The Importance Of Safety In The Recycling Industry
At Quincy Recycle, safety is one of our top priorities. Recycling may not be one of the first industries that come to mind when you think about jobs with a high risk to health and safety. But, did you ever stop and think about the types of materials collected and sorted?
In their most recent report published in December 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rated the recycling industry as the 5th most dangerous in America. Today we will talk about why safety is so important to us by highlighting some of the common health and safety risks associated with the recycling industry and how we address them in our facilities.
5 Common Health and Safety Risks in Recycling
1. Large and Moving Machinery
Processing large quantities of plastic, metal, and other recyclable materials requires big machinery. Compactors, balers, conveyor belts, and sorting machines are regular fixtures in recycling plants. All of these can cause injury if adequate operating and maintenance procedures are not put in place.
Robust safety protocols and checklists are in place across all Quincy Recycle locations. Equipment is inspected regularly and when maintenance or repair is required, a “lock-out and tag-out” protocol is strictly enforced to ensure the machinery is in proper working order before being put back into service. From their first day of employment, each member of our team goes through extensive safety and operator training. Training is ongoing and takes place on a regular and frequent basis at each of our facilities.
2. Trucks and Other Big Vehicles
In order to haul and move large loads of material, you need trucks, forklifts and other big vehicles. Any time you have large vehicles in the same place as pedestrians you have a safety risk.
Operator awareness is a top priority at Quincy Recycle. From training to operator certifications, we make sure anyone operating a large vehicle at our facility is qualified and adhering to necessary safety protocols. We also utilize tools like glad hand locks. Trailers come and go from our facilities all the time and a glad hand lock prevents a truck from hooking up to the trailer while someone is inside working.
3. Repetitive Motion
Recycling workers move a lot. They reach, twist, jump, and bend to sort and process items daily. The absence of a well-organized and ergonomic workspace can lead to injury over time.
We spend a lot of time training and promoting best safety practices at Quincy Recycle, and that includes steps to prevent injury due to repetitive motion. Our plants are designed with a layout to help our team members be as efficient as possible, which goes a long way in helping keep them safe and injury-free.
4. Respiratory Hazards
Recyclable materials produce a lot of dust. Without proper safety equipment and ventilation, small particles from materials we process such as paper, plastic, cardboard, and other contaminants can pose harm to workers.
Quincy Recycle provides all employees with dust masks and safety glasses to protect against airborne contaminants. In addition, our facilities are outfitted with air ventilation systems to help remove dust from the air key locations throughout the plant.
5. Biohazards
Sorting through mixed-commodity loads presents some risks. Sharp objects, industrial chemicals, and other biohazards can be present and must be handled carefully to avoid injury.
We take a proactive approach to make sure we know exactly what is coming into our facilities. Utilizing safety data sheets, our team can confirm the former contents of products such as fiber or plastic drums to ensure nothing comes into the plant that shouldn’t. We also provide our team with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help keep them safe when handling the wide variety of material that comes through our plants each day. Along with PPE, you’ll also find first-aid and bloodborne pathogen kits in each of our facilities.
Quincy Recycle Promotes A Safety-Focused Culture
Safety is part of our culture at Quincy Recycle. In fact, it is one of our core values. We don’t take the risks associated with our industry lightly and have put a lot of time and energy into making sure our facilities are safe.
“It starts at the top. Everyone across our organization is fully committed to running a safe operation. Our first core value is “Alive and Well” because safety is part of everything we do at Quincy Recycle. Many of our facilities boast lengthy safety records which is a real testament to the buy-in and dedication from everyone on the team.” – Philip J. Hildebrand, Jr., Quincy Recycle
Why is this so important?
To us, it’s simple – our team is our family. Keeping them safe is our first priority. And, in turn, our commitment to health and safety allows us to provide consistent service our partners can depend on whenever they need us.
Are you ready to take the first step toward achieving your sustainability goals?
Contact us today and together we can make an impact. We offer a wide variety of services designed to meet your specific needs.
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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.