Blog / 01.14.2025

Making the Planet Better Together: Celebrating Shapiro’s 120 Years of Sustainability and Innovation

Making the Planet Better Together: Celebrating Shapiro’s 120 Years of Sustainability and Innovation - Image

In 1904, Max Shapiro began what would become a legacy of environmental stewardship and innovation. Starting with the humble act of picking up scrap from industrial areas in St. Louis, Missouri, and loading it onto horse-drawn wagons, Shapiro planted the seeds of a company dedicated to sustainability. Today, this family-owned business stands as a leader in recycling and sustainability solutions, proudly celebrating 120 years of service.

A Legacy of Adaptation and Growth

The Shapiro family has always been entrepreneurial and forward-thinking. Max’s brother, Harry Shapiro, listed the Declaration of Independence on the company’s early letterhead, underscoring their commitment to freedom and innovation. Over the decades, Shapiro transitioned from handwritten records to digital operations and expanded its services to meet evolving market demands. Now led by Bruce Shapiro, the third-generation CEO, the company combines traditional values with cutting-edge initiatives.

“Some kids went to camp; I always worked at the scrap yard every summer,” Bruce recalls. This deep-rooted connection to the business has shaped Shapiro’s approach to customer service and sustainability.

Sustainable Practices at the Core

Shapiro is not just a company that recycles; it’s a company that reinvents the recycling process for its clients. Their sustainability efforts include creating dashboards to track CO2 emissions, educating customers on recycling opportunities, and providing custom solutions that reduce waste streams.

President and COO Bob Alvarez emphasizes, “We’re not selling a product or a specific solution. We’re helping our customers meet their goals.”

From reducing carbon emissions to identifying areas for cost savings, Shapiro’s team of experts is redefining what it means to go green. For instance, Shapiro’s Master Alloys program allows clients to reintegrate scrap into their production processes, closing the loop and promoting circularity.

Building a Culture of Integrity and Innovation

Shapiro’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its services. The company’s internal culture is a source of pride, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and heard. “The caliber of people we have on our team and the way we treat each other—I’m exceptionally proud of that,” says Bruce Shapiro.

This focus on people has allowed Shapiro to maintain a strong team capable of tackling the complex challenges of sustainability. From their “passion and persistence pays” (PPP) philosophy to their continuous investment in new technologies, Shapiro exemplifies how a values-driven approach can lead to success.

Making a Tangible Impact

One of Shapiro’s proudest moments was their 2020 President’s Award for Sustainability. By implementing their first full-blown sustainability project, they reduced truck pickups from 490 to 57 annually, saving $160,000 and dramatically lowering CO2 emissions.

Chief Marketing Officer Judy Ferraro highlights, “We’re looking at all different types of things to reduce waste and do things that we thought we couldn’t do.” Whether it’s finding ways to recycle unconventional materials like wood or plastics or helping clients segregate scrap for maximum value, Shapiro continuously pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Leading the Way for the Future

As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability, Shapiro remains ahead of the curve. The company’s approach of meeting clients where they are and tailoring solutions to their unique needs sets it apart.

“I think that anybody that is interested in having the technology, the data, and the processes to know what is really happening with their scrap—how they can improve their process—is looking for integrity,” says Bruce Shapiro. “And we’re very few companies doing what we’re doing.”

A Century and Counting

Shapiro’s 120-year journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability. As they look to the future, the company remains dedicated to making the planet better—together.

Learn more about Shapiro and their innovative sustainability solutions at www.shapirometals.com.

Read the issue in Tracks here.