In 1904, we collected our first load of scrap metal with a horse-drawn wagon. Today, Shapiro manages global sustainability programs with sophisticated technology and data analytics. What hasn't changed is our mission: turning waste into resources and problems into solutions.

This comprehensive guide explores how our material recovery programs transform industrial waste streams into valuable assets. We'll walk you through Shapiro's evolution, our advanced recovery processes, and how our innovative circular economy solutions deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits for industrial clients.

From Scrap Dealer to Sustainability Partner: The Shapiro Evolution

Shapiro began in the scrap metal business in 1904. For over a century, we've adapted and evolved, staying ahead of industry trends and client needs.

Today, we're much more than a recycling company. We've transformed into a comprehensive sustainability solutions provider, combining physical material processing with advanced software and data capabilities. This evolution allows us to manage complex recycling programs globally while providing the actionable insights our clients need.

Our history gives us perspective. Our innovation gives us an edge.

Comprehensive Material Recovery: Beyond Basic Recycling

At Shapiro, we handle virtually every industrial waste stream, turning potential problems into valuable resources:

Ferrous Metals

Steel and iron alloys form the backbone of manufacturing. Our regional processing hubs use advanced sorting technologies to properly grade and process ferrous scrap according to mill specifications. Whenever possible, we create closed-loop programs that return recycled metal directly to your supply chain.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Aluminum, copper, brass, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium, and precious metals require specialized handling. We use advanced technology like handheld XRF analyzers to identify specific alloy compositions, ensuring proper segregation and maximum value recovery. For high-value materials, we offer refining services that capture every ounce of value.

Electronic Scrap

E-waste contains both valuable resources and potential liabilities. Our programs ensure secure handling and certified data destruction while recovering precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium. Our Prime Recovery initiative evaluates equipment for refurbishment potential, prioritizing reuse before recycling.

Plastics

Industrial plastics present unique recycling challenges. We help clients establish effective sorting systems and connect them with appropriate end markets. For clean, homogeneous plastics, we can produce regrind for manufacturing new products. When recycling isn't viable, we explore waste-to-energy options to achieve zero landfill goals.

Other Managed Materials

As a single-source sustainability partner, we coordinate recycling for cardboard, wood, food waste, glass, rubber, fiberglass, textiles, and more through our network of specialty partners or internal programs. This comprehensive approach simplifies your sustainability efforts.

Used Equipment

Our Heavy Equipment division doesn't just scrap machinery – we evaluate it for resale potential, facilitating asset recovery and extending product lifecycles when possible.

Each material stream requires specialized expertise. Shapiro brings it all together in one program.

Advanced Recovery Processes: How We Do It

Our material recovery capabilities combine proven techniques with cutting-edge technology:

• Sophisticated Processing: We utilize state-of-the-art shredding, shearing, sorting, and separation technologies to maximize recovery rates.

• Material Identification: Advanced analytics tools help identify and properly segregate materials for optimal value.

• Quality Control: Rigorous quality standards ensure recovered materials meet specifications for reuse in manufacturing.

• Smart Collection: Our sensor-equipped Smart Bins monitor material levels, optimizing pickup schedules and reducing transportation emissions.

• Data Tracking: Our proprietary AcuScrap platform monitors material flows throughout the recovery process, providing complete transparency.
   

These processes recover materials in ways that maximize their environmental and economic value.

From Recovery to Production: Creating New Resources

Shapiro doesn't just collect and process materials – we transform them into valuable manufacturing inputs:

Custom Alloys & RSI

Our metallurgical expertise allows us to produce Recycled Secondary Ingots (RSI) customized to your exact specifications. With up to 99% recovery of alloying elements, these ingots provide high-performance materials with significantly reduced environmental footprints.

Master Alloys

Our specialized metal blends help introduce precise amounts of elements into melts, allowing manufacturers to reduce dependence on virgin metals while maintaining product quality.

Plastic Regrind

Clean, homogeneous plastics become valuable regrind material for manufacturing new products, reducing dependence on virgin resins.

Recovery is just the beginning. Our capabilities transform waste into specification-grade inputs for your production.

Circular by Shapiro: Comprehensive Sustainability Solutions

Material recovery is part of a larger vision. Our Circular by Shapiro division delivers comprehensive sustainability management solutions focused on creating closed-loop systems:

Sustainability Audits

We help clients identify improvement opportunities across their operations, from waste reduction to energy conservation.

Closed-Loop Programs

We design systems that keep materials within your supply chain, capturing waste at your facility and returning it as production inputs.

Zero Landfill Solutions

By combining recycling with waste-to-energy technology for non-recyclable residues, we help clients achieve 100% landfill diversion.

Sustainability Dashboard

Our data analytics platform provides real-time insights into your recycling performance, documenting environmental benefits and identifying optimization opportunities.

Strategic Consulting

We serve as trusted advisors, regularly reviewing and refining your sustainability program to adapt to changing conditions and capture new opportunities.

These integrated solutions help transform sustainability from a compliance requirement to a strategic advantage.

Measuring Impact: The Real Results of Material Recovery

Our programs deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits:

• Resource Conservation: Recycling one ton of aluminum saves 14,000 kWh of electricity and 10 cubic yards of landfill space.

• Carbon Reduction: Our closed-loop metal programs reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared to virgin production.

• Waste Elimination: Clients working with Shapiro achieve up to 100% landfill diversion rates.

• Cost Savings: Effective material recovery often reduces disposal costs while generating revenue from valuable scrap.

• Regulatory Compliance: Our programs help clients meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations and corporate sustainability mandates.
   

These impacts help our clients achieve environmental goals while creating tangible business value.

Partner with Shapiro for Your Material Recovery Program

For over a century, we've been turning waste into resources. Our expertise in material recovery makes us the trusted partner for companies serious about sustainability and value creation.

In 1904, we collected our first load of scrap metal with a horse-drawn wagon. Today, we manage sophisticated global sustainability programs. But our core purpose remains unchanged: Making the Planet Better Together by transforming industrial waste into valuable resources.

Our history gives us wisdom. Our innovation gives us solutions. Together, they make Shapiro the ideal partner for your material recovery and sustainability journey.

Ready to transform your waste streams into resources? Contact us today for a comprehensive sustainability assessment.