Recycle or Die: Extreme Recycling in Topeka, Kansas

Extreme Recycling Inc, in Topeka, Kansas, has been a leader in E-waste recycling since 1993.  Joseph Lambert, Extreme’s Operations Manager, shares what it means to be an EXTREME recycling company.

Joseph, let’s start with Recycle or Die. Man, that is STRONG statement – tell me what it means.

Several years ago our President/Owner, Dino De Marco, and I were discussing our dedication towards recycling. We needed a slogan that would capture that dedication and emotion, and create the foundation for the culture of the company.

“Recycle or Die” was born as a counter-culture slogan that would intentionally draw attention both good and bad. It was meant to be a high impact, in your face-style which included a skull and cross bones design that helped convey the emotion and meaning behind it. The slogan was not intended to send the message that if you didn’t recycle we would harm you in any way; but rather reflected the impact on the environment and damage being done to our planet and deterioration of precious resources by NOT recycling. So when we say “Recycle or Die” it is meant that we need to recycle for our future, our children’s future, and future of generations to come.

We also would hope that the customers and public we serve take into account the seriousness of this issue. Although the slogan is harsh; it is also true.  Extreme Recycling believes that it is our duty to protect our planet for the future.

Are you wearing a Recycle or Die t-shirt right now?

Of course I am.

How do I get one?

Purchase one our website www.extremerecyclinginc.com

Extreme Recycling has been recycling since 1993, before it was recently “cool” to be green again. What is the biggest change you have seen in this industry since 1993?

I would have to say the machinery to process the materials has been the biggest change. In the early days of disassembly it was electric drills and hand tools moving up to the air tools which we still use in our manual disassembly operation but shredding and separating materials is the new direction which we are a major player in.

What is the oldest/strangest piece of equipment you’ve seen pass through your facility?

Oldest would be the WANG and IBM mainframes from the late 70’s early 80’s and some of the 1st Apple and Radio Shack portable pc’s. Strangest things would be swords, Otis Spunkmier cookie machines, refrigerators full of food.

Tell us everything that Extreme Recycling does?

Extreme Recycling provides remarketing, refurbishing, and recycling of your computer, telecom, and networking E-Waste. We have been supplying cost effective, high quality E-Waste solutions since 1993. We perform recycling, asset management, re-marketing and data eradication services for many Fortune 500 Companies, non-profit companies, school districts, and government entities. Extreme Recycling also provides a free public E-Waste collection service at all of our facilities.

What do you do best?

Everything we do.  [Jason’s note:  One of the best business answers in the world.  Especially when you can back it up like Extreme can.]

How many tons of stuff do you recycle?

In 2008 it was about 4300 tons. 8.6 million pounds.

What is the most common item that passes through your facility?

Mainly office electronics like computers, monitors, printers, copiers.  And now that we service the community as well as Corporate America, it is TVs, microwaves and all of the different kinds of home electronics

You’ve got some gigantic clients – what is it like to be audited by your clients?

No problem at all. When our clients audit us we can provide all of their information requests through ON DEMAND reporting from our customized database.

Why do you let yourselves be audited?

Being visible to the customer is important it shows that we are legitimate and have nothing to hide.

Tell us about your Pri-Max 770. What does that do for your clients?

It is funny that the videos on you tube shows our actual machine shedding a lawn tractor! For our customers it provides piece of mind that their materials are being processed in our facility and not being exported for processing somewhere else which is a huge concern with most companies today.

Extreme Recycling is very active in the community: Toys for Tots, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Keep America Beautiful, Lance Armstrong Foundations, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics of Kansas and California, American Stroke Association, Humane Society of the US, and Cells for Cells. HOW in the world do you support all of those?

One donation at a time through small contributions that will, over time, become even larger as we continue to grow.

Tell us about your owner and founder Dino De Marco. What is his story?

The thing that attracted me to Dino was his passion for this industry and how he educates people on the importance of recycling.  When we first met, he was trying to keep kids off the streets and off drugs  through his recycling business.  I couldn’t work in this industry for any other company because Dino is the “Real Deal.”  He does what he says, never says no, and NEVER QUITS.  THAT is the biggest part of our success and I am honored to be a part of his dream.

Do you have a big goal that you want to accomplish with Extreme Recycling?

You mean our BHAG? (Big hairy audacious goal) To become a leader in the industry and a company name that is known nationwide.

Do you see recycling being any different in 2009 with this economy?

Yes, I do:  Through long term relationships with good downstream vendors – only the strong will survive.

Do you have any predictions for the future of recycling?

In Electronics recycling, I believe that any company that only got into this industry to turn dollars and doesn’t believe in all that is involved with recycling will not be in business in the near future.

I just updated my DVD player at home and I will buy a new HD TV this year. What hints do you have for people like me that have some old home electronics? I don’t want to drive to Topeka to dispose of it “appropriately.” What should I do?

Look at the local county websites under Solid Waste facilities in the area and also just search online for approved e-Waste processors in the area.

Let me ask you a tough question: Can Extreme Recycling help a company make money?

Yes we can; but that shouldn’t be the only motive for a company to utilize our services.

How easy is it to use Extreme Recycling services?

It’s simple just call [785-267-1700] and one of our trained customer service reps will assist you.

Who is your ideal client?

Any company in need of the services that we provide. Keep in mind that our primary focus is the environment and how we can educate any company to be accountable for the materials they generate.

What is your take on mandatory versus voluntary recycling?

We believe in voluntary recycling through education.

We just connected on LinkedIn. How important do you think embracing social networking tools will be in 2009.

Very. Electronic communication is part of reducing your footprint.

Biggest business mistakes to avoid in 2009?

1.  Over-investing in areas that will not provide good returns.  2.  Spending money on wants and not on true necessities.  We [Extreme] have really changed our structure in production and employees and have really seen an overall improvement.

What cell phone do you use?

Blackberry curve 8330

What recycling tips do you have for large companies? What recycling tips do you have for small businesses? What recycling tips do you have for just regular Joe and Jane Public?

Large company or Small company; Joe or Jane should all remember the same thing:  Do the research when dealing with companies that provide our type of services look at the local state and government standards and make sure they are being followed.

Last words?