Quincy Recycle Attends 2020 Plastics Recycling Conference
Back in February, a few members from our team attended the 2020 Plastics Recycling Conference and Trade Show in Nashville, TN. It was an amazing few days and we want to share some of the highlights from this year’s conference.
Pictured (Left to Right): Eric Savage, Derek Howell, and Nathan Norden
First, a bit of background on what this conference is all about.
The annual Plastics Recycling Conference and Trade Show brings together reclaimers, manufacturers, government officials and other leading sustainability voices from around the world. There are panel discussions and Q&A’s, a massive exhibit hall, and countless opportunities to learn, connect and network with industry leaders.
The main focus this year was on the future of the plastics recycling industry.
For years the U.S. has sent millions of tons of plastics to China. However, in January 2018, China essentially banned imported recyclable materials as part of the “National Sword” policy. The move by China is prompting a lot of thought and innovation here at home. More and more companies are investing in sustainability and other closed-looped recycling systems.
For example, packaging manufacturers, such as those who make plastic water bottles are starting to think more about what goes into their products. They know it’s important that more of their products be recyclable. With that in mind, they are working closely with bottled water manufacturers who use their products as they strive to produce more sustainable packaging solutions. That’s just one example. These important discussions and partnerships are happening across the industry!
Another hot topic at this year’s event was collections.
This is an area of the business that there tends to be a lot of confusion about, especially with consumers. Many of us simply throw our recyclable goods into a mixed-commodity container and leave it at the curb each collection day. Those goods are sorted later at a recycling facility before they can be processed. It is a convenient system for consumers, but it requires significant time and energy to sort these items. This has motivated many in the industry to start thinking more about the collection process and look for ways to make it more efficient in the future.
“We recognized early on that providing mixed-commodity collections for our customers was important. For commercial manufacturers looking to reduce their waste stream, sorting can be a huge and often overwhelming task. It was great to see and hear that so many people in the industry are aligning and starting to look for more outside the box solutions. Awareness is spreading and positive change is coming!” – Derek Howell, Quincy Recycle
Why are conferences like this important to Quincy Recycle and our customers?
With our Plastic Recycling services continuing to expand and grow, it was important for us to be a part of this great event to explore and learn about new trends in the recycling industry. We gain valuable insight into how what we are doing compares to other industry leaders. These conferences help drive positive change and Quincy Recycle is committed to playing a major role.
There was so much to see and do at this year’s conference. We had a great time connecting with many of our existing partners while also having the opportunity to expand our network. Our team is excited about all of the forward-thinking and innovation taking place in the industry. Great things are coming!
Want to learn more about how Quincy Recycle can help you solve your waste stream problems?
We offer a wide variety of services designed to meet your specific needs. Contact us today and together we can make an impact.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bale Wire
Bale wire plays a crucial role in industrial recycling.
By helping to securely bind recycled materials into compact bales, bale wire (also known as baling wire) makes it possible to transport and store bales. It’s important to note, however, that not all wire is manufactured equally. Various gauges, lengths, and treatments allow for customization based on the materials being baled, their weight, and the conditions they will be stored in.
Without bale wire, it would be difficult to handle and process the vast amounts of materials that are recycled every day. In this blog, we discuss the different types of bale wire and how to choose the right one for your industrial recycling process.
Recycling Equipment
Various brands of recycling equipment offer recommendations on the best bale wire for their machinery. Some vertical, horizontal, and auto-tie balers may have specific requirements for bale wire that works best for their applications. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or check with our experts before you buy.
Recycled Material Type
The material(s) in the bales should be one of the first factors to consider when choosing bale wire for your industrial recycling process.
The type of bale wire you choose should be compatible with the type of material that you are recycling. For example, plastic bales require a different gauge of bale wire than paper bales. Bales containing plastic tend to have more expansive pressure and may require lower gauge bale wire than paper or cardboard.
Bale Weight and Size
Bale weight and size are also critical factors to consider when selecting a bale wire for your industrial recycling process.
The gauge of the bale wire should be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the bales. If the bale wire is too thin, it may break, and if it’s too thick, it may be difficult to properly tie by hand. It’s important to consider the weight and size of your bales to choose the appropriate bale wire for your bales.
Gauge
The gauge or thickness of baling wire determines the strength and durability of the wire.
Depending on the weight and size of the materials being baled, a specific gauge will be required to ensure that the wire is strong enough to hold the bale securely. Generally, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. For material with high expansion force such as plastic bottles, a lower gauge of 10-11 may be appropriate. For material such as cardboard, a higher 11-13 gauge may be sufficient. Using the appropriate wire gauge is essential to avoid wire breakage and possible employee injuries.
Wire Treatments
Wire treatments are used to prevent rust and corrosion, improve chemical resistance, and reduce friction, ensuring that the wire can be effectively and efficiently used.
Treatments, like galvanization or black annealing, provide extra protection against rust and corrosion. This is particularly important when baling in wet conditions or when the bales will be stored outside. Bale wire treatments can also make it easier to handle, as it can increase wire flexibility. Overall, the treatment of baling wire can significantly improve its durability, safety and effectiveness.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength refers to the maximum load that the bale wire can bear before breaking. High tensile strength wire is needed for baling denser and heavier materials. The tensile strength of bale wire is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The right tensile strength should be chosen to ensure that the wire can withstand the pressure and weight of the baled materials.
Spool Size
The spool size of bale wire varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. The length of the spool depends on the frequency of use, the size of the material being baled, and the type of baler machine being used. Large spools are suitable for high-volume baling operations, while smaller spools are ideal for low-volume baling applications. Storage space availability and the frequency of wire changeovers should also be considered when choosing the right spool size.
Why Choose Quincy Recycle as Your Baling Wire Supplier?
Quincy Recycle is a full-service recycling company offering everything your business could need for waste management in one place.
We partner with industry-leading brands to offer recycling equipment, accessories, and services that will streamline your waste management plans. From start to finish, our team will audit your waste stream and provide the resources you need to successfully manage it. We’ll even pick up and haul away recycled waste and mixed commodity trailers when you’re done!
In addition, our American-made bale wire options are expertly recommended to maximize the production and effectiveness of your baling systems. No matter the material, size, or production output of your recycled bales, Quincy Recycle has what you need to securely bind and transport waste. We carry single-loop bale ties, box wire, and stump wire to fit a variety of needs and budgets.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation on industrial bale wire.
Employee Spotlight: Laurie Gilbert
When it comes to enthusiasm within Quincy Recycle, one name consistently comes up….Laurie Gilbert. It isn’t just the respect that her coworkers have for her, it’s the way she makes everyone around her (and by extension the company) better. Phil Hildebrand was asked about Laurie’s and said, “She is a champion for our businesses and for our Core Values. She leads by example, modeling the attitude and behaviors that align with our Core Values and reinforcing our culture and QRP Way of working together. Laurie is passionate about her role, compassionate toward our employees and their needs, and a true champion for our businesses. LG makes US better.”
When did you start with Quincy Recycle?
August 2011
What was your job title when you started?
Customer Service Manager
What is your current title?
Human Resource Manager
If you had to pick one, which Core Value is your favorite and why?
One Team, One Dream, One Family
It may sound cliché’, but it really is who we are. We are just a bunch of ordinary hard working individuals who are all moving in the same direction supporting the heck out of each other and having fun while doing it!
What was the most challenging thing to learn in your roles?
A couple of things come to mind. One – the recycling lingo and commodities were definitely not anything that I was familiar with, but neither is anyone else when they start their career here and the team is super helpful at coaching and training. Two – we really are given the opportunity to try new things and think outside of the box. Not every business is like that, but at Quincy Recycle it is rewarded!
What was the most surprising or fun thing to learn?
How much FUN you can actually have while working. We start our days early and I can honestly say that there is not a day that I’m not excited about coming to work.
What’s your favorite part about working at Quincy Recycle?
The people!!! In my role, I have the opportunity to interact with everyone, whether it be at time of hire, benefits enrollment, normal HR stuff or just when I am visiting our other locations. It is really awesome to get to know everyone on a different level, face to face, instead of just through a phone call. It is really important to me that everyone knows they can count on me as an individual, not just a human resources department. I have created many meaningful friendships throughout the years.
What would you like prospective employees to know about Quincy Recycle?
Quincy Recycle is a fast-paced growing company full of people willing to help each other succeed, no matter how big or small the task at hand. Show up, work hard and great things will happen!
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Spending time with family and friends and anything involving basketball, football and baseball are where you can usually find us having a great time. I currently feel like a full-time Uber driver with a teenage son one year away from being able to cart himself around.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever read or received?
Listen to Learn and Learn to Listen – You can’t learn anything while you’re talking!
If you had to pick a song to portray the culture of Quincy Recycle, what would it be and why?
The Good Stuff – Kenny Chesney
The song is really about some great moments that life can give you and I consider being a part of this great team, one of mine!
Is Industrial Product Destruction Right for You?
As an industrial manufacturer or business owner, protecting the integrity of your products, customers, and brand image is paramount to your success. Therefore, it is essential to have an effective plan in place for dealing with defective, obsolete, confidential, or recalled products.
Product destruction refers to the secure and ethical disposal of unwanted products, materials, or assets. It is crucial that these products don’t make it back into the market. Safe and secure product destruction by a reliable partner ultimately protects your brand and the economy.
So how do you know if this service is the right choice for your manufacturing needs?
This blog post will explore the benefits and considerations of industrial product destruction, so you make an informed decision for your company.
Why is industrial product destruction necessary?
The main motivation behind industrial product destruction is to protect a company’s brand and customers. End-of-life or recalled products that are improperly disposed of can pose significant risks. Intellectual property theft, environmental contamination, or harm to consumers are just a few of them.
Ensuring the secure destruction of these items helps maintain brand integrity, prevents unauthorized distribution, and safeguards customers’ wellbeing. Industrial product destruction is often necessary for regulatory compliance. Many industries must follow special guidelines for the disposal of their products.
Failure to securely dispose of end-of-life or recalled products can lead to legal liabilities, negative PR, and loss of consumer trust in your brand. Industrial product destruction provides a controlled, secure process that either destroys the products entirely or renders them unusable, ensuring they cannot cause harm.
What types of products can be destroyed?
Industrial product destruction spans a broad range of industries and can be applied to virtually any manufactured material. Automotive parts, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, textile products, and hazardous waste materials are some of the most common categories. It is essential to work with a reputable provider that has experience and specialized equipment tailored to your specific industry. This ensures the most efficient and secure destruction process.
Quincy Recycle offers a variety of destruction methods to suit the needs of different industries and products. These may include shredding or crushing, among others. Choose the method that best aligns with your desired level of security and efficiency to guarantee that your products are disposed of in the most appropriate manner for your organization.
You can also purchase equipment of your own to ensure on-site product destruction. Our selection of industrial recycling equipment allows us to provide high-quality shredders, compactors, and balers. Partnerships with industry-leading brands give your business the advantage of reliable equipment for product destruction.
What are the benefits of industrial product destruction?
There are several advantages to employing an industrial product destruction process for your business. Some of these key benefits include:
Brand protection: Secure destruction of products significantly reduces the risk of counterfeit items, compromised confidential information, or intellectual property theft. Ensuring that older or defective products do not enter the market helps companies maintain their reputation for quality and reliability.
Environmental stewardship: Industrial product destruction companies typically adhere to strict environmental regulations, ensuring that the disposal process does not harm the environment or contribute to pollution. Working with an environmentally responsible destruction provider helps to minimize waste output, control pollution, and maintain ecological balance.
Regulatory compliance: Meeting industry-specific guidelines and legal requirements can safeguard your business from costly penalties, lawsuits, and fines. By working with a professional product destruction service, you can ensure that your company remains compliant with all applicable regulations while securely disposing of unwanted items.
Cost-Effectiveness: Government fines and the cost of recalls can be significant, especially if there is an issue with product safety. You can mitigate the risk of costly recalls and avoid potential legal liabilities by partnering with a reputable product destruction service. Additionally, recycling or repurposing materials may offset expenses in times when recyclable materials can be sold or reused in your production processes.
Security and Confidentiality: Guaranteed destruction of sensitive materials and proprietary information protects your business from sensitive and intellectual property theft or leaks.
Factors to consider when choosing a product destruction provider
Quincy Recycle team members recently attended the Reverse Logistics Summit hosted by the Reverse Logistics Association. While there, we confirmed a specific problem facing major retailers and manufacturers around the globe: companies lack a safe, secure process for product destruction.
Quincy Recycle has years of experience assisting a variety of industries develop a discrete, quick plan for product removal and destruction. Our transparent disposal and transportation methods ensure that you are kept up-to-date on the process status. Professionally certified team members are dedicated to ethical, eco-friendly, and regulatory destruction to protect products and assets.
Protecting your brand and customers is important. Our protection efforts have established us as one of the largest and most accomplished product removal companies. Remember, not all destruction providers are created equal. It is essential to partner with one that meets your organization’s requirements.
Some important factors to consider when choosing Quincy Recycle include:
1. Industry expertise: We specialize in a variety of industries and understand the specific guidelines governing product destruction. We have a history of successful projects and satisfied clientele, as well as long-term partnerships with companies of all sizes.
2. Regulatory compliance: We follow local, regional, and federal regulations to maintain compliance within your industry.
3. Security measures: We adhere to strict security measures to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information. Robust security measures have been established to protect your materials throughout the destruction process, including transportation.
4. Environmental certifications: We have industry memberships that promote environmentally responsible product destruction.
5. Flexibility and scalability: We understand your business needs may change. Our processes are capable of meeting both current and future product destruction demands.
Assessing Your Company’s Need for Industrial Product Destruction
The demand for proper product destruction is growing. It is vital to understand whether it is the right choice for your particular business. The decision to invest in industrial product destruction depends on the unique requirements of your company. Determine whether industrial product destruction is right for your company by considering the following:
a. The volume and frequency of materials needing destruction.
b. The potential legal or environmental risks if materials are not destroyed properly.
c. The cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing product destruction services versus handling it in-house.
When you choose secure product destruction, you’re choosing to establish a line of protection against potential product hazards.
It’s important to remember, too, that product destruction services can be scheduled based on your company’s needs. Even if you only perform a once-per-year purge, we can schedule services on an annual basis. We can also schedule weekly, monthly, or quarterly services. Together, we can determine the solution that works specifically for you.
Conclusion
By understanding the various benefits and aspects of product destruction, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for your organization. Working with a reputable provider is crucial to maximizing these benefits. Quincy Recycle has the experience needed to provide safe, secure, and reliable product destruction services. By partnering with us, you can safeguard the integrity of your brand, eliminate potential liabilities, and promote a more sustainable future.
Interested in learning more about product removal? Quincy Recycle offers product destruction services to companies across the country. Contact us or call us today at 800-311-6097 to discuss your options.