Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Today marks the opportunity to call attention to the importance of recycling in reducing pollution and conserving our natural resources. Metal recycling is one of the primary examples of such essential conservation practices. Metals are valuable materials that can be recycled again and again without degrading their properties, however only 30% is currently recycled worldwide.
Greenhouse emissions are greatly reduced when recycling metals compared to mining raw ore. Mining raw ore requires the use of machines, fuel, manpower and more to produce a final product.
Here are some common metals and the amount of energy that is saved when we recycle them:
92% for Aluminum
90% for Copper
56% for Steel
By recycling one ton of steel we conserve 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone. Recycling one ton of aluminum conserves up to 8 tons of bauxite ore and 14-megawatt hours of electricity. These savings are just the tip of the iceberg that our Industry contributes to energy conservation.
Recycling plays a role In managing and combatting the current COVID-19 pandemic as recycled metal and other commodity‐grade materials feed critical manufacturing operations. These materials are then used to produce the rebar, wiring, tubing, transportation, packaging, and other key materials needed for everything from the construction of hospitals to the manufacture of new hospital beds, ventilators, and other essential supplies. Recycling is both essential to the health of the planet – and to the health of individuals.
Jalen Cruz has been with ABC Recycling for the last 5 years. He started off his career sorting at the warehouse, and has now moved into learning more about customer service through his every day interactions at the front scale. He aims to be more well-rounded and knowledgeable in operations, so he is not afraid to take on this new role. “It has been a good experience growing with ABC, I am learning a lot and I want to keep expanding my knowledge.” This is how Jalen looks at his new challenge in being at the forefront of our business greeting clients every day.
Behind Jalen is another person who has also grown and developed her talents in leading the scale, Lisa Olaru. Lisa came to ABC with a background in scrap metal from a previous employer. Today she has grown and now leads the changes at the scale with their Manager, Steve Pimentel. She aims to make systems more efficient, organized and customer service oriented.
Both Jalen and Lisa have said that the best part of working at ABC is the environment and its people. “It’s like we are one big family, everyone is happy and helpful” says Lisa. Over the next year the two aim to continue learning and developing their skills to provide outstanding customer service to ABC’s customers, and to also create a more welcoming experience for all.
For the second year in a row, our very own Commercial Buyer for Vancouver Island, Eric Kirschner, participated in the 55+ BC Games in Kelowna. Eric is actively fighting prostate cancer which has recently spread to his bones.
From September 10-14th, 2019, thousands of participants and supporters came together to celebrate sport and fun with friends from across British Columbia. Eric’s strong will, heart, and pure determination resulted in him finishing third in his age category in the 1,500-meter power walk event!!! Congratulations Eric! You are an inspiration to us all.
The 55+ multi-sport annual BC Games were first organized in 1987, with the assistance of the Provincial Government, Sport, Recreation and Development branch, for the older adults of BC, as a direct bearing on their quality of life.
Did you know that 1 in 7 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? From November 1-30 please consider participating in Movember by growing a moustache and raising awareness about prostate cancer. Since 2003 Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
In solidarity with Eric’s fight, ABC Recycling will be joining the Movember movement where our team will Grow a Mo’ to Save a Bro’. The winner will be selected by Eric Kirschner at the end of November and a donation will be made to the Canadian Cancer Society on their behalf.
If you would like to support our team or learn more about prostate cancer, please follow our link at https://moteam.co/abc-recycling
Sam Sladich joined our ABC Surrey team in November 2017, bringing with him 4 years of supply chain experience working at a plastics manufacturing company. Sam’s career at ABC began in Retail Sales and he recently transitioned into the role of Operations Manager. Sam describes Retail Sales as a fluid job which exposed him to nearly everything in our Surrey operation, thus preparing him well for his new role.
The positive culture and good support systems are what Sam likes best about working at ABC. His crew support and help one another.
Getting immersed in the day-to-day operations and being face-to-face with his crew and customers are the things Sam most enjoys about his job. And when he doesn’t know the answer to something he has learned to ask questions!
Sam Sladich joined our ABC Surrey team in November 2017, bringing with him 4 years of supply chain experience working at a plastics manufacturing company. Sam’s career at ABC began in Retail Sales and he recently transitioned into the role of Operations Manager. Sam describes Retail Sales as a fluid job which exposed him to nearly everything in our Surrey operation, thus preparing him well for his new role.