he built a foundation of trust that still defines Lewis Salvage today. His daughter Jeanette married Elmer Lewis, and together they transformed Abe Magazine Junk & Coal into Lewis Salvage. In the 1980s, their son Mike and his wife, Rita Lewis, took the helm. Today Mike and Rita’s son and fourth-generation owner, Cary Lewis, is guiding the company into a new era.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Each generation has shaped the business in its own way. Elmer’s era was rooted in the basics — steel, coal, and paper — materials that reflected the industrious spirit of small-town Indiana at the time. Mike and Rita built on that foundation, strengthening relationships with local foundries and expanding into higher-value non-ferrous metals as the market evolved. With every decade, Lewis Salvage found new ways to grow through strong relationships and a keen eye for opportunity.

“I was the toddler rolling around on the ground when Dad was buying balers,” says Cary. “I always wanted to be just like my mom and dad. I wanted to work for them. I wanted to take over the business.”

The implants and packaging are completely destroyed, and then we’re able to

recover

value for

the customers.

None of this stuff is

incinerated.

It’s all beneficially reused and recycled.

Cary Lewis CEO, Lewis Salvage

By the age of ten, Cary was already sorting metals and learning to run the alligator shear under his grandfather’s supervision. By 16, he was operating forklifts and managing the scale. “We were still doing everything with handwritten tickets and calculators, so my math got pretty good,” he laughs.

When Cary walked back into the yard after finishing university in 2011, his dad was waiting with an old golf cart buried under a mountain of junk. “He said, ‘Better get that thing cleaned up. I’ve got a lot to show you.’ So I cleaned up the golf cart that morning, and really just started right where I left off.”

From there, Cary gradually worked his way back into the operation, modernizing the business piece by piece. He introduced a computerized ticketing system, moving the company from pen-and-paper to digital scale software — a significant efficiency upgrade for a yard with fewer than 15 people.

Lewis Salvage processes orthopedic materials for reuse and responsible disposal.

What started as a small scrap business now serves the broader community under the Lewis family.

Fourth-generation owner Cary Lewis inspects orthopedic scrap material.

The Lewis family has been turning scrap into opportunity for four generations.

THE ORTHOPEDIC OPPORTUNITY

That mindset of innovation and problem-solving soon opened the door to a new opportunity. Warsaw, Indiana, holds a unique distinction — it’s the orthopedic capital of the world. Major manufacturers of implants and surgical components operate in and around the city, producing and testing parts mainly made from titanium, cobalt, and stainless steel.

The turning point for Lewis Salvage came in 2016 when a customer approached with a challenge: large amounts of unused or expired medical implants were being destroyed through incineration or other waste-heavy processes. Cary and his team got to work, modifying an old hammermill, introducing water into the process, and experimenting with blade configurations until they successfully developed a one-of-a-kind system that unpacks implants and mechanically separates the metal from the packaging.

“We’re able to destroy the entire package, which includes the knee, hip, whatever implant they are selling, and render it unusable for any future surgery, and then recycle the material,” explains Cary. “All the packaging gets blown to one side, and the

metal solids then come out the other side. We presort those materials by alloy before we shred them, and then we’re able to beneficially recycle all of those materials. So, we solve a few problems. The implants and packaging are completely destroyed, and then we’re able to recover value for the customers. None of this stuff is incinerated. It’s all beneficially reused and recycled.”

What started as one customer’s problem grew into a specialized recycling niche that now defines a major part of Lewis Salvage’s operations. The company recycles millions of pounds of material per month, including orthopedic scrap, paper, plastic, cardboard, and traditional ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

ALWAYS EXPANDING

Now Lewis Salvage is entering yet another stage of growth. Cary recently acquired his uncle’s yard, Rochester Iron and Metal. This move includes the acquisition of an auto shredder and is expected to boost processing capacity to over 10 million pounds per month. The investment will not only increase throughput, but will also expand the company’s ability to handle end-of-life vehicles and other mixed scrap more efficiently.

Though Lewis Salvage has adopted technology and new recycling systems over the years, its foundation remains rooted in family values and hard-earned experience. The company still operates with a lean team, emphasizing customer service and community connection.

“It’s not a competition to me,” he says. “It’s about how I can make this work for my customers — how I can provide a service that’s better than how they were doing it themselves.”

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Lewis Salvage today is a continuation of the vision set in motion more than a hundred years ago, and Cary often reflects on how deeply this work is tied to his family’s identity. Now leading one of Indiana’s most unique recycling operations, he carries forward the same drive to innovate that began with his great-grandfather’s scrap business.

“I’d like to think that the perception of recycling is changing. I want to be part of that mindset change,” says Cary. “I believe having good people in the industry who show what we truly do here is worth the time. I think telling our story on Linke-

I was the toddler rolling around on the ground when Dad was buying balers.

Cary Lewis

dIn, going to trade shows, telling the people who are younger or maybe even older who are new to this industry . . . It’s part of my responsibility as somebody who lives it, breathes it, to continue that message.”

That combination of creativity, family, and pride continues to define Lewis Salvage. A century after its founding, the company continues to evolve, shaping what modern recycling looks like while staying true to the values that started it all. RPN

Cary Lewis is guiding the company into a new era.

HAVE U.S. AND ASIA RECOVERED PAPER TRADE TONNAGES BOTTOMED OUT?

TOTAL ANNUAL RECOVERED PAPER SHIPMENTS FROM THE U.S. INCREASED WHILE IMPORTS FELL, RAISING THE QUESTION OF WHETHER AN OVERSUPPLY IS DEVELOPING

BY HUBAN KASIMI

The total recovered paper exports from the U.S. in the first seven months of 2025 were 7.22 million metric tonnes (8 million net tons), up 4 percent annually from approximately 7 million metric tonnes, according to Census Bureau data.

Monthly shipments from the West Coast slipped 30.2 percent to 29,901 metric tonnes in July from 42,856 metric tonnes in June 2025. Volumes from the East Coast in this period were almost flat at about 21,000 metric tonnes.

Although the overall data shows improved export volumes compared to the January–July 2024 review period (negative 8 percent annually), shipments appear to have slowed. The rate of annual increase has been consistently 1–4 percent.

Market participants state that the year began slowly and will likely end on that note. Many consider this a sign of stability; however, this year’s recovered paper export and domestic price trends tell a different story.

SOFT DEMAND EXACERBATED BY MILL CLOSURES

Global demand for recycled fibre has been soft, mainly because paper mills in the U.S. and worldwide have been on extended outages. The number of sites that have closed has also been higher this year than in 2024 or 2023.

A few significant mills that have been mothballed are Georgia Pacific’s Cedar Springs, Georgia, containerboard facility, which will reduce the company’s overall linerboard and corrugated medium capacity by about 1.2 million metric tonnes per year.

Smurfit Westrock plans to cut nearly 450,000 metric tonnes

of recycled containerboard capacity at its St. Paul, Minnesota, site, and International Paper plans to reduce annual containerboard volumes totalling about 900,000 metric tonnes after shutting its Riceboro and Savannah mills in Georgia.

SHARP EXPORT PRICE TRENDS

The weekly Davis Index export prices for Baled #11 Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) have fallen by about $3 to $5 per net ton, FAS New York and FAS Los Angeles, respectively. The sharpest weekly decline was seen in October this year. Even though levels peaked at about $150–155 per net ton in April, current prices seem to be reaching new lows of $115–120 per net ton (see Figure 1).

MODERATE OVERSUPPLY

According to market participants, with fewer recovered paper shipments leaving U.S. port cities, domestic mills seem to have more than enough inventory. Many indicate that this may be a long-anticipated oversupply. Scheduled downtimes, permanent or temporary closures, and soft demand have significantly influenced tonnage movements this year. The impact is also evident in recent import data and domestic recovered paper prices.

Between January and July, recovered paper imports into the U.S. were 411,844 metric tonnes (453,980 net tons), down 29 percent from 579,181 metric tonnes in the same months of 2024. This is in contrast with 50 percent higher imports in the first seven months of last year compared to 2023.

DPC2221, #11 Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) fas Los Angeles port, $/nt

DPC2229, #11 Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) fas New York port, $/nt

Canada and Mexico are still the top sellers of the material. However, this year’s annual shipments from both countries were 20–60 percent lower than the 47–110 percent increases seen last year against 2023.

The domestic demand and supply of recycled fibre have also taken a hit. U.S. mills have reduced imports, and many are also holding off on large local purchases. The monthly Davis Index for Baled #11 OCC held firm at $95–111 per net ton, FOB seller’s dock, in the Southwest, Los Angeles, Midwest, and the Northeast in Q1. From April onward, the indices dropped to new lows of $70–85 per net ton FOB seller’s dock (see Figure 2).

The outlook for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 appears to be soft to sideways in both export and domestic recovered paper markets. Market participants have hinted that export prices could fall up to $10 per net ton on a weekly average and up to $20 per net ton domestically.

STRAINED TRADE RELATIONS

Census Bureau data show that tonnage across all U.S. port cities appears to be cooling, and recent trade policy changes have played a role. On the one hand, recent policy changes exempt certain wood pulp from the reciprocal tariffs; on the other hand, China has restricted pulp imports.

The U.S.’ exemption of a few pulp products stems from a significant effort led by industry associations to safeguard vital imported raw materials such as Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) pulp. Efforts by the AF&PA and representatives of Brazil’s pulp mills appear to have secured an uninterrupted supply of

Scheduled downtimes, permanent or temporary closures, and soft demand have significantly influenced tonnage movements this year. The impact is also evident in recent import data and domestic recovered paper prices.

BEK and other pulp categories.

As far as restrictions from China are concerned, although the Asian nation isn’t a direct buyer of U.S. export-grade recycled fibre, it does purchase from other Southeast Asian countries, which remain the largest importers from the U.S. Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have been among the top three importers of recovered paper from the U.S. In the first seven months of 2025, of the total 7.22 million metric tonnes shipped abroad, 35 percent or nearly 5.3 million metric tonnes were headed for Asia. Of this, almost 2.6 million metric tonnes were bound for Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. If China ramps up import regulations on dry brown fibre, most Southeast Asian nations could also reduce recycled fibre imports.

REPRIEVE REMAINS TO BE SEEN

Soft demand, trade restrictions, and global mill outages have continued to influence U.S. paper trade in more ways than seen before. The near-to-medium-term outlook for domestic and export prices of recovered paper remains bearish.

There are, however, a few market participants who noted that with new or revamped mills anticipated to come online in Q1 or Q2 2026, some of these challenges could ease. What remains to be seen is the extent of reprieve that mill buyers and sellers could receive in the next couple of quarters.

HUBAN KASIMI is the recycled materials editor at Davis Index and can be reached at huban.kasimi@davisindex.com.

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

A BLUEPRINT FOR THE MRF OF THE FUTURE

WITH A MODULAR DESIGN, ZERO MANUAL PLASTIC SORTING, AND A FOCUS ON R&D AND EDUCATION, RUMPKE’S LATEST FACILITY SETS A NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD

BY MEGHAN BARTON, SENIOR WRITER

When Rumpke Waste & Recycling broke ground on its Columbus Recycling & Resource Center, the goal wasn’t just to build another high-throughput MRF. It was to create a facility that could evolve alongside an ever-shifting recycling landscape. From the building’s core infrastructure to its advanced sorting systems, community engagement tools, and career development resources, every element was designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s unknowns.

“I didn’t want it to be for this year, next year, or five years from now. I wanted it to be available 20 years from now,” says Jeff Snyder, senior vice president of recycling and sustainability at Rumpke. “When we designed this facility, I designed it with

an extra bunker, an extra conveyor. So if we want to add a commodity in the future, I can do that very easily without changing the entire infrastructure inside the building.”

SCALABLE BY DESIGN

The $100 million Columbus facility occupies 226,000 square feet and, according to Snyder, is the most technologically advanced in Rumpke’s network. It processes up to 250,000 tons of recyclables annually from nearly 50 counties and operates two shifts each day, with continuous housekeeping and maintenance coverage.

One of the most forward-thinking features is the installa-

tion of overhead cranes. These allow the team to move in or swap out sorting equipment as needed without disrupting the building’s layout. That level of modularity, combined with built-in spare conveyors and bunkers, ensures that the facility can remain operational and effective even as packaging types, contaminants, and customer expectations evolve.

Rumpke also took the opportunity to eliminate rotating screens. “We replaced them with ballistics, which are ellipticals and optics,” says Snyder. “We’re not going into these screens and [removing debris] of the shafts and [dealing with] all the maintenance and all the safety issues that go with that.”

AI, X-RAY, AND ZERO MANUAL SORTING OF PLASTICS

At the heart of the Columbus system is a layered approach to automation. The facility incorporates 19 optical sorters, four ballistic separators, and a sophisticated artificial intelligence backbone that enables high-purity sorting with fewer people on the line.

“There’s not one single person sorting plastics,” says Snyder. “It’s as clean as you could possibly imagine, and it’s because of the optics and the AI capability.”

AI is also used to monitor inbound and outbound materials. “If AI can tell us what’s coming in, and then we know what’s leaving . . . the difference is what we’ve recycled,” Snyder explains. That data informs recovery rates and can be used to fine-tune technology and process decisions.

While the average MRF achieves processing efficiencies in

the mid-80 percent range, Rumpke achieves a very high recovery rate for recyclables. “We are over a 98 percent recovery rate on what we tell people to put in the recycling bin,” says Snyder.

THE AUDITING FLOOR AND SAMPLING STATION

Unique among North American MRFs, the Columbus facility includes a second tipping floor for customer-facing material audits and a third tipping floor dedicated to clean commodities. This second tipping floor supports load sampling for cities, counties, and businesses. This process is supported by what Rumpke calls the Sampling Station, a mini-MRF designed specifically to evaluate customer loads without interrupting full-scale operations.

“If the city of Columbus comes to me and says, ‘Hey, I’d like to know what our contamination rate is,’ I can take samples of their material, run it through this side of the process, and tell them everything that’s in their stream,” says Snyder. Clients can make changes to their collection programs and return months later to compare results.

EDUCATION, R&D, AND THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Public trust and transparency are foundational to Rumpke’s approach. At the Columbus site, that means more than tours. It means immersion. From exhibit design to messaging, the team at Rumpke wanted to ensure that visitors could see recycling in

The new $100 million Columbus facility occupies 226,000 square feet and processes up to 250,000 tons of recyclables annually.

Visitors can shop the interactive supermarket and learn whether each item is recyclable.

Rumpke’s modular design allows the team to move in or swap out sorting equipment as needed without disrupting the building’s layout.

action and understand their role in the system.

“We designed a 3,000-square-foot education centre,” says Amanda Pratt, senior vice president of communications at Rumpke. Visitors start with an interactive supermarket where they “shop” for household goods and learn whether each item is recyclable. They then move through hands-on exhibits, view full-size bales, and see how recovered materials become new products.

“We want it to be a destination,” Snyder adds. The site hosts thousands of visitors each year, including school groups, residents, manufacturers, researchers, and industry professionals. From exhibit design to messaging, the team at Rumpke wanted to ensure that everyone could see recycling in action and understand their role in the system.

On the workforce side, Rumpke’s on-site Career Development Center offers free commercial driver’s license training, customer service workshops, sales training, and leadership development.

The company also provides space for university engagement, including a dedicated R&D room that was initially developed in partnership with Ohio State University. Today, multiple universities make use of the space for learning sessions, school projects, and even live sustainability courses. While some collaborations are still in the early stages, Rumpke has worked with Ohio State’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) engineers to explore AI- and robotics-based solutions for material recognition and sorting challenges.

CIRCULARITY AND REGIONAL IMPACT

With more than 80 percent of outbound materials staying in Ohio and 100 percent flowing to end users within a 250-mile radius, the Columbus facility plays a central role in advancing a Midwestern circular economy. Rumpke partners with companies like Vertex and other regional manufacturers and end markets to close the loop on common materials, including PET bottles, clamshells, milk jugs, and corrugated cardboard.

“Take a milk jug that is purchased at Kroger in the city of Columbus,” says Snyder. “It comes to us, we sort it, we bail it, we send it to Vertex in Columbus. They clean it, extrude it back into a pellet right here in the city, and it’s made back into a new product right here. So it never leaves the city.”

This proximity reduces transportation-related emissions and supports a regional ecosystem of recyclers, converters, and brand owners. “We’re very fortunate in the Midwest to have multiple end markets for the materials that we sort,” he says.

BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE, BACKED BY CULTURE

For a facility this complex to run smoothly, long-term innovation has to be balanced with day-to-day performance. That’s where Rumpke’s culture comes in.

“We make sure that we have the right metrics in place to measure our progress, or identify opportunities and things that we need to improve upon,” says Pratt. “Those are the key drivers for success: to constantly be the best for each other, for our customers, and for the environment.”

That culture of accountability and shared purpose is part of the reason why the company continues to earn national recognition. Rumpke has been named a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal for six years running.

“Rumpke has been around since 1932. We are in our third and fourth generations of family leadership, and they have a very strong set of core values that we are reminded of as we conduct our business,” explains Pratt. “Our core values are teamwork, quality, responsibility, growth, and perseverance.”

Those values are now embedded in the design and operation of Rumpke’s most advanced facility to date. From its AI-directed sorting to its dedicated material audit floor, research space, and X-ray scanning capabilities, the Columbus Recycling & Resource Center is more than a MRF. It’s a scalable blueprint for what modern recycling can become. RPN

To run smoothly, long-term innovation has to be balanced with day-to-day performance.

TRIPLE TROMMELS AT THE TAJIGUAS LANDFILL

PHOENIX 3300 TROMMEL SCREENERS HELP PRODUCE HIGH-QUALITY COMPOST WHILE REDUCING LANDFILL VOLUME

Perched on the hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, California, the Tajiguas Landfill isn’t your typical landfill operation. Due to a cutting-edge compost management system and the forward-thinking approach of the County of Santa Barbara’s Public Works Department, the site is setting a new standard for sustainable waste management. At the heart of this operation is supervisor Dylan Ellis, who leads the charge at the landfill’s compost management unit. With a focus on maximizing organic waste diversion, reducing environmental impact, and producing high-quality compost, Ellis and his team have invested in advanced equipment from Powerscreen of California, Nevada & Hawaii.

BEYOND TRADITIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

The compost management unit at the Tajiguas Landfill is part of an innovative combined project that includes an anaerobic digestion facility. The facility is designed to process the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) material,

which would otherwise take up space in the landfill, into usable products through a multi-stage system utilizing three Terex Ecotec Phoenix 3300 trommel screeners.

The facility takes in the organic fraction of MSW from the material recycling facility and anaerobically digests that material for 35 to 40 days. They then use three Phoenix 3300 trommel screeners to further screen the material to meet product quality needs.

The result is an efficient process that not only reduces landfill volume but also produces valuable compost and clean, reusable material, turning waste into a resource.

STRATEGIC SCREENING PROCESS

Once the anaerobic digestion process is complete, the material heads to the trommel screeners for the next critical stage of processing. The incoming material typically ranges from threeinch-minus size, combined with source-separated organics.

The screening process is done in three stages using the Phoenix 3300 trommel screeners: initial screening at two inches, secondary screening at five-eighths inch, then final screening at one quarter inch.

After screening through each of the trommels, the material is then directed to their densimetric table, where it undergoes forced air separation. This step removes any one-quarter-inchminus fraction of glass and rocks, helping ensure that the final product meets their strict compost quality standards.

As the largest trommel screener in the Ecotec lineup, the Phoenix 3300 is capable of handling high volumes while providing precise control over screening parameters. The Phoenix 3300 has several key features that have proven essential for the landfill’s operation, including its 30-foot 6-inch by 7-foot 6-inch drum, 10.2-cubic-yard hopper, and 180-degree swivel fines conveyor with a 19-foot discharge height.

Ellis says other key features he values are the variable speed control with load sensing and automatic feeder shutoff, a four-wheel-drive system with high-performance friction grip wheels, and the ability to operate the drum in both directions. This suite of features provides maximum control, allowing operators to adjust for varying material characteristics, including inconsistent moisture content, a common challenge at the site.

With landfill capacity at a premium and environmental stewardship a growing priority, the Tajiguas Landfill’s compost management unit stands as a model for integrated, sustainable waste processing.

Tajiguas Landfill’s compost management unit combines anaerobic digestion with advanced screening technology to maximize organics recovery.

The Tajiguas Landfill features a compost management system designed to reduce landfill volume and produce high-quality compost.

OPERATOR CONTROL IS KEY

“These machines are incredible, especially when it comes to control,” says Ellis. Given the nature of the material processed at Tajiguas, moisture levels can vary widely, which adds complexity to the screening process. The flexibility to fine-tune machine speeds and adjust screening performance on the fly is one of the main reasons Ellis and his team opted for the Phoenix 3300 units.

“We do not have a consistent moisture content here, which requires flexibility in how I control the machines to produce the correct materials we need,” he adds. “That flexibility is a major reason why we went with the Phoenix 3300 trommels.”

The ability to manage drum speed, belt speed, and fines conveyor direction through remote operation not only boosts production efficiency but also minimizes downtime, keeping the operation running smoothly even in tough conditions.

A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

With landfill capacity at a premium and environmental stewardship a growing priority, the Tajiguas Landfill’s compost management unit stands as a model for integrated, sustainable waste processing. The use of anaerobic digestion combined with effective mechanical screening and air separation not only diverts waste from the landfill but also produces high-quality compost that benefits the community.

The choice of machinery like the Terex Ecotec Phoenix 3300

The use of anaerobic

digestion combined with effective mechanical screening and air separation not only diverts waste from the landfill but also produces high-quality compost that benefits the community.

Trommel Screener, paired with responsive dealer support, has enabled Ellis and his team to maintain high production rates while meeting strict quality requirements.

As Ellis and the County of Santa Barbara’s Public Works Department continue their work at the Tajiguas Landfill, the focus remains on improving efficiency, maximizing material recovery, and providing environmentally sound waste solutions.

For Ellis, it’s about more than just machines; it’s about having the tools and support needed to make a real impact on the way waste is handled in Santa Barbara County and the surrounding SoCal communities.

Three Terex Ecotec Phoenix 3300 trommel screeners form the core of the landfill’s organics processing system.

The new model 4 E-Z log Baler is just what mid size scrap yards have been asking for! Priced right for any yard — small, mid size, or large!

Like the Model 3, the NEW Model 4 has no set up time and a very low cost to operate. The one man operations are all handled from the newly designed cab. With the 400º rotation crane and a reach of 27’ adding the continuous rotation grapple, it makes loading the larger chamber a breeze.

Taking your loose scrap to a highly sought after shreddable log.

— Cycles in under 2 minutes!

— Produces up to 70 tons per day.

— Fully portable in the closed position.

— New seat design for more operator comfort.

OVERBAND MAGNET REMOVES METAL FROM WOOD CHIPS

TO PROTECT ITS BIOMASS PLANT FROM COSTLY DAMAGE, WESTERN BIO-ENERGY INSTALLED A BUNTING EMAX OVERBAND MAGNET THAT REMOVES FERROUS CONTAMINANTS

Western Bio-Energy has found a powerful solution to one of its biggest headaches: tramp metal in woodchip. The U.K.-based biomass power producer recently installed an EMAX Overband Magnet from Bunting Magnetics that is designed to pull both small and large ferrous contaminants from the feedstock before they can cause costly damage.

Western Bio-Energy operates a 15.8 MWh biomass plant that exports electricity to the national grid. Since opening in 2007, the facility has relied on a variety of wood sources, from brash chip and whole tree chip to RCF chip from pallets and other clean recycled wood, as well as virgin wood chip made from tree logs.

But with such diverse inputs comes a familiar problem — metal contamination. Nails, bolts, and fragments can slip into loads, threatening shredders, conveyors, and other equipment.

After an on-site review, Bunting Magnetics supplied a model EMAX140 Electromagnetic Overband Magnet. It now sits inline over the head pulley of a 1.2-metre-wide conveyor, handling an average of 22 tonnes of wood chip per hour.

As wood chip moves beneath it, the overband magnet’s powerful magnetic field attracts and lifts metal pieces from the flow. These are carried away on a self-cleaning belt that runs faster than the conveyor, dropping the captured metal into a waste collection area. The inline setup allows the material to break apart as it moves over the head pulley, exposing smaller pieces like screws and nails for easier removal.

Built for longevity, the EMAX Overband Magnet uses a lightweight, armoured belt reinforced with high-density polyethylene slats — 100 millimetres wide and 10 millimetres thick — secured with 304 stainless steel elevator bucket bolts and Nyloc nuts.

Once separated from the conveyed wood chip, ferrous metal falls into a waste collection area, which contains a wide range of small and large tramp metal, including wire, large bolts, flanges, and tools.

The overband magnet uses an armoured belt reinforced with high-density polyethylene slats.

A MATERIAL HANDLER BUILT

AROUND THE REALITIES OF SCRAP WORK

BRANDT’S BMH60A REFLECTS LESSONS LEARNED DIRECTLY FROM OPERATORS WORKING IN NORTH AMERICAN YARDS

BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR

Built in North America, Brandt’s BMH60A is a heavy-duty, 60-ton-class material handler designed specifically for the kind of work that steel manufacturing and scrap metal recycling facilities face every day: moving dense scrap, loading railcars, and keeping processing moving without interruption.

What makes the BMH60A unique is how Brandt approached its design. Instead of trying to adapt a machine from another market, the company built this one from the ground up with input from operators and contractors who work in North American scrap and recycling yards.

BUILT WITH FAMILIAR POWER

The BMH60A is powered by a Tier 4 Final John Deere PowerTech PSS 9.0-litre engine delivering 271 hp at 1,900 rpm. It’s the same proven platform found in many John Deere machines already at work across North America, so both operators and mechanics will find it familiar.

That familiarity also extends to parts and service. Since the components come from John Deere’s North American supply network, replacements are easy to find, and downtime is shorter. Jason Klassen, senior VP of sales for manufactured products at Brandt, says that was intentional. “Locally accessible parts and service are a real game-changer for the industry. It will have a huge impact on uptime, because you won’t have to wait for parts coming from overseas.”

DESIGNED FOR SCRAP

Brandt built this machine with the realities of scrap work in mind. The boom and arm are made from high-strength steel, with hydraulic lines routed inside for protection. The straight boom and droop-nose arm give it the right geometry for digging into piles and sorting mixed material.

At 117,000 pounds, the BMH60A moves smoothly due to its dual variable displacement hydraulic pumps and electronic-over-hydraulic controls. These systems give operators quick cycle times without jerky movement.

SMALL DETAILS THAT SAVE FUEL

The machine’s energy recovery system helps offset the weight of the boom and arm, which cuts down on fuel use when lifting. Auto-idle and auto-shutdown features also help conserve fuel when the machine isn’t active. Operators can choose between preset power modes depending on whether

they want to focus on fuel savings or performance.

Over a long shift, those details add up. Less fuel burned means lower operating costs, and fewer engine hours spent idling means longer service intervals.

SAFE AND SIMPLE MAINTENANCE

Full-perimeter handrails run along the top of the machine and cab platform, so operators can maintain three-point contact while doing daily checks. There’s ground-level access on all four sides, and the main service points are easy to spot.

To protect operators and the machine itself, the BMH60A comes with polycarbonate front glass, a Falling Object Guard on the cab roof, and optional ballistic window glazing for added protection. Rotary encoders monitor the boom and arm position and automatically slow movement if the grapple gets too close to the cab.

THOUGHT-OUT COMFORT

Inside the cab, the seat is heated, cooled, and air-ride adjustable, and all controls are positioned to reduce hand movement. The hydraulic cab riser can lift the operator’s eye level to almost 22 feet, giving a clear view into railcars and trailers.

Joystick steering comes standard, and with no steering column in the way, there’s more legroom and better visibility. Rear and boom-side cameras cover blind spots, and the images show up on separate screens, so there’s no need to toggle views.

BUILT FOR MOVEMENT

The wheeled undercarriage gives the BMH60A flexibility to move from pile to pile. A two-speed, all-wheel-drive transmission offers a top travel speed of about 15 km/h, and the large outrigger pads help keep it stable on soft ground. Operators can control each outrigger individually or in sync, depending on the conditions. Full drivetrain guarding protects the key components underneath, and the swing-away panels make maintenance faster.

INPUT FROM THE FIELD

The BMH60A is designed specifically for scrap metal recycling.

Brandt’s design process for the BMH60A was hands-on. The company worked directly with scrap and recycling professionals to get feedback before locking in the final design. Chris Semple, president of manufactured products, says that collaboration made a difference. “We collaborated with the people who would be using this machine to ensure it would improve productivity, reduce downtime, and provide a lower cost of operation.” RPN

A HIGHER REACH BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP

SIERRA INTERNATIONAL’S FLY-CAB DESIGN BRINGS GROUND-LEVEL ENTRY TO MATERIAL HANDLERS

BY KEN SINGER, PUBLISHER

In the world of scrap, recycling, and bulk material handling, operators are looking for equipment that is faster, safer, cleaner, and easier to maintain. Sierra International Machinery, long recognized for its balers, shears, and conveyors, is bringing innovation to its material handler line with the introduction of fully electric models and a new cab design.

I caught up with Tom Hickson, Sierra’s director of material handler sales, on a booth walkthrough at ReMA 2025. Hickson shared insights into the company’s latest generation of material handlers, including the much-anticipated T815 with Fly-Cab technology — a patented design that allows the operator’s cab to descend safely all the way to ground level.

A LEGACY OF PARTNERSHIP AND ENGINEERING

Sierra’s material handlers are built in collaboration with Tabarelli, a 75-year-old Italian manufacturer with decades of

expertise in portable balers and shears.

“They’ve been building material handlers since 1961,” Hickson explained, “but Sierra had never imported them into the U.S. until recently. Now we’re expanding the model range in North America, and customers are responding very positively.”

The T815 is a mature model in Europe. Its design reflects lessons learned over decades of real-world use, resulting in a robust, 86,000-pound machine with a 53-foot reach, a completely redesigned control layout, and a cab with no steering wheel for maximum space.

CAB SAFETY BY DESIGN

Slip, trip, and fall incidents continue to be a major cause of injuries in scrapyards. Sierra’s patented Fly-Cab addresses that risk directly. The entire cab can lower to ground level, allowing operators to step in and out safely without climbing a ladder. It offers additional ease of entry with a sliding door.

The cab will only operate when it is fully elevated and clear of the undercarriage, preventing accidental movement and further reducing risk. At maximum height, the cab extends to 19 feet, offering enhanced visibility when working with larger piles or in loading operations.

INSIDE THE OPERATOR’S OFFICE

Comfort and ergonomics are more than a luxury; they drive productivity. The redesigned cab has been engineered as a comfortable workspace with a spacious interior. Panoramic visibility is aided by rear and side cameras and utilizes a tablet-style digital display that replaces older analog gauges. The cab also features USB charging ports, Bluetooth radio, cellphone holders, and adjustable seating for operators of all body types.

HYDRAULIC-OVER-HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR PRECISION

Despite an industry shift toward fully electronic control systems, Sierra remains committed to pilot hydraulic-over-hydraulic controls. According to Hickson, this approach gives operators more dexterity and a smoother response, a key advantage when precision-placing or swinging large loads.

“It’s simpler, easier to maintain, and keeps mechanics in the loop,” Hickson explained. “With electronics, you’re plugging in a laptop. This is wrench and oil.”

AN EXPANDING LINEUP

Sierra currently offers the T308, T409, T510, and T815 models, with a T916 in the pipeline. These machines range from compact

handlers to heavy-duty crawlers with more than 50 feet of reach.

Electrification is also rapidly being introduced to the portfolio. Sierra now offers the T409E and recently brought over an electric T510 from Italy for demonstration. These models use modular lead–acid battery packs that can be swapped in approximately 15 minutes, delivering six to nine hours of operation per charge, making them ideal for indoor facilities or states with emissions regulations.

SERVICE, SUPPORT, AND DIRECT SALES

Sierra follows a direct sales model in North America, bypassing third-party dealers. This allows the company to control service quality and maintain close customer relationships. Sierra also stocks parts for every machine it sells.

“We have mechanics around the country and are adding more even as we speak,” said Hickson. “If a customer already has five of our balers or shears, they know what to expect when they call Sierra, and that trust extends to these material handlers.”

THE ROAD AHEAD IS ELECTRIC, SAFE, AND CUSTOMER-FOCUSED

With strong early sales of the 815 and growing interest in its electric models, Sierra is positioned to further expand its footprint in North America. The combination of safety innovation (like the Fly-Cab), operator comfort, hydraulic precision, and dependable service creates a compelling value proposition.

Hickson summed it up: “We’re nudging our way into the industry with this product line. The Sierra name stands for reliability — and now it stands for purpose-built material handlers, too.” RPN

Sierra’s patented Fly-Cab lowers to ground level, allowing operators to step in and out safely without climbing ladders.

The T815 is a mature model in Europe, but was recently introduced in North America.

THE TECHHUMAN CONNECTION FOR MATERIAL HANDLING SAFETY

MODERN EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING SITE SAFETY WITH MORE PROACTIVE FEATURES AND OPTIONS THAN EVER BEFORE

BY JOHN WALDRON

Waste and recycling facilities are busy, dynamic places where heavy equipment works nonstop to sort and move massive amounts of material. Worker safety is the top priority on these sites, and all that machine power comes with inherent risk.

Fortunately, modern equipment technology is transforming site safety with more proactive features and options than we’ve ever had before. These advancements, often integrated directly into the machines, are designed to give operators and managers the tools they need to mitigate risk and prevent accidents before they happen.

Here’s a look at some of the latest technologies making operators and machines smarter, along with the practices your operators — and all team members — should follow to protect themselves, each other, and your assets.

VISIBILITY TO NAVIGATE A CROWDED SITE

In a busy scrapyard or a municipal waste transfer station, a material handler’s job is to efficiently move or stack materials. However, a constant flow of trucks, ground workers, and other equipment can create a chaotic, high-risk environment. The sheer size of a material handling machine can create significant blind spots that people and other vehicles can easily enter.

This is where enhanced visibility technology becomes critical. Standard mirrors and even the most vigilant operator can’t match the coverage provided by a full 360-degree view. Systems like Volvo Smart View address this by strategically placing

Recycling facilities are busy places where heavy equipment works nonstop to sort and move massive amounts of material.

By turning operator behaviour into actionable data, operator assist programs and telematics systems help create a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, leading to a safer and more efficient worksite.

Volvo Smart View cameras and Co-Pilot display.

The Volvo EW200 material handler with Co-Pilot display.

multiple high-definition cameras on the machine. The feeds are stitched together to create a unified, bird’s-eye view of the machine and its surroundings on a monitor inside the cab.

In some cases, this technology can go a step further and differentiate between humans and objects, which Volvo calls Smart View with Obstacle Detection. The aforementioned cameras, radar sensors, and deep learning technology work together to alert the operator with a real-time visual and audible warning if something or someone is in a designated danger zone. This is particularly helpful in a fast-paced environment where quick reactions make all the difference.

ADDRESSING BAD HABITS

While technology has advanced, a worksite’s safety still relies heavily on human behaviour. For example, an operator might be operating too fast for the conditions, swinging the boom erratically, or using the machine in a way that puts unnecessary stress on its components. At a waste facility where productivity goals rank right up there with safety, unsafe habits can creep in over time without anyone noticing until it’s too late.

Technology can also support safer operating habits, guiding operators with data and on-the-fly feedback. Many OEMs have made base-level telematics systems and/or assistive software standard, and these platforms have moved beyond just tracking machine hours and location. They’re powerful safety tools that can monitor things like operator behaviour and utilization trends to provide valuable insights to site managers.

For example, an operator coaching app (like the one in Volvo Load Assist for wheel loaders) can provide real-time guidance for inefficient habits like excessive idling and harsh use of the throttle and brakes. This not only improves safety by encouraging smarter and smoother operation, but also boosts fuel efficiency and reduces machine wear and tear.

An advanced telematics system like Volvo ActiveCare Direct is another good example. Beyond tracking machine health, it provides a comprehensive report on operator habits and outcomes. The system can log instances of erratic movement, speeding, or other improper practices.

When it identifies a potential safety issue, the system notifies the customer and their dealer. This allows a manager to discuss the issue with the operator and provide training before a minor issue escalates into a major one.

AVOIDING UNEXPECTED BREAKDOWNS

A daily walk-around inspection is your first line of defense against a mechanical failure that could lead to an accident. But in the rush to get going, it’s easy for this step to get skipped. Imagine an operator starting their shift on a material handler, eager to clear a backlog of materials. They bypass the walkaround to save time, unaware that a hydraulic hose has a small leak or that an attachment pin is starting to come loose. But a seemingly small issue like one of these can quickly become a major hazard.

A failing hydraulic line could cause the boom to drop unexpectedly, while a loose attachment pin could lead to a grappler or magnet detaching mid-lift. In a scrapyard where you’re lifting heavy, sharp, and/or unstable objects, this could lead to a serious accident or significant damage. This is why a machine

walkaround is non-negotiable.

At a minimum, a material handler walkaround should include: Visual inspection: Check for any visible damage, leaks, or loose bolts. Look for signs of stress on the machine’s frame.

Fluid levels: Verify that hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant are at the proper levels.

Attachment integrity: Inspect the attachment for wear, and make sure all pins, locks, and couplers are secure.

Cab and visibility: Ensure that the cab is reasonably clean and free of loose objects. Check all mirrors and lights to make sure they’re functional and properly adjusted.

CREATE A CULTURE OF SAFETY

In the end, technology is only one part of the equation. While tools like 360-degree cameras, operator coaching software, and advanced telematics are invaluable, they’re most effective when integrated into a strong culture of safety. This environment is built on a commitment from every single team member to prioritize safety above all else. It’s about empowering everyone with the knowledge, training, and equipment they need to do their jobs safely.

For contractors and facility managers, this means investing in the latest equipment technology and ensuring that operators are thoroughly trained on how to use it. It also means fostering an environment where a walkaround is never rushed and where reporting a safety concern is encouraged and acted upon immediately. For operators, it means taking ownership of their safety and the safety of those around them and understanding that a few minutes of precaution can prevent a lifetime of regret.

The waste and recycling industry is always evolving, and so are the tools we use to keep it safe. By embracing technology and building a safety-first culture into every part of the job, we can help ensure that everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.

JOHN WALDRON is the product manager for wheeled excavators at Volvo Construction Equipment.

An operator coaching app, like the one in Volvo Load Assist, can provide real-time guidance for inefficient habits like excessive idling and harsh use of the throttle and brakes.

TQ & A

TURNING THE TIDE ON STAFFING SHORTAGES IN RECYCLING

BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR

he recycling industry runs on people just as much as it does on equipment, yet companies are struggling to find and keep the talent they need to operate efficiently. From the growing demand for skilled labour to the pressure of automation, staffing challenges are emerging as one of the most significant barriers to operational growth.

To learn how recyclers can adapt, I spoke with Bilal

Ahmed, founder of Renovus, a specialist recruitment firm dedicated to the waste and recycling industries. With a close-up view of hiring, retention, and leadership trends across the recycling sector, their insights go beyond recruitment tips and shed light on how companies can adapt to generational shifts, build stronger workplace cultures, and rethink the way they develop career paths for employees.

Have you found certain company culture models or leadership styles work particularly well in this sector?

Culture has a huge impact on retention — over the past three years, it has been the number one question I get asked when I am hiring for a business. It’s a hands-on industry and very relationship-driven, so the day-to-day environment matters. People tend to stay in environments where they feel safe, supported, respected, and set up to succeed.

This year alone, I have personally placed candidates who have taken a significant reduction in compensation to join a business with a much better culture. That being said, everyone deserves fair compensation, but it goes to show you cannot hide a bad culture with money anymore.

Leadership that gives autonomy works best, but it’s a two-way street. If businesses are putting their trust in salespeople or service people, they need to be responsible for making sure they communicate effectively and don’t break that trust.

Which workforce challenges can a talent firm realistically solve, and which challenges still fall on the company itself?

We can solve a lot of front-end challenges, which include identifying and attracting niche talent, mapping competitors, accessing hidden networks, crafting compelling employer stories, advising on realistic role design, and understanding market conditions. Essentially, painting the best picture of your business to the candidate’s market.

However, retention and performance depend on the company. Culture, leadership quality, compensation, and things like onboarding matter. For example, having a smooth onboarding process can say a lot about how candidates perceive a business. We can benchmark pay and design onboarding frameworks, but we can’t fix a broken culture or toxic leadership.

Slone Fox

Bilal Ahmed

What

are the most common mistakes

you’ve

seen recycling companies make when trying to hire

or retain high-quality staff?

A lot of businesses fall into this trap of treating hiring as reactive or transactional rather than a strategic function. Let’s talk about succession planning. Many businesses don’t have a plan for that in place, and even if someone is retiring in five years, a succeeding leader should already be in the business and being prepared for that role. We can’t always preempt someone leaving a business, but for any leadership or senior leadership role, we should have the mindset that if this person leaves the business, we have a plan — even if that plan means knowing who will temporarily take over that workload while we find a replacement. Having a fully defined job description

and job briefing is key. I like to agree on three separate tiers with the client to make sure we are on the same page. These cover product or service, location, and budget. Tier one is that the candidate has all three. The second tier is that we have two out of three, and then we agree on which two are more important. The third tier is where we have at least one, and then we agree on which is the most important.

Another common mistake is underestimating the candidate’s experience. This is the first exposure a candidate has to a business, and how they really get a feeling of what it’s like to work at the business. Disorganized interviews, unclear travel expectations, or weak onboarding can leave a poor impression. Having a road map for progression or a structured skills development program is something that comes up often. Let’s not wait until someone resigns to remember they were up for a promotion in 12 months. These are dialogues that should be regularly happening because there are a lot of very ambitious people in the industry who are looking to grow and develop.

Teamwork and expertise are critical as recyclers adapt to rising labour shortages.

In

regions or markets where local labour is limited, what sourcing strategies have you seen work best?

I think first and foremost, we need to identify how critical it is that the position is based in the office. I understand the desire to build company culture and have a team on site, but it will come down to the function of the role, too. I think sales and service should be remote positions. The priority should be finding the best sales and service people for your business, within budget and location, after that.

If we are talking about operational or on-site engineering positions, a conscious effort should be made to partner with local colleges, universities, and high schools to offer local work placements and train those young professionals, giving them the skills needed to be a future leader in the business. In my view, this works the best, but it’s no easy task. For it to be successful, a robust plan should be in place to hire cohorts to support each other.

What are the most common gaps you see between what companies expect of recycling roles and what the pipeline of candidates delivers?

Companies often look for a “unicorn,” the salesperson who can troubleshoot and lead the business. I’m sure there are some brilliant people out there who can do all of the above, but we need to be realistic about our expectations.

A skills gap that will become an even bigger problem in the near future is experience with modern technology and automation. Recycling systems are becoming a lot more sophisticated, and many plants still draw from a labour pool with traditional mechanical or operator backgrounds. Similarly, what we look for in a salesperson changes. The

question is, how well are we preparing the workforce for new digital technologies coming in? How can we upskill current workers?

We help close these gaps by helping companies sharpen and prioritize their requirements. Separating the musthaves from nice-to-haves so the searches are realistic and targeted. I often map adjacent industries like aggregates, industrial machinery, logistics, and manufacturing, so there are transferable skills, particularly in operations and leadership. We often work with employers to design better onboarding and development pathways. This means you can hire high-potential candidates who might be 70 to 80 percent there, and we can put a plan in place to upskill them on the job.

Finally, using clear and honest storytelling in recruitment. Setting realistic expectations on both sides, making sure the candidates know what’s expected, and that companies really understand the current market talent profile. All these combined bridge the gap between ideal and available talent.

With automation changing recycling operations, what should employers be prioritizing to avoid skill gaps in the next five years?

Employers need to start thinking about future-proofing the workforce now and being proactive. The companies that will lead with this in the next five years are the ones that look at workforce development as strategically as capital investment.

Skills forecasting should be the priority. Let’s sit down and really think about which roles are likely to be phased out or transformed. Take manual sorting, for example. We may see fewer of these roles appearing, but actually, new roles are being created, such as automation technicians and data analysts. By identifying it early, businesses can build a workforce transition plan rather than panic later and worry about shortages.

Next comes a very structured training and upskilling program, which is essential. A lot of employees right now have the operational knowledge, but they might be lacking the skills in digital systems. This ties in with retention by offering clear learning and development opportunities.

Cross-functional integration is becoming much more critical. The lines between operations, IT, and engineering blur; in truth, I believe it’s a great thing that there will be a lot of collaboration across departments and employees with hybrid skill sets. Embedding workforce planning into the automation strategy will be key in all of this coming together. Involving Operations and HR early on, investing in retraining before deployment, and engaging through this change. By taking these steps now, we can avoid skills shortages and build a very resilient workforce.

How are staffing needs changing as recycling operations become more technologydriven?

Automation is transforming where people add value. There are new hybrid roles that will be created that blend mechanics and digital. The workforce will be shifting upstream and downstream. There may be fewer people needed on the picking line, but there will be more needed in system design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and QC. As this happens, strategic and leadership positions are going to be more and more important. We’re not looking at automation taking over jobs or reducing jobs, but transforming jobs. We are moving toward fewer low-skilled roles and a lot more technically skilled, better-paid positions. RPN

Skilled workers are the backbone of recycling operations, from sorting lines to yard management.

A REVIEW OF U.S. AND CANADA EPR POLICY CHANGES

EFFECTS ON THE RECYCLING INDUSTRY COULD BE SEEN AS SOON AS 2026

BY HUBAN KASIMI

The impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is more profound than anticipated because of the entities involved. As the U.S. and Canada gradually roll out policy changes, we are likely to see actual effects on the recycling industry as soon as 2026. Here is a review and outlook of what the next few months hold.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025 AND 2026

Seven U.S. states (Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington) have enacted EPR laws with registration and reporting scheduled for later this year and over the next two years. Connecticut and Nebraska have proposed HB 5019 and LB36 for safe battery collection and recycling. EPR legislation in the remaining states is being assessed.

In Canada, new EPR changes, especially for packaging materials, are expected by the end of 2025, with Alberta, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Yukon at the forefront.

WHY WE NEED EPR LAWS

EPR policies are here to stay, given that policy proposals have received extensive support from industry stakeholders and governments, both regional and federal. Associations such as The Recycling Partnership have lauded the push for change as these laws encourage better accountability from manufacturers and packagers. The laws enable a shift of the financial responsibility to brand owners to manage a material’s life cycle effectively.

The Recycling Partnership says that EPR could be vital in transforming residential curbside collection systems and improving recycling rates. According to 2023–2024 data from the American Forest & Paper Association, StatCan, and The Recycling Partnership, overall paper and cardboard recycling rates have been consistent at 35–65 percent.

Moreover, residential generation volumes have been relatively flat at about 40 percent over the last two decades. In a

EPR laws encourage better accountability and enable a shift of the financial responsibility to brand owners to manage a material’s life cycle effectively.

separate report, The Recycling Partnership emphasizes that effective EPR changes could lift statewide paper recycling by 20–50 percent or even up to three times. Participation from residential communities would also improve as access to recycling systems could be more seamless.

LANDMARK RULINGS

National and regional government agencies have rolled out several recent changes. However, a few stand out and are indicated to be more effective in bringing about the much-needed overhaul.

California’s Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle) expanded its covered materials categories (CMC) list to include coated paper and liquid packaging. The list, under EPR, became effective in July 2024. It covers corrugated, paper, cardboard, and molded fibre that also have plastic components. This means that cartons or paper cups with plastic coatings are deemed recyclable.

According to the Department’s recent findings, nearly 70 percent of California’s residential communities can now recycle Aseptic and Gable Top cartons, with 68 percent of the state’s counties served by material recovery facilities that accept and sort these materials.

In Ontario, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks amended the province’s Blue Box Program to maintain existing recycling services and reduce costs. According

to a June 2025 decision, the Blue Box regulation will allow for current recovery targets of paper, metals, rigid plastics, and glass. Any increases are deferred until 2032 instead of 2026, as proposed earlier.

NAVIGATING FORESEEABLE CHALLENGES

Concerns regarding consistency and expected recycling targets have been primary for industry stakeholders. EPR laws differ by state and province, and with that, legal definitions tend to vary based on regional legislation. Each region defines covered or recyclable materials based on demographics, which means a material that is exempt in one region may be included or regulated in another.

Another challenge is that a higher anticipated compliance fee could increase the cost of packaged goods. However, according to The Recycling Partnership, that cost will be integrated into the business instead of being passed on to consumers.

Finally, recycling targets need to be clearly defined, although these may vary between regions. A minimum percentage cap will become mandatory as EPR laws widen.

HUBAN KASIMI is the recycled materials editor at Davis Index and can be reached at huban.kasimi@davisindex. com.

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FLUCTUATING TARIFFS CREATE UNCERTAINTY IN STAINLESS STEEL TRADING MARKET

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HOW GRINDING IMPROVES THE EFFICIENCY OF DOWNSTREAM RECYCLING SYSTEMS

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