Employee Spotlight: Kristy Hamilton
If you are a regular reader of our blog then you already know how passionate we are about recycling. You also already know that we love educating everyone on ways to reuse and identify more sustainable solutions for their waste stream. Well, one of the key components to making what we do possible is our people. Without the team here at Quincy Recycle, we simply could not do what we do. So, today we’re going to shine the spotlight on one of our amazing employees and do a bit of bragging. Meet Kristy Hamilton!
Located in our Alsip, IL facility, Kristy currently serves as a Sales Coordinator and has been with the company for 8 years. She’s worn a few different hats during her time here but whatever she does, she works tirelessly to find creative ways to help solve waste stream problems for our partners.
Committed to our core values
We created our core values because we believe in creating a culture that is focused on engagement and where everyone works together towards a common goal. Our core values define who we are and shape the way we do business.
Quincy Recycle’s Core Values:
Kristy does an amazing job of living out our company’s core values every day. In her current role, she gets to focus heavily on Create Innovative Solutions and Be Courageous & Try It! And, now more than ever, we’re challenging our entire team to think outside the box and find new and innovative ways to help our partners achieve their waste reduction goals.
Let’s learn a little more about Kristy!
1. What does a typical day at work look like for you?
There is never a dull moment! I spend most of my day planning shipments and deliveries for our vendors and customers on the Brokerage side of the business. I work very closely with our Sales team and together we strive to provide the best possible customer experience. Coordinating collections & logistics, as well as Vendor and Customer communication are also major aspects of my daily tasks.
2. What is your favorite part about working at Quincy Recycle?
My favorite part of working for Quincy Recycle would have to be the people. I work with the best of the best! It is truly rewarding to do a job that you love with people who are eager to help you grow and support you.
3. How would you describe the culture at Quincy Recycle?
The best way to describe the culture at Quincy Recycle is Family! We each do everything in our power to support and encourage one another. We celebrate victories and work through tough days together. One team, one dream.
4. What is one thing you’d like prospective employees to know about the company?
Prospective employees should know that Quincy Recycle stands by its outstanding set of core values. We are dynamic, innovative, and enjoy coming to work each day.
5. When you are not at work, how would we find you spending your free time?
I enjoy spending my free time with my kids and husband. We enjoy live music, baseball, taking long walks, or grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant.
BONUS QUESTION: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am very blessed to work for Quincy Recycle.
We love our team!
We couldn’t be happier to have Kristy on our team. Creating a strong and positive culture is something we have been very committed to over the years and seeing employees like Kristy fully embrace our core values is, well, awesome!
“Kristy starts each day with a positive attitude and sets the tone for the entire office. She works hard, is dedicated, can multi-task well, and is always looking out for the greater good of the company. Creating and maintaining our culture only works because of employees like Kristy and we are grateful to have her on our team.” — John Danker (General Manager, Alsip, IL)
Strong relationships are what help drive our business and that starts right here with our team. We’ve said before and we’ll say it again – our team is the best!
Are you interested in learning more about Quincy Recycle?
Check out our About Us page for company background and our Careers page for information on how to join our team.
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How Quincy Recycle Supports American Industry with Recycling Solutions
In the heart of American industry, where manufacturing and production drive economic growth, managing waste efficiently is more critical than ever. Quincy Recycle stands as a vital partner to businesses nationwide, offering innovative recycling solutions that not only tackle waste stream challenges but also bolster the resilience and competitiveness of U.S. industries. With nearly five decades of experience, a nationwide network, and a commitment to sustainability, Quincy Recycle is redefining how American companies turn waste into opportunity.
Empowering Manufacturers with Tailored Waste Management
American manufacturers, from automotive plants to food processors, face unique waste challenges – scrap metal, plastic byproducts, and paper waste pile up quickly in high-output environments. Quincy Recycle steps in with customized recycling programs that transform these materials into reusable resources. By analyzing each client’s specific waste stream, their team designs solutions that maximize material recovery while minimizing disposal costs. This tailored approach ensures that a manufacturing plant in Michigan or a warehouse in Texas can operate leaner, redirecting funds once spent on waste hauling back into production.
Take, for example, a Midwest packaging plant generating stacks of used cardboard daily. Instead of sending this material to landfills, Quincy Recycle coordinates its collection, processing, and resale to paper mills, creating a closed-loop system that keeps cardboard in circulation. This not only cuts costs for the plant but also reduces the demand for virgin pulp, supporting a more self-reliant American supply chain.
Strengthening the Supply Chain with Nationwide Reach
One of Quincy Recycle’s standout strengths is its national footprint. With facilities strategically located across the Midwest and a robust network of partners spanning the country, they bring recycling solutions to industries wherever they operate. This geographic flexibility is a game-changer for multi-site manufacturers who need consistent, reliable waste management across state lines.
This nationwide reach also supports American industry by keeping recycling local. Rather than shipping waste overseas, Quincy Recycle processes materials domestically, feeding them back into U.S. markets. For instance, plastic waste from a California packaging plant might be reborn as resin for a new product in Ohio, shortening supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign imports – a critical advantage in today’s unpredictable global economy.
Boosting Economic Resilience Through Revenue Opportunities
Recycling with Quincy Recycle isn’t just about waste reduction – it’s about revenue generation. By buying and selling reusable items like Gaylord boxes or processing scrap into marketable commodities, they help businesses uncover hidden value in their waste streams. A furniture maker in Georgia, for instance, might sell its excess cardboard totes to Quincy, who then supplies them to a retailer in Illinois. This exchange creates a new income stream for the manufacturer while keeping materials in use longer.
This focus on economic return is a lifeline for industries navigating tight margins. By offsetting production costs with recycling revenue, companies can reinvest in equipment, workforce training, or expansion – key drivers of American industrial growth. Quincy Recycle’s expertise in commodity trading ensures that businesses get top dollar for their materials, reinforcing their financial stability.
A Partner in America’s Industrial Future
At its core, Quincy Recycle is more than a service provider – it’s a partner in building a stronger, more sustainable American industry. Their work reduces environmental footprints, yes, but it also fortifies the economic backbone of the nation. By keeping resources domestic, creating jobs in recycling and logistics, and helping companies thrive amid global challenges, they’re proving that sustainability and industrial success go hand in hand.
As American industries evolve, Quincy Recycle remains a steady ally, adapting to new materials, regulations, and market needs. Whether it’s a small factory or a sprawling corporation, their mission is clear: turn waste into a win for businesses, communities, and the country. In a time when resilience matters most, Quincy Recycle is helping American industry not just survive, but lead.
Ready to turn your waste into a competitive edge? Contact Quincy Recycle today to discover how their tailored recycling solutions can support your business and strengthen American industry.
Cedar Rapids Starts 2025 With A Bang!
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on our high-performing Cedar Rapids plant, where big things are happening! We checked in with General Manager Chad Crawford to get the inside scoop on all the momentum, wins, and behind-the-scenes magic happening in Iowa. Trust us — you’re going to want to read this one!
We’ve got serious momentum in Iowa as we roll into the second quarter of 2025! We closed out Q1 with a bang — increasing our plant tons sold by over 10% compared to the same period last year. On the brokerage side, we continue to lead the Company and are well on our way to another record-setting year.
At the tail end of 2024, we made a major investment in our facility with the installation of a new baler. It’s been a game changer — easily handling the increased volume coming in and boosting our efficiency. We’ve seen less downtime, better throughput, and more flexibility in how we utilize our plant floor space, which ultimately means more tons shipped each month.
To keep pace with the growth, we’ve also optimized our plant staffing model — ensuring we’ve got the right people in the right places to keep material flowing quickly and efficiently.
But without a doubt, the real driver of our success is our team. Our plant crew has been crushing it, and our office staff continues to perform at a high level. What sets this group apart is the teamwork. They’re not just good at what they do — they’re quick to jump in and help, no matter what’s needed. Around here, you’ll never hear, “that’s not my job.”
Sales Team Highlights
Steve Skidmore (Business Development, 7 years)
Steve is on fire this year! His book of business has grown significantly on both the plant and brokerage fronts, and his pipeline is as full as I’ve ever seen it. I expect 2025 to be his best year yet — and don’t be surprised if he ends up climbing the leaderboard in a big way.
Colin Malanaphy (Sales Coordinator, 6 years)
Colin is managing the largest brokerage book in the Company — over 15,000 tons/month of (mostly) organic waste. This is no small feat, and he makes it look effortless. Truly impressive work.
Katie Plasa (Sales Coordinator, 4 years)
Katie has formed a strong partnership with Steve, and the brokerage business they manage together has taken off. Despite the jump in volume, she’s handled the influx of new accounts like a pro, all while keeping existing relationships running smoothly.
Account Management & Logistics
Gretchen Meyer (Inbound Accounts and Logistics Coordinator, 7 years)
Gretchen continues to be a rockstar — keeping the inbound material flow steady and maintaining great relationships with both drivers and 3rd-party carriers. She’s a natural problem solver and always flags potential issues before they turn into real problems.
Jorge Anaya (Outbound Accounts and Logistics Coordinator, 1 year)
Jorge has hit the ground running in year two. He works closely with our ops team to forecast outbound loads and makes real-time adjustments like a seasoned pro. His upbeat attitude and reliability have been a fantastic addition to the CDR crew.
Operations
Steven Skidmore (Operations Manager, 4 years)
Steven has wrapped up his first full year at CDR and has truly made his mark. He brings energy and enthusiasm every day and has quickly earned the respect of our veteran plant crew. His recent shift and staffing adjustments are already positioning us for continued success through 2025 and beyond.
Exciting Times Ahead for Alsip in 2025!
At Alsip, we’re feeling more excited than ever for what’s to come in 2025. The past year has been one of growth and progress, and we’re continuing to build on that momentum as we move into the new year. We asked the Alsip General Manager John Danker about the Alsip plant, and he gave us a lot to be optimistic about!
New Equipment, New Opportunities
In 2024, we made a major investment in the future of our operations: the installation of the REI shredder with the in-ground feed conveyor. This cutting-edge equipment has been a game-changer for us, allowing for more efficient processing and significantly improving our ability to handle large volumes. We’re proud to share that since the installation, we’ve added around 700 tons of new book accounts, which has enabled us to grow our capacity and better serve our customers. This new addition to our facility not only improves our operations, but it also opens up new opportunities for business growth in 2025. We’re looking forward to taking on even more destruction projects this year!
Our Team: The Heart of Alsip’s Success
While new equipment helps us grow, it’s our team that truly drives Alsip’s success. Each member of our team plays a vital role in making sure we meet our goals, stay organized, and keep safety a top priority.
Brian Sixsmith (11 years) and Nick Stachowiak (4 years) are both fired up for growth this year. With their combined experience, they’re actively seeking new opportunities to expand both our brokerage and plant business. Their dedication and high expectations set a great example for the entire team, and I couldn’t be more proud to support them as they help grow the business.
Cam Dunaway, entering his second year with Alsip, brings a fun and positive attitude to the team. Recently, he has been working closely with Lalo Amasende to ensure that we stay ahead of scheduling, making sure all loads are booked for the current and upcoming weeks. Cam’s proactive approach has been an incredible asset!
Elsa Amasende (4 years) has become indispensable to our team and our vendors. Her quick response time and problem-solving abilities have helped us retain our vendor relationships year after year. Elsa’s ability to close every month on time, no matter how many tons we bring in, speaks volumes about her dedication.
Jill Zayas (6 years) has truly grown within the company. Starting in an outbound ALC position, she now serves in Sales Support, while also stepping in to fill in for various roles when needed. Jill’s current focus is going over the PBA to ensure we’re charging back vendors correctly and tracking trends in fluctuating tonnages. She’s also begun cold-calling the Chicago area to help our sales team get meetings and learn firsthand what goes into conducting successful site visits.
Shelly Rueda (11 years) and Kristy Hamilton (12 years) have been absolute powerhouses in our brokerage division. Together, they consistently move over 10,000 tons per month, and they do it with a sense of teamwork that’s truly inspiring. Shelly and Kristy constantly go above and beyond to add value to both our vendors and customers, all while looking for ways to save on freight and maximize profits. Their collaborative approach has made them an integral part of our success.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Collaboration, and Continued Success
As we move into 2025, we’re excited for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Our team is committed to maintaining a culture of excellence, continuing to push boundaries, and working together to grow Alsip’s success. We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, but we know the best is yet to come!
To our team, thank you for your unwavering dedication. You come in every day with a positive attitude, ready to make a difference, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Here’s to another successful year, filled with new projects, strong relationships, and continued growth!
Pictured from left to right: John Vadeboncoeur, Lalo Amasende, Elsa Amasende, Kristy Hamilton, Jill Zayas, Shelly Rueda, Cameron Dunaway, Kurt McLaughlin, Brian Sixsmith, John Danker, and Nick Stachowiak.