The Executive Team
Chad Olgin / Co-President
Chad has been working in the recycling industry for the last 10 years. He brings a wide array of knowledge in both steel and non-ferrous metals markets. He has worked in the metals industry for his families business as well as at a publicly traded steel company. Chad has a strong background in the operational aspect of scrap metal recycling companies. He ran the day to day operations at the largest scrap metal company in Arizona and oversaw a multi-year long processing operation at that facility. He also sits on the board for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) as the President of the Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Brad Efune / Co-President
Brad comes to Olgin Efune Recycling with years of experience in scrap metal recycling in both Arizona and Southern California. He brings knowledge and experience in the non-ferrous trade business. Brad is well versed in dealing with overseas markets throughout Asia, Southeast Asia, and India. His background in non-ferrous metals and years of experience travelling the Western United States purchasing material is a strength that Brad brings to the company.
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7 Popular Recycling Trends for 2023
Recycling has become an increasingly important topic as we strive to protect our planet and reduce our environmental impact. Recycling is one of the most effective ways we can contribute to a cleaner and greener world, as it helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the amount of waste in landfills or our oceans.
As we enter a new year, sustainability continues to be at the forefront of our minds. With new technologies and innovative solutions emerging, various exciting recycling trends will be gaining momentum in 2023. These trends, from circular economy models to upcycling, help reduce waste and promote creativity and innovation. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at seven popular recycling trends for 2023 and explore how they positively impact the environment.
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Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on earth, and it is widely used in various applications, such as packaging, transportation, construction, and electronics. Producing new aluminum from raw bauxite is energy-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling aluminum, on the other hand, requires only a fraction of the energy needed to produce new aluminum. It means that recycling aluminum helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy resources.
Corporate initiatives promoting aluminum recycling are widespread, with many companies setting ambitious targets to increase their use of recycled aluminum. For instance, Coca-Cola has pledged to use 50% recycled content in its aluminum cans by 2030, while Apple has set a goal to make its products with 100% recycled aluminum. These initiatives demonstrate the growing awareness of the importance of recycling aluminum and reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes.
Advantages of aluminum recycling
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and recycling aluminum conserves natural resources and reduces waste.
• The recycling process also creates jobs in the recycling industry, providing economic benefits to communities.
• Recycling aluminum is cost-effective, requiring less energy than producing new aluminum. This results in significant savings on energy costs for companies that use recycled aluminum.
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Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron and are not magnetic. Examples of non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, lead, nickel, and zinc. Non-ferrous metal recycling involves collecting, processing, and reusing these metals, which can be done infinitely without any loss in quality. They are widely used in construction, electrical and electronics, transportation, and manufacturing. Recycling non-ferrous metals are essential to conserve natural resources and reduce waste.
Many recycling programs exist for non-ferrous metals. Scrap metal yards collect and purchase non-ferrous metals from individuals, businesses, and industries. The metals are then sorted, processed, and sold to manufacturers, who use them to produce new products.
Ford Motors has a closed-loop recycling program for aluminum scrap in which they collect aluminum from their manufacturing processes and recycle it back into new vehicles. This program has allowed Ford to reduce its environmental impact and conserve natural resources.
Benefits of non-ferrous metal recycling
• Reducing the environmental impact of mining and production, conserving natural resources, and reducing waste.
• Recycling non-ferrous metals also provides economic benefits by creating jobs in the recycling industry.
• Moreover, recycling non-ferrous metals is cost-effective, as it requires less energy than producing new metals.
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The Circular Economy is a regenerative and restorative system of production and consumption. It is regenerative and restorative, designed to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, and then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of their lifecycle. The model is based on designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
It is a departure from the traditional linear economy, which involves extracting resources, using them to create products, and then disposing of them once they are no longer needed. The circular economy model aims to create a closed-loop system in which waste is minimized and resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
Benefits of the circular economy model
The circular economy model has several benefits, including:
Reduction of waste and pollution
The circular economy model reduces waste and pollution by keeping resources in use for as long as possible.
Conservation of resources
The circular economy model promotes the conservation of resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible and regenerating natural systems.
Economic benefits
The circular economy model can create new business opportunities and jobs and reduce the cost of materials and waste management.
Environmental benefits
The circular economy model can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts associated with resource extraction, production, and disposal.
Social benefits
The circular economy model can improve the well-being of communities by promoting sustainable and equitable economic development.
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Waste reduction and pollution control are crucial for achieving sustainable development. The increasing amount of waste and pollution in our environment has led to negative impacts on public health, ecosystems, and the economy. Therefore, it is essential to implement programs that aim to reduce waste and control pollution.
Numerous programs exist to reduce waste and control pollution. One of the most well-known programs is the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) program. This program encourages individuals and businesses to reduce their waste by using fewer resources, reusing products, and recycling materials.
Many local governments also have recycling and composting programs that aim to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Additionally, some businesses have implemented "zero waste" initiatives that aim to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.
Benefits of waste reduction and pollution control
Waste reduction and pollution control have several benefits, including:
Cost Savings
Implementing waste reduction and pollution control measures can significantly save businesses and households. By minimizing waste, businesses can reduce the costs associated with disposal fees, raw materials, and energy consumption.
Sustainable Development
Waste reduction and pollution control practices promote sustainable development. We can create a more sustainable and resilient economy by conserving natural resources, reducing the demand for raw materials, and minimizing waste generation.
Positive Reputation
Companies and organizations that prioritize waste reduction and pollution control can gain a positive reputation in the eyes of the public, customers, and investors. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their purchases on the environment, and businesses that adopt environmentally responsible practices can attract more customers and investors.
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E-waste recycling refers to safely and responsibly disposing of electronic waste by extracting valuable metals, plastics, and other materials for reuse. This process not only conserves natural resources but also reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste.
Dell Reconnect is a free program that accepts old computers and other electronics, regardless of the brand. The program works in collaboration with Goodwill Industries to refurbish the computers and resell them or recycle them in an environmentally friendly manner.
Apple offers a free recycling program that allows customers to recycle their old Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. The program also accepts non-Apple products, such as printers and scanners, for recycling.
The E-Stewards certification is a globally recognized program that ensures responsible e-waste recycling. The certification ensures that e-waste is recycled in a way that does not harm the environment or local communities. Many e-waste recycling companies have received e-Stewards certification, including Electronic Recyclers International and Sims Recycling Solutions.
Benefits of E-Waste Recycling
E-Waste Recycling has several benefits, including:
Environmental benefits
Recycling e-waste helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which helps to prevent harmful materials from leaching into the soil and water. It reduces pollution, which can significantly affect the environment and human health.
Conservation of resources
E-waste recycling also helps to conserve natural resources by reducing the need for new raw materials to produce electronic devices. Recycling recovers valuable materials, including precious metals like gold, silver, and copper that can use in manufacturing new products.
Energy savings
Recycling e-waste requires less energy than mining and refining new materials. Recycling e-waste is more energy-efficient, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping combat climate change.
Job creation
E-waste recycling creates job opportunities for collection, transportation, and processing. These jobs can help stimulate the local economy and contribute to community development.
Data security
Recycling e-waste can also help to protect sensitive information by ensuring that devices are disposed of safely and securely. It is particularly important in the case of businesses that store sensitive information on their devices.
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Corporations have recently taken responsibility for their waste and pollution by implementing sustainable waste management practices. Corporate Recycling, in particular, has emerged as a key strategy for reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
Some companies have gone beyond traditional recycling programs and are implementing more advanced waste management practices, such as composting for food waste or adopting circular economy principles that aim to reduce waste and promote the reuse of materials.
Overall, the trend towards corporate recycling and sustainable waste management practices represents a positive step towards a more sustainable future. Companies can contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable economy by taking responsibility for their waste and pollution.
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The Phoenix Economy is a sustainable business model that promotes waste reduction and the conservation of resources by keeping materials in use. This concept is based on the idea that materials should not be discarded after use but rather repurposed to create new products in a closed-loop system.
The Phoenix Economy model emphasizes the use of renewable resources and the design of products for easy disassembly and reuse.
Many businesses are adopting the Phoenix Economy approach and are making great strides in sustainability. Automotive companies like Tesla are leading the way by using recycled materials to produce their electric cars. The company uses recycled aluminum from its old cars and scrap metal from other industries to make new car bodies. It not only reduces waste but also helps conserve natural resources.
Patagonia, the outdoor clothing brand, is another company that has embraced the phoenix economy model. The company encourages its customers to repair and reuse their clothing rather than buy new ones. They also use recycled materials to make their products, including recycled polyester from plastic bottles and recycled nylon from fishing nets.
Benefits of the Phoenix Economy
Phoenix Economy has several benefits, including:
Environmental Friendly
The phoenix economy model offers numerous benefits to both businesses and the environment. Businesses can reduce waste and lower their environmental impact by designing products for easy disassembly and reuse. Adopting this model can also help conserve natural resources, as it encourages using renewable materials and repurposing existing ones.
Economic Benefits
The Phoenix Economy approach also offers economic benefits. Businesses can save money on production costs by reducing waste and reusing materials. It can also create new revenue streams by selling repurposed materials or offering product repair and maintenance services.
Closed loop System
Additionally, the Phoenix Economy model promotes innovation and collaboration. By working together to create closed-loop systems, businesses can share resources and expertise and develop new solutions for sustainable production.
Conclusion:
7 popular recycling trends for 2023 have highlighted the need for sustainable practices and the urgency to protect the environment. These trends provide a pathway for individuals and businesses to contribute to a greener and cleaner future.
With the implementation of these recycling trends, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and control pollution.
A circular economy that values resource conservation and promotes sustainable living is crucial for the well-being of our planet. It is our responsibility to adopt eco-friendly practices and support businesses that follow sustainable practices. Let's pledge to make a difference and work towards creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.