recycling

Deffenbaugh Industries Partners with Cells for Cells

August 24, 2010 by jclements

Midwest’s largest trash and recycling company partners with eco-friendly initiative to help families battling cancer

Shawnee, KS (August 24, 2010)—Today’s strategic partnerships are more important than ever. By capitalizing on innovative talent and creative networking, Deffenbaugh Industries continues to build a name for itself as an eco-friendly brand. Now, with a new partnership with cell phone recycler, Cells for Cells, Deffenbaugh Industries will apply its momentum as one of the largest recyclers in the Midwest to invigorate local and national green initiatives.

As the largest trash collection and disposal company in the Kansas City region, Deffenbaugh Industries has already built a strong connection with the community. Since introducing curbside recycling to the Kansas City metro area in 1989 and through programs like the “One Earth, One Chance School Recycling Program” Deffenbaugh Industries encourages sustainability by showcasing leading-edge methods of recycling. These programs reward creative thinking, and encourage participants to look at sustainability as a lifestyle choice.

And now, their partnership with Cells for Cells, the largest recycling program which collects used cell phones to raise money for families battling cancer, allows Deffenbaugh Industries to do more than just recycle: Deffenbaugh Industries is helping families battling cancer.

Deffenbaugh Industries is leading the Midwest in green initiatives and encouraging the community to take simple actions. Recycling efforts cannot be successful when only a few individuals try to make sweeping changes: It’s when a large group of people and communities make tiny changes – like recycling a cell phone – that the results are staggering.

Cells for Cells primary beneficiary is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society whom they support nationally – working with 14 chapters. “We just want to help more families,” says Jason Clements, Cells for Cells co-founder. “Our partnership with Deffenbaugh Industries will allow us to raise awareness about recycling and the environment both locally and nationally.”

About Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc.

Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc., founded in 1957 is one of the largest waste and recycling services companies in the Midwest. Deffenbaugh Industries provides efficient collection, transportation, and disposal of commercial and residential waste and recycling, construction waste, portable toilet, and truck and industrial supplies services. Over its 50 years in operations, Deffenbaugh Industries has establish a reputation for superior customer service and satisfaction. Deffenbaugh Industries is headquartered in Kansas City and operates in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. For additional information please visit http://www.deffenbaughinc.com/

About Cells for Cells

Cells for Cells recycles cell phones to raise money for families battling cancer. Cells for Cells partners include Kansas City’s largest and most influential companies, and Fortune 500 companies nationwide. Cells for Cells is also part of Pepsi’s Eco Challenge. To learn more about getting your company involved with Cells for Cells please visit www.cellsforcells.com

Additional Reading

Cells for Cells: Part of Pepsi’s Eco Challenge

Recycle Today: Timely Recycling Means More Value For Your Charity

June 7, 2010 by jclements

Used cell phones are a commodity that constantly drop in value. If your company supports any charity through cell phone recycling, the quicker you get them recycled, the more money you will raise for your charity.

Cell Phone Recycling Values are Always Dropping

Since we began Cells for Cells in 2007, it has happened 4 times: In less than 30 days, a series of cell phones have lost more than 90 percent of their value. We are aware that this happens, but it is always shocking when it does.

This massive drop in value usually happens when a major carriers ends its support of a certain model or models of cell phones.

If you are one of the millions of Americans that have cell phone insurance – through your provider – chances are that you will be issued a refurbished cell phone if you are unlucky enough to run over or drop in a snow drift or have your dog eat your cell phone.

Most refurbished cell phones come from recycling programs just like Cells for Cells. Cell phones are collected, the memory is flashed (cleared of data and new software installed), the phone is repaired or repainted, sold back to the carrier and then given to you through your insurance claim.

It really is an outstanding re-use model – just like the path that used-cars/pre-owned cars take.

And, today’s cell phone marketplace is flooding with iPhone copy-cats that have touch-screens, movie players and coffee makers (there’s an app for that). So as more and more cell phones or communication devices come to the market, it becomes a never-ending cascade of diminishing values for the cell phones in the recycling world. And if the recycling world is giving less to the recyclers; then the recyclers end up giving less to the charity. That’s a bit of a bummer.

So what can you do today to make a difference?

Get your cell phones to your recycler today. No matter what program you support – whether it is Cells for Cells or another worthy cause – timely recycling will create the maximum benefit your charity.

Additional Reading

8 tips for making mobile phone recycling easier

Recycling Used Cell Phones: Yes, Even If Your Dog Chewed On It

Recycle or Die: Extreme Recycling in Topeka, Kansas

May 4, 2009 by jclements

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?

Victor Melendez, former VP Marketing – Sustainability at Pepsicola North Amercia talks with Cells for Cells

April 29, 2009 by jclements

We can all agree that green initiatives cannot be successful when only a few individuals try to make sweeping changes: it’s when a large group of people make tiny adaptations that the results are staggering.

Victor Melendez knows this first hand. He is the former VP of Marketing – Sustainability of PepsiCola North America. Pepsi has some 168,000 employees.

Obviously, Victor possesses a deep understanding of recycling and sustainability on a large scale and it was during Victor’s tenure that Pepsi became a Cells for Cells partner.

Victor is now the Principal at VM Consulting, a marketing-sustainability firm (Victor Melendez LinkedIn profile) and I can’t say enough good things about him. The bottom line is that he is one of the most brilliant minds in his field and more than generous to answer these questions.

On Cells for Cells

Jason: I love telling the story of how we connected and how it only took 3 business days for Pepsi to decide to partner with Cells for Cells. Tell our readers how it was that you decided so quickly.

Victor: Well it was really an easy decision for me. At that time, we were rolling out our recycling initiative and it just felt like a perfect fit for us. It allowed us to involve our employees in recycling in a very simple and no-hassle way and it also allowed us to do something good beyond that. On the other hand, I also connected with your mission on a personal level. To me it was a simple win-win situation for everyone involved.

Jason: What was the most common thing you heard everyone saying about the Cells for Cells program?

Victor: That they would have never thought of it, they were very excited about how easy it was to help and do some good while at the same time getting those old cells out of their hands.

On Recycling and Sustainability

Jason: What are 4 things that everyone can do right now to be better at recycling?

Victor:

1- Know the facts, talk to your local hauler or municipality to learn how it works in your neighborhood.

2- As much as possible, try to buy products that are recyclable or come in recyclable packaging.

3- Get your kids involved and your neighbors if you can!

4- Volunteer at school or a local project to get the community involved as well.

Jason: In the Cell Phone industry there is a saying, ‘the biggest battle is against gravity.’ Once an old cell phone is put down (in a box, drawer, storage) it is very difficult for the consumer to take the action to recycle it. What do you think the biggest battle is in recycling?

Victor: Lack of awareness, information and knowledge. Most people are still very confused about what is recyclable and what is not, where to place it, what to do with it, etc. I think there needs to be a much more conscious effort to educate the consumer on what to do and how to do it. Most people want to do the right thing; we need to help them figure out just how to do that.

Jason: Who do you think is doing the best job in the sustainability field? And why?

Victor: It is hard to say who is the doing the best; I can say that it is very gratifying to see how many companies across many sectors and industries are doing great things and paving the way for others do follow.

Jason: What do you see happening with sustainability in the short term? For the rest of 2009?

Victor: Given the current economy and its challenges, it has been and it will continue to be a tough year for sustainability as many companies have cut their budget and spending on “green” initiatives. At the same time, consumers are struggling to get by and more and more are being forced to make tough choices to make their money go farther.

Nonetheless, I still think there is a much greater awareness of the issues we face on the sustainability front and most people are still looking for and willing to make changes ( even if small ) in their daily lives to do their part.

Jason: You are now the Principal at VM – Marketing & Sustainability. What is your mission at VM?

Victor: To help corporations guide, shape and disseminate their sustainability agenda and influence the way it is brought to life to consumers and all other relevant groups involved.

Jason: Small or Large? What kind of company can use your service?

Victor: My experience has been with large companies but the same principles apply to both large and small companies as the need and relevance to think about sustainability really cuts across all sectors.

Jason: Would you describe your firm as an outsourced Chief Sustainability Officer?

Victor: Yes, I am able to help a company define and bring to life its sustainability strategy in a holistic way by involving all areas of the business and looking at both internal and external constituents, always with the ultimate goal to maximize the company’s benefit and ensuring the creating of brand value.

Jason: From where do you think the biggest innovations (that consumers can get their hands on and actually use) in recycling or sustainability will come?

Victor: They will probably come from two key places: The first one being many of the companies we know today as they are trying to move the sustainability agenda forward. There is a lot of work being done in the innovation space to bring more sustainable products and services; evaluating new alternatives in materials and raw materials; and they way these are sourced and disposed of. The second place that I think will greatly foster the sustainability movement and recycling, in particular, is the work being done by many small entrepreneurial firms in collaboration with government, NGO’s and universities.

On Battling Cancer

Jason: Do you mind sharing a little bit about your personal story with cancer?

Victor: I have seen cancer up close know how difficult it is for everyone involved directly or indirectly, I have lost several family members to it including my grandfather and two aunts. I also saw my wife fight and struggle with cancer and its treatment at a very young age, thank God she is one of the lucky ones who made it and survived it and has been in remission for the past 3 years.

Jason: How do you stay strong? How do you encourage others that are battling cancer? How do you remain positive? How do you keep going when it looks so tough?

Victor: For me it has always been about trying to stay positive, to keep looking forward and not to think too much about how difficult or unfair it is. I kept telling myself that I had to be strong for her and our two kids and that I had to keep moving forward taking one day at a time. It is never easy and, of course, it is easier for those of us who are close but still “outside”. But the staying positive and not allowing myself go to the “worst case” scenario helped me pull through it and allowed me to stay strong to be there for her and the kids.

Jason: Would you call yourself a fighter?

Victor: Absolutely, I never give up, even when things get rough; I focus on the future, take one step at a time and keep trying.

Jason: What would you say is the most important thing a friend or family member can do or say to someone battling cancer?

Victor: Be there for them, let them know [that] you know how hard it is for them, and let them know what you are there to do anything to help them out. Sometimes just being there to listen to them goes a long way. Also, don’t make them feel like you feel sorry for them and don’t shy away from them because they are sick. Treat them like you would any other member of your family.

On Social Networking and Social Media

Jason: Do you see Social Networking and Social Media married to sustainability?

Victor: Yes, they are a powerful force that is allowing for people to stay connected and share / shape their vision and passion about this issue. These mediums allow for people’s voices to be heard and make powerful statements, they are also a great tool to disseminate information and improve awareness.

Jason: What online tools do you use for Social Networking / Media?

Victor: I use Linkedin to stay connected to my professional network and to research companies I might be interested in.

On Getting Personal

Jason: Tell us some things that you do personally to be a good steward of our planet?

Victor:

– I have changed all the light bulbs in our house to CFLs

– I have lowered the temperature on our water heater and insulated all the pipes

– We only run full loads on the washing machine and the dish washer and only do it at night

– We recycle everything we can and only buy products that come in recyclable packaging

– We only use reusable grocery bags for our grocery shopping

– We all plant a few trees every “earth day” as a family tradition

– We try to use the car as little as possible and plan out errands to maximize each trip

– We buy as many organic items as we can

Jason: What cell phone do you use?

Victor: A Blackberry

Jason: What do you do when you are not “working”?

Victor: I spend as much time as I can with my wife and kids

Jason: Favorite outdoor activity?

Victor: Playing tennis

Jason: Favorite raw food?

Victor: Sushi

Jason: What other causes do you support and why?

Victor: WorldVision – I believe that by making a difference in one child’s life at a time you also greatly benefit his family and society as a whole. If we all did that, there would be a lot less violence and a lot less unhappy children in the world

Jason: Last question: What do you think it will take to cause consumers to be better with recycling?

Victor: More information, more awarenss, making it easier for people to participate, increasing availability of containers to do so.

Organic Climbing: Green = Long Lasting, High Quality Products

February 16, 2009 by jclements

I always enjoy running into companies that have a wider view of what it means to be green. In the case of Josh Helke’s Organic Climbing, green doesn’t just mean reusing scraps of fabric (which they do) or powering their shop by wind energy (which they do) or promoting cell phone recycling (which they also do); but it means loving what you do and creating a product that will outlast the competition.

Jason: Organic Climbing – how did you come up with the name?

Josh: My wife is a Geologist. We were doing research near Price UT and I decided on the trip I wanted a better bouldering pad. We talked about starting our own company and making all pads one-of-a-kind by reusing our cutting scraps. We decided that they would all be organic-one-of-a-kind-artistic pieces.

Jason: How did you get your start with your company? Are you an entrepreneur or were you driven by your artistic/creative upbringing?

Josh: Creativity is in our family. My mother and younger brother are ceramist. I have designed and shaped hundreds of [climbing] holds for companies around the industry. I’ve designed gear. I’ve route set for over a decade and established over 700 first ascents. So, I have always been looking for some creative outlet. Once I started organic, I knew I could stop looking. I love what I do every day 100 percent. And I get to chat with awesome people around the world!

Jason: Has it been easy since the beginning of the biz or have there been tough times?

Josh: It has never been easy. When I started, I had never really used industrial sewing machines so when they would break (always at the worst times late at night) I would freak out. Then, as we grew, there was the how-to-hire-employees, train those employees, and be a boss man. Every step of the way is a new challenge; but, like in climbing, it is what keeps it fun and fresh.

Jason: What makes you happy to go to work everyday?

Josh: Knowing that I am creating pieces of gear that will make someone smile when the open them on the other end of shipping and be psyched for years to come. There is also something so cool about going on a trip (like I did this last weekend to the South east) and meeting customers face to face, getting an idea for new gear and getting right back to the shop and sewing up some prototypes. I get to create the gear people want with my 2 hands. It is soooo coool!!!

Jason: You’ve been climbing since you were 10. What are your favorite climbing / outdoor memories as a kid?

Josh: The many years my little brother and I spent exploring all across Minnesota and Wisconsin, developing awesome new sport and boulder lines. Also, the first year I moved out to Laramie WY, before I started Organic, Andy Rathe r, my wife Liz and I, would climb every day, averaging 5 new problems each. It was so awesome to have a fresh canvas in front of us to explore and climb.

Jason: Tell me about how you are green.

Josh: All of of our pads use a new soy foam open-cell as well as a non-PVC-closed-cell foam. We also reuse all of the cutting scraps in our shop to form the one-of-a-kind stripes you see on all of our gear! We also focus on building all our gear to the highest quality possible to be sure it lasts for ages. Our shop is also powered by 100 percent Wyoming wind energy!

Jason: I love that fact that you build equipment that lasts. Tell me about the environmental impact of your products.

Josh: We do have to ship our products and many of the materials we use in them, however we do our best to minimize our footprint by buying our foam and fabrics from USA suppliers and not outsourcing any of our products.

Jason: For climbers and boulderers that want to upgrade to Organic, what should we do with our old crash pads?

Josh: I tell people that there are so many kids clubs that can use them if they are in ok condition. You can keep them under your own climbing wall. Or, you can donate them to a local animal shelter to use for dog beds.

Jason: How are you spreading the word about taking care and being a good steward of our precious climbing areas?

Josh: We sponsor many many crag clean ups and we are very aware of who are local steward of areas and do our best to return support to those individuals. I try to travel to many of the major areas each year and we work with many grass-roots, local organizations through raffles, comps, etc. to help raise money for their projects.

Jason: What other climbing / outdoor companies do you like that support the environment?

Josh: I think FiveTen’s recycled rubber is really cool and forward thinking.

Honestly, I feel like many outdoor gear companies ride the green wave but are doing fairly little. I can rant on this for ages, but it is simple: make a bomber product, not one that falls apart, That way, you are doing the best thing possible by minimizing consumption. Why make it if it is not going to last??!!!

Jason: What’s your take on pad stashing?

Josh: I am not a fan, the game is to climb and carry your gear!

Jason: Favorite place to climb?

Josh: South eastern sandstone followed by my Minnesota homeland

Jason: Most rewarding line?

Josh: First ascent of Analog V9 Vedauwoo WY and First Ascent of Tugging Softly 5.13 Vedauwoo WY

Jason: Favorite shoes?

Josh: Currently Five Ten 5X, best all around shoe I have ever worn!

Jason: What cell phone do you use?

Josh: LC Chocolate

Jason: Do you have a favorite personal electronic gadget?

Josh: I like my Macbook and iPod

Jason: What is your take on the highballs that climbers are sending today – like Jorgeson’s Ambrosia – 45 feet up and others (some language on the Mirando video)?

Josh: It is the future of the sport for sure, and I am psyched to see people taking it to the next level!

Jason: How many Organic pads does it take to be safe (I mean little risk of injury) at 45 feet?

Josh: Pads can only do so much, if you have a well skilled spotter you can do amazing things and live to tell about it!!

Jason: Any tips for staying safe while bouldering?

Josh: Spot each other, spotting is so important, also watch your pad placements!

Jason: You guys doing anything different for your biz in this 2009 economy?

Josh: I am focusing on getting out more and showing people the quality of our pads first hand and talking to my customers and climbing with them in person. Face to face interaction is what we are about!

Jason: I love your YouTube video. At 1:45 you show the differences of Organic’s foam to other foams. That is quite a visual. You say that it is a proprietary product. Can you elaborate?

Josh: I can tell you that is is expensive but well worth it, and it is also eco sensitive : )

Jason: How long does it take for me to get my custom pad?

Josh: Pads can range from 2 days – 3 weeks depending on how difficult the custom design is and if you need it for a trip etc. I am always happy to help out a fellow climber : )

Jason: Last words?

Josh: Thanks to Cells for Cells and I would encourage people to check out the great service they provide and contribute!