‘Recycling is unpredictable and I’m up for the challenge’

US recycler Brett Ekart runs the third-generation family business United Metals in Boise, Idaho. Recent heavy snow hit the city, blocking roads and putting recycling on the back burner.

United Metals Recycling handles We handle about 80 000 tonnes of ferrous scrap per year and 680 000 tonnes of non-ferrous, most of which (75%) is commercial. ‘We processed about 20% less metal overall last year,’ Ekart says. ‘While 2023 wasn’t a banger year, we’ve definitely had worse. Besides, we saw great results in ’21 and ’22 and I knew things were bound to slow down sometime.’

Especially the second part of 2023 gave the industry a ‘preview’ of what to expect this year. ‘Metal prices remain high. There’s always plenty of scrap to go around, though. I’m not worried,’ Ekart notes.

Have you invested in any new equipment recently?

‘We installed a new tyre recycling line about two months ago which brings our capacity to around 5 000 tonnes tyres per month, easily. We’re growing our tyre business, which we started a little over three years ago. Not many people are talking about tyres so they’re a largely untapped waste stream. As for this year, I’d like to purchase another mobile scrap shear and keep upgrading our current lines. We’ve also ordered more trucks so we can grow our fleet.’

I’ve heard Idaho winters can be tough. How are you guys doing?

‘We had a blizzard just last week. Schools closed so my kids weren’t complaining! We’ve hardly ever had to shut up shop completely and, if so, it’s less than a week a year. What we do have to look out for is the snow on the roof of our warehouse because it can get really heavy. We have to get rid of it because when it thaws the water gets everywhere. You also have to be careful to take the time to warm up the recycling lines properly. But this season has been pretty mild so far – nothing like the ‘snowmageddon’ we experienced eight years ago.’

What’s your motto?

‘“I like to do hard things.” Why? I guess I get a kick out of beating expectations and showing my grit. Being in scrap isn’t an easy life. Our industry is complex and unpredictable. Every day we’re betting on the market, taking risks. Not everyone can do it, certainly not at scale, and this makes being successful even more satisfying.’

What would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

‘I want to grow our business in a way that makes sense. I can see myself opening another site in the next few years, perhaps two. In this industry, it’s key to have focus and know what you want. Ultimately, I welcome opportunities for growth as long as it fits into our wheelhouse. Doing more isn’t necessarily doing better.’

Read the full interview in our upcoming issue >>