End Markets Committee

During our most recent meeting on September 16th, Chair Will Hancock welcomed new committee members and then welcomed our guest speakers. Todd Byrum with Butler Paper shared information on some of the uncommon materials that we see in our waste streams that recyclers might be overlooking that could be revenue builders for those with ample space in their facilities. One example is cardboard. Todd examined the different grades of cardboard, cardboard supply chain challenges, the potential for a longshoreman’s strike on the Eastern seaboard, best practices in processing, changes in product quality, fluctuating transportation costs and varying demand for the product. C&D plastics is another source of potential revenue. Todd offered some details related to how clean the product needs to be before it is ready for transfer to a new customer. Source separation of vinyl siding and/or fencing can be another opportunity, though the value per load is relatively low currently due to the easy availability of product. 

Next, Charles Winum of Steinert US joined us to discuss the benefits of installing Eddy Current units into MRFs and how it can improve the bottom line. He explained the concept of eddy current separators, which use magnets to repel non-ferrous metals from waste streams. He noted the increasing interest in eddy currents for specific streams in C&D facilities due to the growing value of non-ferrous metals like aluminum, brass, and copper. He offered Steinert's assistance in determining the appropriate Eddy Current unit for a facility's needs, while also emphasizing the high value and quick payback of these systems. 

And finally, we continued with our new tradition of offering open discussions regarding challenges and solutions. This group’s primary objective is to investigate and evaluate possible new markets for C&D materials. We hope that you will plan to join us for our next meeting on November 18th. Members may view the Zoom recording from this meeting with passcode: Qv%=m2D0