You get real numbers. Real impact. And a real story of innovation.

Shapiro partnered with Trane Technologies to take on one of the toughest industrial challenges: scrap and sustainability. Together, we built smarter systems, recycled over 6 million pounds of metal, and turned waste into renewable energy.

This is the story of how we did it, and why it matters.

A 15-Year Partnership Built to Last

Trane and Shapiro go back. For over 15 years, we’ve worked side by side across multiple facilities in different states. Our teams build, test, and improve systems together. We launched a new initiative with Trane engineers: a feedback loop to help track coil failures. That meant sending over 10,000 units to Shapiro’s Georgia facility for testing.

Why? So Trane could fix problems earlier. Waste less. Save more.

Turning Trash Into Power: The Vidalia Breakthrough

That year, we helped Trane’s Vidalia, Georgia facility do something big.
They wanted to manage waste and transform waste.

With Shapiro’s support, the Vidalia plant launched a full waste-to-energy program. Trash became fuel.

Here’s what changed:

Smart compactors were installed. Sensors told us when bins hit 75%. Pickups were automatic and efficient. Waste was compacted on-site, reducing fuel and emissions. Every step was measured.

Recycling by the Numbers

While waste-to-energy was a huge win, metal and cardboard recycling also hit record levels across Trane locations in Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri. The results speak for themselves:

• Steel recycled: 3.5 million lbs

• Aluminum & alloys: 2.5 million lbs

• Copper-based materials: 69,708 lbs

• Electronic waste: 51,510 lbs

• Total metal recycled: Over 6.1 million lbs

• Cardboard recycled: 1 million lbs

These actions had ripple effects.

• Oil saved: 234,408 gallons

• Trees saved: 36 million

• Electricity saved: 8,517 hours

This was practical and immediate.

The Tools Behind the Transformation

Success like is driven by systems. Shapiro developed a training guide (GPO-I-TR-0026-I) that any Trane facility could use. This guide shared best practices on:

• Recycled materials value retention

• Worker safety

• Sorting and handling

• Site-specific optimization

Explore our full suite of industrial recycling solutions and learn more about sustainable scrap management products.

We don’t just drop off bins. We bring insight, training, and end-to-end strategy.

Why It Matters (And What’s Next)

At Shapiro, we see potential in recycled materials.

We see what waste can become when innovation, discipline, and partnerships come together.

The Trane story is a model for waste-to-value programs and a reminder that sustainability is a business decision that drives profit. It builds loyalty. It reduces risk.

Most of all, it lasts.

Waste can change everything when you manage it right.

Trane and Shapiro proved what’s possible when legacy meets innovation.

If you're ready to explore custom waste diversion strategies that fit your facilities, let’s talk.