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.
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
SPARE
TRACK OILER KIT
Serious Grinding Built For North America
The Komptech Lacero 8010 is a powerful, high-speed, horizontal grinder purpose-engineered for the demanding North American wood waste, biomass, mulch, orchard/land clearing, and organics markets.
/ Feed large waste volumes into the versatile 7'10" open-front hopper
/ Leverage all-day grinding with the huge 41" diameter downswing drum / Track chassis with optional 3-axle dolly for quick on-road transport
28 COVER STORY FLEET EXPANSION FUELS RIMCO’S NEXT CHAPTER
A FOCUS ON THE FRONT END
UNRAVELLING RECOVERED PAPER PRICE TRENDS
WHY IT’S TIME TO START USING YOUR MOBILE CRUSHER’S TELEMATICS SYSTEM
FROM THE COVER
Rimco recently purchased new Liebherr material handlers to keep its large-scale yard moving efficiently and help meet the demands of highvolume scrap processing. Read more on page 28.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Kaitlyn Till ktill@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 330
EDITOR Slone Fox sfox@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 335
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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.
FROM THE EDITOR
SAFETY ON THE FLOOR STARTS THE NIGHT BEFORE
One of the most memorable sessions I attended at WasteExpo this year wasn’t about equipment, data systems, or commodity markets. It was about culture and strategies to attract top talent. Notably, Charyl Poché from Rockwell Automation said, “Company culture is how you feel on a Sunday night.”
That line got a few chuckles and nods. There are several names for it — the Sunday scaries, Sunday syndrome, and the Sunday night blues are a few. They all describe the same feeling: when your stomach sinks and you mentally sort through stress before the work week even begins.
Poché followed that up with another statement that hit home: “It matters when my boss knows my dog’s name.” That one got a bigger laugh, because it’s true. It’s not really about the dog. It’s about the fact that someone took the time to care about your life beyond your job title. It’s about being seen as a person, not just a role. When your manager remembers your dog’s name, or asks how your kid’s soccer game went, or makes sure you got home safe from a work trip, that builds trust.
Recycling is an industry that’s constantly in flux. We’re used to talking about operations, logistics, market pressure, and equipment, but sometimes we forget that it’s all powered by people. What drives performance, loyalty, and innovation is culture, and culture is more than free snacks in the break room. People do safer, better work when they’re not white-knuckling through their Sunday evenings.
This month’s issue looks at the more subtle ways companies are building strong teams through smarter and more efficient equipment that makes tough work easier for their operators. As labour shortages persist and the demands on workers continue to grow, there’s been a shift in how equipment is valued on the job site. It’s no longer just about horsepower or speed; it’s about how machines support the people running them. This includes operator-friendly cab designs that reduce
There are several names for it — the Sunday scaries, Sunday syndrome, and the Sunday night blues are a few. They all describe the same feeling: when your stomach sinks and you mentally sort through stress before the work week even begins.
fatigue, intuitive controls that make training easier, and technology that eliminates some of the repetition from daily tasks. These may not be the most visible changes on the surface, but they’re playing a major role in building resilient teams and more sustainable businesses. And, for the record, our publisher not only knows my dogs’ names, but has even let them take over the couch in his office.
SLONE FOX Editor
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.
IWS OPENS NEW $30 MILLION MRF IN NEW JERSEY
Interstate Waste Services (IWS) is opening a new $30 million material recovery facility (MRF) in North Arlington, New Jersey. Designed to process up to 215,000 tons of recyclables annually, the site features some of the most advanced recycling technologies in the country.
The facility is equipped with a fully automated sorting system from Machinex, including AI-powered robotics, mechanical ballistic screening, optical sorters, air classification, magnetic separation, and a dedicated glass cleanup system. These tools work together to boost recovery rates and keep materials out of landfills.
Part of IWS’ broader plan to modernize waste infrastructure in the tri-state area, the North Arlington MRF builds on the company’s waste-by-rail program, which already removes 300 long-haul trucks from the road each day and reduces emissions by more than 3,000 metric tons annually.
The project revitalized an underused site and created new jobs, strengthening Bergen County’s local recycling capacity. Richard Wierer, director of solid waste for the Bergen County Utilities Authority, said the facility supports core sustainability goals and provides new markets for recovered materials.
IWS’ reach also extends into New York, where material from the five boroughs will be processed at the new MRF as part of the Commercial Waste Zones program, where IWS subsidiary Action Environmental Services is a top contractor.
“This facility is an investment in advanced technology that improves capture rates, diverts more waste from landfills, and delivers real environmental benefits to the communities we serve,” said Michael DiBella, CEO of IWS.
AVERAGE PCR CONTENT IN PLASTIC PACKAGING DOUBLES
Anew report from AMERIPEN, prepared by Circular Matters and funded by PLASTICS’ Recycling is Real initiative, highlights the significant progress that consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have made toward recycled content goals in packaging while also exploring the critical gaps still present in infrastructure, collection systems, and supply.
The updated U.S. Packaging Recycled Content Goals Analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of how voluntary corporate commitments, trade association targets, and state and federal laws align with the current and projected capacity of the recycling system. The study includes detailed data from 46 CPG companies, state legislation, and national trade associations covering paper, plastic, and aluminum packaging.
Key findings include the progress being made in post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, which more than doubled from 4.5 percent in 2019 to 10.7 percent in 2023. As well, since 2010, at least 10 states have enacted laws mandating recycling content in packaging adding new external pressure across the supply chain. Between 2021 and 2025, U.S. plastics reclaimers have more than doubled their capacity to supply PCR to the packaging market. The report also cautions against policies that give preferential access to recycled materials, advocating instead for open, competitive markets that balance all end uses of recovered materials.
This new study builds upon AMERIPEN’s 2021 report, which explored the relationship between packaging recyclability and the goals, domestic supply, and reprocessing capacity and whether any additional policies or programs could be implemented to close the gaps. Improving PCR content requires coordination across the value chain. Understanding where and why challenges may be occurring can provide further insight into effective interventions.
STADLER AND REPUBLIC SERVICES EXPAND HIGH-QUALITY PLASTICS RECYCLING
Republic Services’ new Indianapolis Polymer Center will enhance the company’s vertically integrated plastics recycling operations in the U.S. Designed by STADLER, the facility shreds and processes pre-sorted plastics collected by Republic Services to recover PET and polyolefins. The centre will produce high-quality, food-grade recycled plastics for use in new bottles, jugs, and containers, helping reduce reliance on virgin materials.
The facility features a dual-line system designed by STADLER. Bales of mixed plastics are opened with STADLER’s WireX machine, which fully automates wire removal. Materials are then processed on two separate lines — one for PET and one for mixed plastics — with capacities of 5.5 and 5 tonnes per hour, respectively.
The PET line starts with mechanical separation and cleaning to remove ferrous materials. A STADLER STT2000 ballistic separator then sorts plastics into rigid, flexible, and fines fractions. These are further separated using near-infrared technology to isolate caps, rings, and labels. The 3D fraction moves through STADLER’s label remover and label separation hood. Clear PET, caps, and rings are cleaned and granulated for reuse, while coloured PET is baled.
On the mixed plastics line, materials are sorted into fines and sieve overflow. Heavier fractions from the overflow are separated into four polyethylene categories — natural, white, red/orange/yellow, and other/colour — and two polypropylene categories — natural/white and other/colour. PET recovered in this stream is redirected to the PET line. Final sorted products are stored in dedicated bunkers before being baled for market distribution.
CDE DESIGNS 150-TPH C&D
WASTE RECYCLING PLANT
CDE has delivered new sand and aggregate washing systems for Freehaven Materials in Brookhaven, New York, supporting both waste recycling and natural mineral processing. With demand for sand and aggregates rising across the U.S. alongside infrastructure growth, Freehaven Materials entered the wet washing sector to turn waste into reusable resources.
To meet regional demand and support local jobs, Freehaven partnered with CDE to develop a 150-tph waste recycling solution designed to repurpose construction, demolition, and
excavation waste into high-quality building materials. Commissioned in 2024, the plant enables Freehaven to produce five sand and aggregate products for use in infrastructure projects across Long Island, including highways, roads, bridges, and other essential builds.
AIM RECYCLING TO OPEN SCRAP RECYCLING FACILITY IN TEXAS
AIM Recycling has opened a new facility in Quinlan, Texas, offering scrap metal recycling services for residents, businesses, and industrial clients. The site is designed to provide quick processing, clear material handling, and competitive payouts in a clean and organized setting.
WM OPENS
FOUR NEW
FACILITIES
AS PART OF EXPANSION PLAN
WM has opened four all-new recycling and renewable natural gas (RNG) projects across the U.S. as part of its long-term expansion plan. The company will further invest roughly $3 billion in its sustainability growth strategy until 2026, and is expected to result in 39 upgraded facilities and 20 new RNG facilities.
So far, WM has completed eight out of 20 planned RNG facilities and 27 out of 39 planned recycling facilities. Once the recycling and RNG facilities are complete, the expanded network is expected to add more than 2.8 million incremental
tons of annual recycling capacity and 25 million MMBtu of renewable natural gas each year. The new and upgraded facilities will be outfitted with the latest AI and automation technology to increase the amount of material that can be captured for potential reuse.
ROBIN WIENER RECEIVES INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM GLOBAL RECYCLING FOUNDATION
Robin Weiner, president of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), received the inaugural Award for Recycling Leadership 2025 presented by the Global Recycling Foundation in recognition of her dedication to global recycling efforts and her outstanding leadership in driving the recycling agenda forward.
ECOBAT OPENS THREE LITHIUMION BATTERY RECYCLING PLANTS
Ecobat has completed three commissioned lithium-ion battery recycling facilities in one year. Located in Hettstedt, Germany; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Darlaston, England, these facilities are now fully operational. They contribute to the circular battery economy by processing a wide range of battery chemistries like electric vehicle packs, portable electronics, e-bikes, power tools, and other e-waste. Together, the three plants are capable of processing up to
10,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries annually, and Ecobat has further plans to scale capacity to 25,000 tons.
The new plants focus on producing black mass — the critical material derived from recycled lithium-ion batteries — rich in essential minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite. Black mass plays a crucial role in enabling the closed-loop production of batteries, reducing the need for new mining and supporting the development of sustainable battery supply chains.
HARRIS AMERICAN COMPANY COMBINES 295 YEARS OF BALING EXPERTISE
Avis Industrial Corporation has officially formed the Harris American Company, integrating three wholly owned Avis subsidiaries — American Baler Company, Harris Waste Management Group, and International Baler Corporation — into one new business unit.
The creation of Harris American is the next phase of a strategic plan that began in 2023 when the businesses were brought together under the Recycling and Waste Equipment Division of Avis. Harris American will harness a combined 295 years of business operations, offering a breadth of baling solutions across four manufacturing locations.
Size Reduction for Any Plastic
With the industry’s widest line of granulators and shredders, Herbold has a Size Reduction Solution that’s right for any application. Whether it’s clean or post-consumer materials, our systems quickly and effectively size reduce, PET waste, agricultural film, low bulk density material and even thick walled pipe. No challenge is beyond the capabilities of our equipment.
The Herbold Advantage
n Double Cross Cutting Action – Reduces Jams and Material Fines
n Adjustable Bed and Rotor Knives –Maintain Constant Cutting Circle
n Easy Access to the Grinding Chamber –Improved Maintenance, Screen Changes and Machine Cleanout
n Replaceable Armor Plating Inside the Cutting Chamber
n Faster, Safer Knife Changes – Adjustments Made in Jig Outside of Granulator
n Available Force Feed Mechanisms –Increase Throughput by up to 80% While Reducing Energy Consumption
NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST JOINTPOLYMER RECYCLING COMPLEX
Republic Services and Blue Polymers opened North America’s first joint-polymer plastics recycling complex. This collaborative facility will transform plastics circularity, from curbside collection to consumer packaging, producing more than 175 million pounds of recycled plastics annually for use in food-grade packaging and other applications.
Items collected from residential sources include PET (water and soda bottles), HDPE (milk jugs or detergent bottles), and polypropylene (to-go cups or margarine tubs). PET will be shredded and washed to produce recycled PET flake used in
new beverage bottles and other custom items.
The Polymer Center and Blue Polymers facilities will extend the life cycle of plastic packaging. Republic Services estimates that most PET bottles can be recycled into new bottles six to seven times, while the process for recycling most HDPE jugs is designed to return them to store shelves in as little as 120 days.
CATERPILLAR PLEDGES $100 MILLION TO TRAIN THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
In celebration of its centennial, Caterpillar pledged $100 million to train the incoming workforce with the skills needed to meet growing technological demands. More than 170 million jobs are expected to be created in the next five years in AI, automation, data analytics, digital twins, Internet of Things, machine learning, augmented reality, computer-aided design and modelling, and robotics maintenance.
BEN AND JERRY’S
POWERS
NEW ORGANIC WASTE-TOENERGY FACILITY
PurposeEnergy, a provider of organic waste-to-energy solutions, has opened its new anaerobic digestion facility in St. Albans, Vermont. PurposeEnergy and Ben and Jerry’s signed a long-term feedstock agreement in 2021, laying the groundwork for the facility, which converts high-strength organic waste and out-ofspec food products into renewable energy and clean water.
Ben and Jerry’s sends production waste streams through a dedicated pipeline directly to the facility. Additional feedstocks from regional producers are transported by Casella, Wind River Environmental, Evergreen Services, and Carmi chael Trucking — helping to centralize food waste management and expand the facility’s positive environmental impact.
The facility is expected to generate 8,750,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually and recover up to 45,000 million Btu of renewable thermal energy per year, which will be used to heat the digester and support facility operations.
HUMANOID ROBOTS LEARN FROM REAL WORKERS USING VR HEADSETS
TeknTrash Robotics has partnered with Sharp Group to begin real-world testing of Automated Litter Processing Humanoid Assistant (ALPHA), an advanced humanoid robot designed to transform waste sorting.
The partnership will operate at Sharp Group’s facility in Rainham, East
London, where the company currently handles and processes 2,800 tonnes of waste per week, including plastics, paper, glass, metals, general waste, stone, and more.
Frontline workers are equipped with Meta Quest 3 headsets that record their movements during daily operations.
The company will then use an app developed by TeknTrash to train AI robotic models based on workers’ posture, hand and finger articulations, and synchronized video. The data collected from human workers will be used to train ALPHA, enabling it to take over waste selection tasks that are repetitive, unsanitary, or dangerous.
Humans sort waste at an average rate of 30 to 40 picks per minute, but physical and decision fatigue can lead to errors. Contaminated items mixed with recyclables are a persistent issue, with single-stream recycling resulting in approximately 25 percent of the material being contaminated, rendering it unsellable.
ALPHA supports waste handling at every stage, from picking material off conveyor belts in recycling plants to lifting bins, moving materials, and hauling garbage cans to collection trucks.
At the start of the conveyor line, ALPHA uses hyperspectral vision to identify waste earlier and with greater accuracy than standard RGBD-based systems. Its grippers are trained to replicate the dexterity of human hands.
SPOTLIGHT
INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES
MSS SORTING SYSTEM
The Meatball Magnet sorting system from MSS automates the separation of non-steel contaminants such as motors, transformers, and alternators — otherwise known as meatballs — from shredded steel in auto-shredder facilities, which has traditionally been a challenge requiring tedious manual labour. The system utilizes AI detection algorithms to trigger electromagnets that sort the material as it travels at conveyor speeds of 250 feet per minute. The system’s deep learning neural networks offer high identification accuracy and can handle individual items weighing up to 25 pounds, performing reliably compared to manual sorting. The Meatball Magnet is available in 32-inch, 48-inch, and 64-inch machine widths.
CBI
TREE CHIPPER
The ChipMax 364T whole tree chipper from CBI is designed for land clearing, biomass production, pulp and paper, forestry and wood processing, mulch production, and landscaping. Key features include enhanced chute geometry to improve chip throw, facilitating more efficient trailer packing, and a standard chip accelerator for consistent output. Users can choose between a 755-hp or 550-hp engine to match their production needs. The rotor is designed for easy swaps and allows for simple chip size adjustments across a range of materials, from consistent micro-chips to larger 30-millimetre chips.
Sorting system
Tree chipper
Finlay SCALPING SCREEN
The electric-powered 883+ heavy-duty scalping screen from Finlay is an evolution of the company’s flagship model, offering an alternative power option to support more efficient screening operations. Its adaptable power pack enables connection to the electrical grid or operation via a genset, with an electric-drive system running the feeder, screenbox, and conveyors. Advantages of this configuration include lower operating costs, decreased emissions, and reduced engine noise. Additional updates include a redesigned feeder with hydraulic folding and locking extensions, which now supports rear feeding with a wheel loader.
TANA DISC SCREEN
TANA’s Raven X550T disc screen is built to process a high capacity of MSW, C&D, and waste wood materials. Designed to separate materials into oversized and undersized categories, the machine can also be equipped with an optional three-fraction screening package for finer separation. Four interchangeable modules on the screening table enable further versatility by allowing quick adjustments. The smart anti-wrapping design eliminates the need for separate systems, reducing the number of spare parts and wear components required. Additionally, the discs weigh up to 75 percent less than steel discs, further enhancing efficiency.
Scalping screen
TWO MACHINES, ONE GOAL — EFFICIENT MATERIAL HANDLING AND SCRAP LOADING
KOBELCO’s SK260DLC-11 is available as a material handler and as a scrap loader.
FEATURES
Powered by a Yanmar Tier 4 engine, both versions of the SK260DLC-11 meet EPA requirements, and the four-cylinder engine produces 194 hp at 2,200 rpm while reducing fuel consumption. The hydraulic system includes an eight-spool main control valve, four pumps — two variable displacement axial piston pumps, one extra gear pump, and one pilot gear pump — and a Boom-to-Arm Regeneration feature that redirects hydraulic oil and pressure between the boom and arm.
SAFETY
A heavy-duty Level II overhead FOPS guard is standard and can be tilted open for cleaning the top window. Rear swing flashers and rear work lights, integrated into the counterweight, are included for added visibility and job site awareness. Seven LED lights are also standard to support work in low-light conditions, and a 270-degree view three-camera system helps enhance operator visibility. The Cab Interference Prevention System uses sensors to create a barrier that prevents the arm or tool from contacting the body or cab.
COMFORT
Multiple air conditioning and heater vents are directed toward the operator to support their comfort. The Jog Dial integrates several functions into a single interface on the large 10-inch colour monitor, making it easy to access information such as work mode, maintenance intervals, and fuel consumption. Additional features include a tilting left console for easier entry and exit, adjustable pilot controls, an FM/AM/AUX/Bluetooth radio, a smartphone holder, a USB charger, and a 12V power outlet.
A FOCUS ON THE FRONT END
PRE-SHREDDING MARKS A SHIFT TOWARD SYSTEM-WIDE EFFICIENCY OVER INDIVIDUAL MACHINE OUTPUT
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
As scrapyards face heavier loads and more complex material than ever, many recyclers are rethinking their processes. Feeding raw, unprocessed scrap directly into primary shredders has been the standard, but it carries hidden costs. High wear rates, unshreddable contaminants that damage equipment, and inconsistent throughput all reduce productivity which is why more recyclers are turning to pre-shredders as a smarter front-end solution.
Pre-shredders reduce the size of incoming material and filter out hazardous materials early, creating a steadier flow before material reaches the main shredder. This protects downstream equipment, extends wear life, and improves overall efficiency. For processors focused on maximizing uptime, lowering energy use, and getting the most from every ton, pre-shredding is no longer an optional add-on. It’s a strategic investment in the health and profitability of the entire shredder line.
SAFETY STARTS UPSTREAM
Shredder safety isn’t just about emergency stops and guarding. It starts upstream, where smarter design and better control help prevent dangerous conditions from occurring in the first place. Incidents like explosions, fires,
and equipment damage are often the result of how materials are introduced into the system, not just how the system reacts once something goes wrong.
The LINDEMANN EtaRip pre-shredder, for example, tackles one of the most critical risks in shredding: deflagration. When scrap is loaded into a main shredder without any pre-processing, materials like fuel residues, pressurized components, or pockets of flammable vapour can ignite under sudden, high-impact force.
The EtaRip addresses this by tearing material apart slowly and methodically, instead of pulverizing it at high speeds. This controlled breakdown of things like end-of-life vehicles and metal bales also results in a more even and predictable infeed, setting the stage for a safer shredding process overall.
Minimizing deflagration risk doesn’t just protect the main shredder — it helps protect workers, reduce emergency shutdowns, and extend the lifespan of surrounding equipment. It’s far safer for these incidents to occur in the pre-shredder than the primary shredder, since the controlled environment of a pre-shredder reduces the force and intensity of explosions. Containing these events early on in the process protects the primary shredder downstream,
minimizes the chance of injury, and reduces the likelihood of starting a fire in the facility.
ADVANCED AUTOMATION
Automation is playing an increasingly large role in keeping operations efficient and reliable. Smart systems that can monitor and adjust equipment in real time help recyclers respond quickly to changing conditions, protect critical machinery, and reduce expensive downtime.
The Zato Blue Devil embodies this trend by pairing mechanical design with advanced automation. Its builtin PLC system continuously monitors shredding conditions, automatically adjusting shaft speed to match material resistance. When the system detects overloads or unshreddable items, it can instantly slow or reverse shaft rotation to protect critical components like blades and shafts. This kind of response is vital for recyclers dealing with heavier, more varied types of scrap that can otherwise cause unexpected damage or shutdowns.
Beyond automation, the Blue Devil leverages augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance service and maintenance. Technicians can remotely guide operators through set-up, troubleshoot-
Zato’s PLC system can instantly slow or reverse shaft rotation to protect critical components.
ing, and routine checks using AR overlays. This remote assistance cuts down service travel and reduces interruptions to daily operations.
PRE-SHREDDING ON THE MOVE
Mobile pre-shredders offer flexibility by processing materials wherever it makes the most sense: beside infeed piles, at remote yards, or on temporary sites. With no need for permanent foundations or fixed power, these machines help reduce loading and transport costs while also responding quickly to shifting demands.
For mobile shredding needs, Bano’s Ripper Frank is a two-shaft pre-shredder designed for light ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. Modular and transportable, it can be repositioned as operations evolve or scale up, giving scrapyards greater control over material flow and facility layout.
This adaptability is crucial as scrap streams continue to change and customer demands shift. Mobile pre-shredders allow recyclers to stay agile, respond quickly to market changes, and maximize throughput without costly infrastructure investments. They’re a practical solution that aligns well with the
constantly evolving nature of modern scrap processing.
SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The shift toward pre-shredding reflects a broader trend in scrap processing — prioritizing overall system efficiency rather than individual machine output. As recyclers look to boost recovery rates and reduce wear, front-end material processing is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity.
Ultimately, pre-shredding transforms the entire shredder line into a more
cohesive, resilient system. It enhances recovery rates by ensuring that downstream equipment can operate to its full potential. With modular designs, advanced automation, and mobile options now widely available, recyclers can tailor their pre-shredding solutions to meet specific operational needs and scale as necessary.
In a market where margins are tight and uptime is critical, the benefits of pre-shredding go beyond improved throughput — they translate into greater profitability and a more sustainable future for scrap processing operations. RPN
The Zato Blue Devil pre-shredder.
The LINDEMANN EtaRip pre-shredder.
Bano’s Ripper Frank is a two-shaft pre-shredder.
WHAT IS VESPER?
THE NEW ALUMINUM SCRAP SPEC IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE RISING DEMAND FOR HIGH-QUALITY RECYCLED MATERIALS
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
Vesper was introduced in response to the growing volume of aluminum-intensive vehicles reaching the end of their life.
Anew recycled aluminum scrap grade is making waves across the metal recycling industry following its introduction at this year’s Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) Convention and Exposition.
Developed in collaboration between ReMA and Novelis, vesper is designed to meet the rising demand for high-quality recycled aluminum, especially from the automotive and construction sectors. Gabriella Vagnini, managing editor of Aluminum Market Update at CRU Group, says that recycled metal consumption will need to rise by 40 percent by 2029 to meet the projected demand for semi-finished aluminum products. Vesper is expected to aid in meeting these targets as a cleaner, more consistent scrap material.
WHAT IS VESPER?
Vesper is sorted separately from grades like zorba and twitch to provide a cleaner, more consistent aluminum feedstock for downstream processors and manufacturers. It targets recycled wrought aluminum (including sheet, extrusion, and plate) and creates a new market by isolating twitch from zorba. Recovering the wrought fraction reduces downcycling and supports the growth of closed-loop recycling systems.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VESPER
Vesper must adhere to strict contamination limits and quality controls. It must be free from excessively oxidized material, airbag canisters, and sealed or pressurized items that could pose safety risks or affect processing. The material must also contain no more than:
• 1 percent free magnesium
• 1 percent free zinc
• 0.50 percent analytical iron
• 1 percent nonmetallics
WHY IS VESPER BEING INTRODUCED?
Vesper was introduced in response to the growing volume of aluminum-intensive vehicles reaching the end of their life, as well as the limited availability of clean, recycled aluminum. The new spec closes the gap between mixed shredded grades and the high-purity material needed for advanced aluminum applications.
Gary Gallo, senior manager of end-of-life recycling at Novelis, says that the amount of wrought aluminum in twitch — the aluminum-rich fraction separated from zorba during shredding and sorting — is expected to rise sharply by 2030, creating new urgency to recover more value from this stream.
Twitch is typically used in secondary cast alloys like A380 which locks high-quality wrought aluminum into lower-grade applications, making it difficult to support closed-loop recycling goals. With demand for recycled aluminum growing and scrap supplies tightening, better separation of cast and wrought aluminum is becoming a top priority.
“It’s not just Novelis looking for this material,” Gallo says. “Every wrought producer is trying to do the same thing we are globally.”
Unlike most scrap specifications developed after a commodity is actively traded, vesper was created proactively. Novelis partnered with ReMA to define a new grade for a material still emerging in the market, helping to build demand and support a more circular supply chain.
“There are 100 other specs out there for different products that we all trade in,” says Neil Byce, owner of CW Metals. “Vesper is the newest one, and it is probably the most interesting that we’ve done because it’s so cutting edge. What else is interesting is that it’s one of the first moments that marks this true collaboration between folks like Ford and Novelis and recyclers all coming together to try to create something that’s workable.”
RECYCLERS RESPOND
While the rollout of new scrap specifications often raises concerns, vesper may represent a shift toward more collaboration between recyclers and consumers. Byce notes that many recyclers carry long-standing concerns surrounding decision-making processes, especially around closed-loop systems and export controls.
“What makes that scary is the uncertainty and the fact that someone may be dictating it to you, and that it’s not inclusive, and it doesn’t feel collaborative,” says Byce. That skepticism, rooted in years of navigating market volatility and policy shifts, is hard to shake, but Byce notes that the development of this new spec signals a willingness from producers to involve recyclers early in the process and work toward mutual goals.
The new spec closes the gap between mixed shredded grades and the high-purity material needed for advanced aluminum applications.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCRAP PROCESSORS
The new specification is expected to create new opportunities in both domestic and global scrap markets. By clearly distinguishing between twitch and zorba, the spec supports the recovery of high-quality wrought aluminum from mixed streams, helping to shift valuable material away from downcycling into lower-grade cast alloys.
Gallo emphasizes that vesper is not designed to compete with existing clean feedstocks like dealer sheet or extrusion scrap, which already support high-end markets. While some crossover is expected, Gallo says pricing will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of these streams and believes that consistent specs and strong purchasing signals will drive adoption.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The grade has received preliminary approval from ReMA’s Nonferrous Division, with final board approval expected in July. If approved by ReMA’s board of directors, vesper will become an official specification and part of the ongoing effort to update and refine non-ferrous scrap standards. Its success will depend on broad adoption by processors, traders, and end users — and on how well it meets the demands of a changing supply chain. RPN
FLEET EXPANSION FUELS RIMCO’S
NEXT CHAPTER
CELEBRATING
100 YEARS IN SCRAP, THE COMPANY CONTINUES TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF ITS OPERATIONS
Recycled materials are essential to reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting local economies. In St. Louis, Rimco has built a reputation over more than a century as a leader in scrap metal recycling. Handling ferrous and non-ferrous materials from commercial, industrial, and residential sources, Rimco’s operations run around the clock. To meet the demands of high-volume scrap processing, the company depends on Liebherr material handlers to keep its large-scale yard moving efficiently.
NEXT-LEVEL MATERIAL HANDLING
Rimco recently expanded its scrapyard fleet with the addition of two new Liebherr LH 40 M Industry material handlers. One of these machines is equipped with a grapple, ideal for handling large, irregular scrap materials, while the other is fitted with a magnet for efficiently sort-
ing and moving ferrous metals.
The material handlers include a patented energy recovery system that boosts handling capacity while reducing overall fuel consumption. This provides the machine with added power and faster work cycles, supporting Rimco’s daily operational efficiency. The machines can also be outfitted with a range of attachments, giving Rimco the flexibility to match equipment to specific job requirements.
A HISTORY WITH LIEBHERR
Rimco collaborated with Liebherr dealer Central Power Systems & Services to find machines that meet its operational needs. Central Power offers a broad selection of Liebherr earthmoving and material handling equipment to support customers in the region.
Rimco has been a loyal customer of Liebherr for many years, consistently
choosing Liebherr equipment due to its reliability and performance. The company values the durability and efficiency of Liebherr machines, which are crucial for maintaining its operations.
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR SCRAP HANDLING
Scrapyards present some of the most challenging conditions in industrial material handling. Liebherr designs its machines to meet the demands of moving heavy, bulky, and sharp materials with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. Built for durability, Liebherr material handlers incorporate features that support safe and streamlined operations, including wide cab visibility, safety guards, and advanced assistance systems like Tool Control and Stabilization Assistant. These technologies help Rimco maintain safer, more productive operations.
Liebherr provides a broad range of
material handling machines designed for sorting, transport, and loading, as well as shredding and feeding applications. The company also offers a variety of attachments tailored for scrap handling, including orange peel grabs, sorting grabs, hydraulic magnets, stick extensions, and quick-change systems. These options aim to enhance the efficiency, flexibility, and overall performance of scrap handling operations.
GROWING THE BUSINESS
Hampton Wideman, regional business manager at Liebherr USA, says Rimco’s leadership is not just growing the family business but pushing it to new heights. With a sharp focus on strategy and innovation, they are carving out a stronger presence in St. Louis and making waves across the scrap and recycling industry.
“This enables Rimco to participate and excel in community activities, charitable giving, and contribute to making the St. Louis area a better place for current and future generations. It has been a great experience getting to know the Rimco team and sharing their story.”
Rimco recently expanded its fleet with two new Liebherr LH 40 M Industry material handlers.
Rimco handles ferrous and non-ferrous materials from commercial, industrial, and residential sources.
2.9 M square feet of exhibits / 139,000 attendees / 2,000 exhibitors / 150 education sessions
2.9 M square feet of exhibits / 139,000 attendees / 2,000 exhibitors / 150 education sessions
2023 Attendee Dylan Mercier, D2
UNRAVELLING RECOVERED PAPER PRICE TRENDS
CORRUGATED RECYCLED FIBRE PRICES REACHED NEW LOWS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2025
BY HUBAN KASIMI
Domestic (U.S.) and export prices of corrugated recycled fibre reached new lows in the first half (H1) of 2025. Although market participants indicated that these prices may have bottomed out, it’s interesting to understand the factors that influence them.
RECENT TRENDS
The monthly domestic Baled #11 Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Davis Index prices closed at $75–95/net tons Free On Board (FOB) seller dock after the monthly trades concluded on June 12. In the same week, the export OCC indexes were $136–139 per net ton Free Alongside Ship (FAS) in all major port cities, including New York and Los Angeles.
Market participants, however, note that although current levels are low, prices for corrugated grades have declined further than what is currently being seen. Between June and August 2023, the monthly domestic Davis Indexes for OCC closed at nearly $65–83 per net ton across all U.S. regions. It’s worth noting that 2024 was a particularly optimistic year for the recovered paper industry. Prices in a few regions reached $160–165 per net ton for most of H1 that year.
Recent trends appear to be unalarming to most participants. A few cited that the national average bottomed out at about $20–25 per net ton in 2019 after China discontinued importing recycled fibre from the U.S. Most of them stated that they aren’t worried about the deceleration that took place seven years ago. However, the major influences driving the current prices are interesting in themselves.
LIMITED SUPPLY
The supply and demand of recycled fibre remain at the core of the recovered paper industry. Generation volumes have been underwhelming since mid-2024, and although there have been sporadic regional upticks, the overall collection has yet to catch up.
Residential curbside collection in the U.S. has been challenging. The Recycling Partnership’s estimates show that the capture rates for all recyclable materials in the U.S. were around 20 percent in 2024 and 32 percent in 2023. This means that almost 70 percent of valuable commodities are likely waylaid or landfilled, affecting the supply of essential commodities like cardboard, cartons, and other accepted food packaging.
Moreover, with office vacancy rates as high as 25 percent in major financial hubs across both coasts, the availability of de-inked materials, such as office paper and newsprint, has dwindled. The impact of limited supply is becoming more noticeable now as other factors emerge.
SOFT DEMAND, MILL CLOSURES, AND CAUTIOUS BUYERS
On the demand side, domestic and export tonnage movements have slowed considerably this year. When asked about depleting volumes regionally, several participants highlighted a rising number of mill closures.
U.S.-based specialty paper manufacturer Pixelle issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) for its Chillicothe, Ohio, site in June 2025. This will likely put a dent in the company’s 1 million net tons of annual capacity from the remaining four mills.
Smurfit-Westrock has shut down its coated recycled cartonboard (CRB) site in Minnesota and a containerboard mill in
The consensus among market participants is that packaging plants are still profitable. However, domestic generation may take some time to reach volumes that align with expectations.
Forney, Texas, this year. The global producer estimates losing nearly 500,000 net tons per year after these closures.
Earlier this year, International Paper announced the shuttering of multiple U.S. facilities by the end of April 2025. The most significant will be the Red River containerboard mill in Louisiana, which will cost the company 800,000 net tons in annual lost capacity.
Georgia-Pacific will wind down more than 1 million net tons worth of linerboard and medium corrugating operations in Georgia after closing its Cedar Springs operations.
The impact of reduced recycled fibre volumes is gradually becoming apparent in mill pricing.
On the export side, market participants continue to see fewer shipped volumes out of all major port cities in the U.S. Between January and April of both 2025 and 2024, the country’s total recovered paper exports have been rangebound at 4–4.5 million net tons, according to Census Bureau data. These are almost 1 million net tons lower than the 5 million net tons exported in 2023 and approximately 5.8 million net tons in 2022. The good news is that Asian demand for U.S. export-grade recycled fibre continues to be strong. However, most buyers consider the current price levels to be expensive.
FALLOUT OF TARIFFS
Market participants continue to unravel the intricacies of President Trump’s recently announced 25–50 percent tariffs on imports of recyclable materials. While many claim that the effect is minimal on fibre, the impact is more pronounced on finished paper products, such as corrugated boxes.
However, recent Census Bureau statistics show that the U.S. is buying less material from two major sellers, Mexico and Canada. Total annual imports fell 21 percent in the first four months of 2025 to 278,000 net tons from 350,000 net tons (approximately) and were down 46 percent in April to about 51,000 net tons against almost 95,000 net tons in the same month of 2024.
The consensus among market participants is that packaging plants are still profitable. However, domestic generation may take some time to reach volumes that align with expectations. Many believe that although the current domestic and export levels are low, they are unlikely to return to normal anytime soon.
HUBAN KASIMI is the recycled materials editor at Davis Index and can be reached at huban.kasimi@ davisindex.com.
Q & A
THE RECYCLING PARTNERSHIP IS PUSHING FILM AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGING RECYCLING FORWARD
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
Film and flexible packaging are among the most challenging material types in the recycling system today. With a national recycling rate of less than one percent in the U.S., most of the nearly five million tons generated annually end up in landfills. From collection and sorting to end-market development, every stage of the recovery process presents barriers. In California, the stakes have never been higher. Under SB 54, producers must show their packaging formats are trending toward recyclability
What are the biggest challenges in creating a viable recycling stream for film and flexibles?
Film and flexible packaging (FFP) has an incredibly low annual recycling rate — less than 1 percent of the nearly 5 million tons generated nationally is recycled. This low rate is driven by a variety of challenges at each part of the recycling system: insufficient end markets, high costs to process the material coupled with low commodity prices, limited acceptance in curbside recycling programs, and a diverse packaging format that becomes dirty in residential recycling programs, further limiting end market availability once sorted.
The challenges of FFP recycling are currently front and centre in the state of California. SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer
or risk multimillion-dollar fines and potential bans. To better understand the path forward for film and flexible packaging, I spoke with Kate Davenport, chief policy officer at The Recycling Partnership, about the biggest challenges in building a viable recycling stream, how targeted funding and infrastructure investment are being deployed to meet looming compliance deadlines, and what it will take to bring film and flexible packaging recycling into the mainstream.
Responsibility Act, brings together ambitious targets and short timelines — ultimately requiring 25 percent source reduction, 100 percent recyclable or compostable packaging, and a 65 percent recycling rate by 2032, with steep penalties if targets are missed. Failure to meet these requirements could result in fines potentially up to $18 million per year per package and potential bans. For covered material categories at risk of not meeting SB 54 mandated targets, like FFP, demonstrating a compliance strategy by April 2026 is the crucial first milestone to avoid fines and/or bans.
Given that FFP is decades behind commonly recycled packaging in terms of investment, there is much work to be done quickly to show that higher rates of FFP capture are possible. While California is in a slightly better starting position than many states, with a higher percentage of communities already accepting FFP and MRFs already sorting FFP, the question remains how capture rates can be increased to historically unprecedented levels, and there are still significant challenges for those MRFs to find end
Slone Fox
markets for the sorted material. We also estimate that there are approximately 500,000 tons of residential FFP produced annually in California, but current end markets can only absorb about 10 percent of that amount. Work must begin now to secure enough end-market capacity to handle future supply.
Can you tell me a bit about the CalFFlex funding initiative and how it fits into the larger strategy for improving film and flexible packaging recovery?
CalFFlex is an initiative of The Partnership’s Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition, which launched in 2020, to convene packaging producers and the industry at large to tackle the unique challenges of FFP. The Coalition has
deployed over $11 million across over 25 grant projects to help demonstrate the methods, infrastructure, and markets for capturing and recycling this material. The Coalition launched the CalFFlex initiative in March 2025 to address the urgent and timely regulatory requirements associated with SB 54. By leveraging our prior experience and extensive knowledge of the recycling system, The Partnership is identifying what must be proven to increase FFP capture in California and is quickly deploying funding to build scalable pathways to compliance.
CalFFlex has identified a comprehensive three-part strategy to deliver on this critical opportunity. First, by testing two key hypotheses focused on how to improve the capture and marketability of FFP where the material is already collected. Second, by addressing the need to develop responsible end markets (REMs), CalFFlex has identified at least 10 existing end markets in need of support and will further quantify their capacity, identify investment opportunities, and bolster demand for recycled FFP products.
Most of the nearly five million tons of film and flexible packaging generated annually in the U.S. ends up in landfills.
strategies. The Recycling Partnership aims to leverage this current opportunity, along with its 10-plus years of building a better recycling system, to support the successful implementation of EPR in other states. The work being done in California through CalFFlex is intended to create a transferable blueprint for other regions as well.
Why is now the right time to invest in solutions for these materials?
Public support for recycling remains strong, with 80 percent of Americans believing in its positive environmental impact. However, because of insufficient national funding, 76 percent of the more than 46 million tons of recyclable materials that flow through U.S. households end up in landfills or
als, such as FFP, face unique challenges that cannot be solved by increasing access alone.
With seven states having passed EPR policies and several others introducing legislation, tackling material-specific recycling challenges at a larger scale is now becoming possible. That being said, strong policies must be matched with on-the-ground support to invest in outreach and education, infrastructure, and development of end-market pathways. For materials that are at risk of not being included on statewide recycling lists or that will face fines and/or bans, immediate investment is needed before EPR fee collection and program implementation begins.
FFP recycling in California is an allhands-on-deck moment given SB 54’s aggressive timelines, unprecedented improvements needed at each stage of the recycling system, and noncompliance fines of up to $18 million per package per year. Everyone from brands and retailers to reclaimers and manufacturers is impacted by the risks posed to FFP’s continued viability in California, and, as the
In the U.S., film and flexible packaging has an annual recycling rate of less than 1 percent.
fifth largest economy in the world, the effects will be experienced throughout the U.S. supply chain. Achieving a “trending toward compliance” designation under SB 54 is a crucial milestone to maintain the viability of the packaging format, but we don’t have much time; the input to the producer responsibility organization is due by April 2026.
How are MRFs adapting to capture these materials more efficiently?
One of the Coalition’s key areas of focus is equipping processors with the tools and technology to capture and sort these materials. At MRFs, these materials can wrap around machinery, causing delays and contamination. Recent grants have provided funding for equipment and technology, such as optical sorters to support cleaner recycling streams and maximize operational efficiency, while providing new potential pathways to sort film and flexible packaging for delivery to end markets.
A recent grantee success story can be found in San Antonio, Texas, where a new MRF operated by Circular Services installed advanced equipment to effectively separate and bale incidental FFP from the city’s single-stream recyclables. With current recovery rates at more than 214 tons annually on just one shift, the facility aims to expand its operations and develop end market opportunities, projecting up to 1,530 tons by 2030.
What are the most promising end markets for recycled film and flexible plastics?
As we work to increase FFP capture, we must ensure adequate REMs are available and consider market availability for the diverse composition of the film and flexible packaging stream — no single end market solution will be the solution. One focus of Coalition granting — and a key component of the CalFFlex strategy — is identifying and engaging with a variety of end market solutions, foster-
ing innovation and new technology. For example, grantee Hydroblox, a Pittsburgh-based drainage solution company, has moved to 100 percent post-consumer film and flexibles in its products.
The Coalition’s most recent grantee, Enevi, a plastic waste management start-up in Santa Maria, California, is an example of a potential future end market that our grant is helping to move toward commercialization. The funding is supporting equipment installation that will better enable Enevi to transform FFP from farms, and soon from additional sources, including homes, into post-consumer resin pellets that can be made into new products.
In your opinion, what still needs to happen for film and flexible packaging recycling to become mainstream across North America?
The Recycling Partnership is proud of our system-wide work to improve the U.S. recycling system over the past 11 years, and we remain fully committed to growing the movement where companies, communities, and people across the U.S. are engaged and equipped with the tools, access, and trusted systems that deliver increased recycling performance. However, we know that we can’t do this alone, and more than voluntary investment is required to fill the current gaps in the system.
The Partnership supports smart, well-designed EPR programs that can ensure that the nation’s recycling infrastructure expands so that everyone can and does recycle. Strong policies must also be matched with on-the-ground support to invest in outreach and education, infrastructure, and development of end-market pathways. Collaboration with producers to prioritize design for recyclability and actively boost demand for post-consumer recycled material like FFP is crucial to building a viable recycling infrastructure.
While our current focus with CalFFlex lies in California, we hope that this work to build scalable models for recycling in the state can serve as a foundation or proof point for the infrastructure and market investment needed to scale FFP recycling across the U.S. RPN
The VRS 200 makes it possible for recyclers to treat each vehicle as a collection of separate, high-value material streams.
DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN THE CAR
POWERHAND’S VRS 200 TURNS ELVS INTO MULTIPLE CLEAN, PROFITABLE STREAMS
BY MEGHAN BARTON, SENIOR WRITER
In an industry where margins are tight and material purity drives profitability, end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recyclers are reevaluating their approach to how vehicles are dismantled before shredding. While many yards still send full cars straight to the shredder or rely on time-consuming manual disassembly, a growing number are turning to pre-shred dismantling to extract higher-value materials before downstream sorting.
One of the systems helping lead this shift is the VRS 200 from Powerhand, a Scotland-based manufacturer with over a century of experience in building equipment. Designed specifically for vehicle dismantling, the VRS 200 enables yards to recover copper wiring, aluminum radiators, starters, alternators, engines, gearboxes, and more before the vehicle body ever hits the shredder.
FROM COPPER WIRING TO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Instead of treating vehicles as single scrap units, the VRS 200 makes it possible for recyclers to approach each one as a collection of separate, high-value material streams. Recyclers using the system have found that removing components like engines, catalytic converters, aluminum parts, and wiring looms ahead of shredding not only increases resale opportunities but also improves material purity downstream.
“We have customers who strip parts off that they need . . . and they sell the different materials for a higher value than the car shell,” says Murray Clark, Powerhand’s managing director.
Others are driven by the need to reduce contamination in their ferrous output. “A lot of them have realized that . . . they can actually get out more material [with pre-shred dismantling],” he explains.
Powerhand attachments can pick and select materials and components with precision.
The attachment combines two tools: a clamp and a grapple. It operates as a synchronized system that combines performance with surgical control.
Wiring looms, in particular, represent a major opportunity. “They [have] a much higher recovery rate,” says Clark. “Because you’re getting less copper in the shred, you [have] a lot less contamination of the steel.” Removing copper wiring before shredding also prevents it from getting tangled in upholstery and ending up in the landfill.
BUILT FOR POWER AND DEXTERITY
The VRS 200 is built entirely from high-strength Swedish alloy steel for continuous operation in demanding conditions.
“It’s been designed and developed to be as efficient as possible at taking all the value out of a car as fast as possible,” says Clark.
The clamp legs secure the vehicle body from above and below, adjusting both vertically and horizontally to stabilize the car at any angle. Once pinned, the Dexterity Grapple moves in, designed like a pair of long, surgical pliers with one fixed and one moving jaw for exacting control. Operators can remove wiring looms, starters, alternators, and radiators with direct visibility into tight spaces.
Removing components before shredding increases resale opportunities and improves material purity downstream.
An integrated side shear slices through axle brackets or rusted components when needed, while optional wire stripping tools on the clamp leg clear the cable of plugs and insulation, leaving behind clean, high-value cable ready for collection. Each function is purpose-built to isolate valuable material from the shell quickly and efficiently, turning the vehicle from a single scrap item into a series of profitable, clean streams.
A FACTORY FIT FOR PRODUCTIVITY
While the VRS 200 can be mounted on most 20- to 25-tonne carriers, Powerhand has worked closely with Liebherr to develop a factory-installed, plug-and-play configuration for Liebherr’s R 922 crawler excavator.
“We cooperate with Liebherr’s factory in Colmar, France,” says Clark. “They prepare the machine for the VRS 200 system, and it just plugs straight on.”
Although Liebherr is the only OEM with a factory install program, Clark says the system can be fitted to other makes and models. It can also be fitted to material handlers similar to Liebherr’s LH 22 or LH 30 for operations that want multi-use machines.
If a recycler wants one machine to serve multiple purposes in their yard, Clark says the addition of a quick coupler on the end of the boom makes that easy. “They’ll switch between doing car processing with the VRS in the morning, and then they’ll do some scrap sorting or some handling in the afternoon.”
ON THE GROUND AND IN THE YARD
The VRS 200 has been active in North America for about six years. Several systems are operating in Western Canada, including one at Mitchell Metal Recycling in British Columbia.
We have customers who strip parts off that they need . . . and they sell the different materials for a higher value
than the car shell.
Murray Clark Managing Director, Powerhand
Mitchell Metal Recycling is among the Western Canadian firms actively investing in advanced pre-shred technologies.
As the operator of one of a growing number of Powerhand VRS 200 units currently in use in Canada, Mitchell is able to efficiently extract high-value materials from ELVs before shredding.
Clark notes that some of these customers also operate metals trading businesses in addition to recycling yards, using the VRS 200 as part of a broader value recovery strategy.
For high-volume operations, the flagship VRS 200 remains the top choice, but Powerhand also offers smaller models for 14- to 20-tonne carriers, suitable for low-throughput dismantlers looking to scale up gradually.
PRECISION REQUIRES PRACTICE
While the machine is designed to be easy to learn, real efficiency depends on skilled operators who understand vehicle construction.
Clamp legs open and close to process engines. They also raise and lower to firmly grip vehicle bodies during processing.
AUTO RECYCLING
“The machine’s pretty intuitive . . . most people can pick it up pretty quickly,” says Clark. True process optimization comes from knowing how different vehicles are built and how best to take them apart. “It takes time to get really good . . . to learn how different cars are put together.”
Understanding how to remove a wiring loom from a Ford versus a Volkswagen, or knowing which seats need to be removed to access side-mounted cables, can make the difference between a partial recovery and a clean extraction.
“If you’ve got a guy who’s just thrashing the car to bits, they’re not gonna get half the value compared to somebody who’s making it look like surgery and taking out exactly what he wants and not taking out what he doesn’t want,” explains Clark.
FROM WASTE TO REVENUE STREAM
Manual dismantling methods are still common in many ELV processing sites, but they’re slow and labour-intensive, and too often valuable material is left behind. Another common practice, traditional four-tine grabs, might allow an engine to be yanked out, but leave behind or destroy valuable components in the process.
Powerhand’s VRS 200 delivers a more strategic solution: engineered pre-shred recovery that improves material purity, boosts resale value, and reduces contamination downstream. In a tightening market, it’s not just about what goes into the shredder — it may be about the money recyclers are leaving on the table. RPN
Recyclers are finding that dismantling vehicles before shredding isn’t just a best practice — it’s a smarter, more profitable way to work.
More value, less waste
Copper wiring, aluminum, and catalytic converters: these parts are worth more when pulled intact than when shredded and sorted.
Cleaner steel, higher prices
Pre-shred removal of copper and non-ferrous materials reduces contamination in shredded steel, improving resale value.
Stronger recovery rates
Pre-dismantling helps recyclers hit material recovery targets and reduce what ends up in landfill or automotive shredder residue (ASR).
Technology is closing the gap
Purpose-built tools like the Powerhand VRS 200 make highspeed, high-precision recovery possible for modern yards.
A smarter business model
Cleaner output and higher purity open doors to better buyers and a competitive edge in a tightening market.
• Connect with the industry
• Attend expert-led sessions
• Forge connections
WHY IT’S TIME TO START USING YOUR MOBILE CRUSHER’S TELEMATICS SYSTEM
UNLOCK REAL-TIME INSIGHTS, REDUCE DOWNTIME, AND BOOST PERFORMANCE WITH THE DATA YOU ALREADY HAVE
BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR
Your mobile crushing plant is doing more than crushing. It’s tracking fuel use, flagging faults, logging production numbers, and sending out real-time updates. Mobile crushers are getting smarter every year, but a lot of that built-in technology is still being underutilized, either because crews don’t know it’s there or because no one was trained on it.
The technology itself isn’t new, but it has come a long way. Originally introduced in fleet vehicles and larger stationary plant systems, telematics has steadily made its way into mobile equipment. Early systems tracked only basic information — engine hours, location, and some service alerts. Today’s platforms go much deeper. They capture real-time data on fuel burn, throughput, idle time, temperatures, and fault codes, usually accessible from your phone or computer, so that you can check in without setting foot on site.
In mobile applications, this kind of visibility is crucial. Unlike stationary systems, mobile crushing plants work in constantly changing environments. That variability makes it harder to monitor
performance and track issues without being physically on site. Telematics bridges that gap by letting you see what’s happening in real time, no matter where you are. You can access the information you need to make better decisions, faster — whether it’s adjusting feed rates, scheduling service, or spotting underperformance before it costs you.
If you’re not already using your crusher’s telematics system, now’s the time to start.
If you’ve bought a machine in the past five years, chances are you have access to this data. Nearly all new mobile crushers come standard with telematics hardware already installed. Your dealer can help set up the dashboard, explain how to use it, and customize alerts or reports.
The data is already being collected, you just need to start putting that data to work. Here are six reasons why you should be using your mobile crushing plant’s telematics system.
SPOT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY SHUT YOU DOWN
Most telematics systems are designed to do more than just report what’s hap-
pening. They can predict what’s about to go wrong. By constantly monitoring key metrics like hydraulic pressure and engine temperature, these systems can flag early signs of wear or mechanical failure before they become serious problems. Catching these red flags in real time lets you act fast. That might mean scheduling service before a critical part fails or ordering a replacement component before a breakdown brings the entire site to a halt.
OPTIMIZE FUEL USE AND REDUCE WASTE
Fuel is one of the biggest operating costs in mobile crushing. Telematics helps track idle time, engine load, and fuel consumption in real time. This allows operators to adjust their habits and reduce unnecessary idling. Several OEMs now include fuel efficiency dashboards in their mobile apps that make it easy to compare performance day-to-day or job-to-job. Over time, a few minor changes in how the machine is loaded or warmed up can result in noticeable savings.
Configuration and optimization tools in Kleemann’s SPECTIVE CONNECT help operators set the correct machine parameters and monitor processes on the job site.
TRACK PRODUCTION IN REAL TIME
Crushing is all about keeping materials moving. However, operators sometimes rely on rough estimates or wait until the job’s done to measure how much material got processed. That leaves a lot of room for guesswork and missed opportunities to improve. Telematics takes the guesswork out. Most systems can show you exactly how many tonnes per hour you’re producing, in real time. You also get trend data that highlights when output dips or spikes throughout the day. That makes it easier to spot inconsistencies and figure out why they’re happening.
GET SMARTER ABOUT MAINTENANCE
Most maintenance plans follow a set schedule, but machines don’t always wear out the same way. Job conditions, material type, and how hard you’re running the crusher all make a difference. That’s where telematics helps. Instead of relying on a calendar, you can shift to condition-based maintenance. This means your machine tells you when it actually needs service, based on data like filter condition, hydraulic pressure, or temperature spikes. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary service and gives your service techs the data they need to plan ahead.
MONITOR YOUR FLEET ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
If you’re running multiple crushers across different job sites, keeping track of everything can be a challenge. Most manufacturers now offer cloudbased dashboards that let you monitor every machine in your fleet, no matter where it is. You can log in from anywhere and instantly see which machines are running, how long they’ve been operating, and whether they’re hitting production targets. This is especially helpful on busy or remote sites where getting updates from operators isn’t always easy.
6
SUPPORT YOUR SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is a framework that helps businesses track and report their impact on the environment, their workers, and the communities they operate in. For many, this includes reducing emissions, cutting fuel use, and improving efficiency. Many systems make it easy with built-in reporting tools that give you a clear picture of how your crusher is performing. You can use that data to calculate emissions per tonne, monitor energy use, and find ways to operate more efficiently. RPN
With Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker Crushing, production data from Kleemann crushing plants can be called up the John Deere Operations Center.
CUSTOMIZED MODULAR ROBOTICS AND AI ENABLE SMARTER SORTING
WASTE ROBOTICS AND GREYPARROT DELIVER MORE ADAPTABLE SORTING TECHNOLOGY TO MEET TODAY’S RECOVERY CHALLENGES
BY MEGHAN BARTON, SENIOR WRITER
In today’s recycling landscape, flexibility is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. From fluctuating feedstock to shifting regulatory demands, facilities must process increasingly diverse materials with greater accuracy, efficiency, and speed. Waste Robotics and Greyparrot aim to meet that challenge through AI-powered robotics and intelligent customization.
By focusing on adaptable technology and data-driven solutions, these two companies are helping material recovery facilities (MRFs) transition from fixed-function machinery to an era of dynamic, scalable automation — one where robots do more than just sort. They learn. They evolve. And they provide operators with real-time insight into every aspect of the process.
A LEAP FROM GARAGE TO GROWTH
Like many successful tech startups, Waste Robotics began in a modest setting: a garage where the company could only produce one or two robots at a time. Engineering and assembly teams worked in tight quarters, and capacity was limited.
That changed with a recent expansion into a purpose-built facility. The new space accommodates multiple production lines, includes crane systems for easier robot handling, and gives the team room to grow. “Now we can build four to six modular robot lines at the same time,” says Eric Camirand, founder and CEO of Waste Robotics. The move reflects the growing global demand for robotic systems that solve one of the industry’s most persistent issues: labour.
“We see demand that comes from several industries,” explains Camirand. “We’re replacing a labourer that you don’t have or [that] costs too much, and you’re sorting with greater efficiency.”
Today, this Canadian company has doubled in size and now has a team of 40 supporting installations in North America, Europe, and beyond. To support its growing global client base, Waste Robotics has launched a 24/7 support line and is estab-
lishing regional parts hubs, starting with France and expanding to Asia and the Middle East. All systems are network-connected, allowing for remote diagnostics and proactive troubleshooting
“We continue selling in Europe — Italy, Iceland, France — and we will install a system in Luxembourg beginning in 2026,” says Camirand.
CUSTOM ENGINEERING, NOT COOKIECUTTER
While many robotics suppliers aim for standardized products, Waste Robotics takes a different approach — one rooted in customization.
At first, the company considered developing a single, replicable robot model to keep costs low, but it quickly became clear that no two waste streams or facility configurations were alike. The better solution was to build a flexible platform configured to each customer’s needs.
This customization extends to selecting between suction or gripper tools and configuring multiple arm types within a single robotic line. By designing software that supports modular control and tailored functionality, Waste Robotics delivers systems optimized for specific challenges like picking out rigid plastic, sorting C&D debris, or recovering metals.
THE GRIPPER ADVANTAGE
Much of Waste Robotics’ differentiation lies in its use of advanced gripping systems over traditional suction cups. While suction-based sorters work well on flat, lightweight items by targeting the material’s centre of mass, they struggle with irregular, three-dimensional, or heavy objects. Grippers, by contrast, can handle more complex shapes and weights, but they also demand more sophisticated collision avoidance, especially when reaching into a cluttered pile.
“A lot of AI [is needed] to figure out how to position the hand to go through a pile of something to grab what you want,” says
Camirand. “From a computational standpoint, it’s way more involved than having the suction cup.”
The company’s early work in bag sorting laid the foundation for its move into C&D applications, plastics, and now, scrap metal. Most recently, Waste Robotics entered the scrap metal sector with a system designed to extract copper windings, commonly referred to as “meatballs,” from the ferrous stream.
“It’s not only the tool at the end of the robot that changed, but it’s also this . . . ‘gripper AI,’” Camirand explains.
While the attachment varies, the system’s core platform remains unchanged. Some lines even deploy both grippers and suction cups, with the software system dynamically dispatching to the right tool based on object properties. Items like circuit boards can be picked with suction, while bulky or non-uniform objects are routed to the gripper, allowing for more dynamic and accurate sorting across varied streams.
ADAPTING IN REAL TIME
Waste Robotics’ systems are not only tailored to each client, they’re also flexible in day-to-day operation. Operators can program robots for either positive or negative sorting based on incoming materials.
“Most of these [traditional] machines will do the same thing day one and 10 years down the road,” says Camirand. But with Waste Robotics, AI helps the machines evolve over time. They can be programmed to switch between tasks with ease, and also to learn and grow as a client’s needs and operations evolve. “You basically have a captive workforce that you can deploy to do whatever you want it to do.”
This versatility is particularly valuable in smaller or medium-sized facilities where feedstock composition changes frequently. A load of mostly clean wood in the morning might require negative sorting; a mixed-material pile that arrives later could call for targeted positive recovery. Unlike legacy machinery, Waste Robotics’ systems can respond to these changes without physical retrofitting, just reprogramming.
Gripper AI must evaluate hundreds of possible grip points in real time, balancing object shape, surrounding materials, and collision risk. This level of precision demands advanced computing power to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient picking.
That same adaptability applies to long-term upgrades. AI models improve over time. Grippers can be swapped or refined. Entire recipes for sorting logic can be reconfigured to accommodate changing materials or customer priorities.
MAKING DATA ACTIONABLE WITH GREYPARROT
Waste Robotics’ partnership with Greyparrot brings even more intelligence to the table. Greyparrot’s AI-powered analyzers provide real-time visibility into material streams, capturing detailed data for waste composition, volume, and flow.
This information helps eliminate the guesswork from system design. Instead of estimating robot performance based on a short observation window, Waste Robotics can now simulate months of plant activity using actual data.
By combining Greyparrot’s analytics with its own robotic simulation platform, internally referred to as the “robot validator,” Waste Robotics can test different configurations, product targets, and ROI scenarios before anything is built.
“When we design a robotic solution, we [can] tell the client, ‘It’s going to be 32.5 picks [per minute] based on six months of data,’” says Camirand. “Now we [can] have an intelligent conversation.” It’s a shift from generalized performance claims to data-backed precision.
And it’s not just about optimizing robots. The integration of visual AI also allows for continuous plant feedback. With the right infrastructure, operators could one day adjust conveyors, screens, or robotic parameters in real time based on automated observations.
“This is not a fad,” says Camirand. “We can mine this data to get knowledge and do better jobs. Now we have the tools to actually build the MRF of the future.”
Waste Robotics delivers systems optimized for specific challenges like picking out rigid plastic, sorting C&D debris, or recovering metals.
RETROFITTING LEGACY SYSTEMS AND REBUILDING TRUST
Despite promising results, the industry has not fully embraced robotics. Camirand acknowledges there’s skepticism, particularly in older MRFs. The perception still persists in some areas that robots just don’t work.
In Camirand’s opinion, that perception comes from early solutions that were rushed to market, delivering underwhelming performance. Now, however, many operators have enough experience to distinguish between marketing claims and effective applications.
“Some of us, maybe, have been trying to go too fast,” Camirand says. “But nobody’s giving up on robots . . . They keep coming back, and now they know what they want.”
Camirand notes that the tone of industry dialogue is shifting. “People are more educated now. They know what works, they know what doesn’t, and they don’t get excited about the flash in the pan anymore.” He sees a more discerning customer base that still wants automation, but demands the right solution, not just any robotic fix. Many of Waste Robotics’ clients are willing to engage in an iterative process, adjusting operations and working collaboratively through early-stage challenges to build a system that fits.
By designing solutions based on verified plant data and building in remote monitoring, Waste Robotics is helping facilities overcome their reluctance. The systems are designed for global uptime with remote diagnostics, off-site support, and self-monitoring capabilities.
A 24/7 VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The ultimate goal, Camirand believes, is full automation — systems that don’t just supplement human labour but replace it entirely. Most MRFs were designed around human workflows: shift-based operation, high-speed daytime processing, and manual oversight. But with the combined power of robotics and
AI, that legacy model could soon be obsolete.
Waste Robotics is also working to minimize installation disruptions. “We’re trying to really minimize the footprint and the impact on operation for deploying the robots,” Camirand explains. Through simplified integration, Waste Robotics hopes to make automation accessible even to space-constrained or legacy facilities.
Reducing the need for human labour and maintenance downtime, Waste Robotics systems could allow operators to run smaller, more efficient plants around the clock to deliver better pricing, higher purity, and lower emissions. Camirand sees a future where the entire line operations of MRFs can be automated.
“These machines are doing human jobs,” Camirand says. “They can work 100,000 hours.”
Once the human link is removed, he believes the opportunities for optimization will be revolutionary, from 24/7 uptime to reduced maintenance cycles and precision-tuned material flow across the line. Full automation, in his view, unlocks a level of efficiency that traditional systems simply can’t match.
“One day you’ll have a tiny plant, optimized like hell, and it’s going to win jobs over the big guys,” he predicts. “And then everybody’s gonna start converting.”
A SMARTER PATH TO CIRCULARITY
Waste Robotics and Greyparrot are proving that the future of recycling doesn’t rely on building bigger plants or faster conveyors. It’s about building smarter ones.
By combining robotics, AI, and data science into customizable, continuously improving systems, they’re helping the recycling industry solve its most pressing challenges. From labour shortages to inconsistent feedstock, the path forward lies in adaptability.
“Everything is measured,” says Camirand. “We can have very meaningful conversations with our clients . . . because now we have the data to back it up.”
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EVENTS CALENDAR
CONNECT WITH THE INDUSTRY
THE BPI SUMMIT
ATLANTA, GA | SEPTEMBER 16–18
The BPI Summit brings together professionals involved with product and material development, zero-waste programs, collection and hauling, composting operations, and policy development with a goal of collaborating to build a successful system for food scraps diversion that includes compostable products and packaging. bpiworld.org/events
PAPER AND PLASTICS RECYCLING CONFERENCE
CHICAGO, IL | OCTOBER 15–16
The Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference is the longest-running event in the paper and plastics recycling industries. PPRC brings together leaders from across the supply chain — including brand owners, recyclers, and consumers of recyclables — to address the sector’s most pressing challenges and contribute to advancing the industry. paperplasticsna.recyclingtodayevents.com
E-SCRAP CONFERENCE GRAPEVINE, TX | OCTOBER 27–29
The E-Scrap Conference delves into key topics like designing for end-of-life, sustainable recycling practices, and mitigating Scope 3 emissions. Attendees can explore practical solutions and actionable strategies for advancing sustainability and connect with professionals to foster collaboration and reimagine the future of electronics recycling. e-scrapconference.com
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REMA ROUNDTABLES
CHICAGO, IL | SEPTEMBER 10–12
RECYCLEDMATERIALS.ORG/EDUCATION-ANDEVENTS/EVENTS
RCON
COLUMBUS, OH | NOVEMBER 12–15
SWANA.ORG/EVENTS/RCON2025
A LONG WAY TOGETHER
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