About

About Sims Municipal Recycling

History

In 2003, Sims Metal Management, through Sims Municipal Recycling (SMR), expanded into curbside recycling in the United States. SMR has since become a cornerstone of New York City’s recycling system, processing and marketing approximately 500,000 tons of plastic, glass, metal and paper that New Yorkers put into recycling bins each year.

Current Operations in NY-NJ Metro Region

Today, SMR is the processor of 100% of the metal, glass and plastic and 50% of the paper collected by the NYC Department of Sanitation throughout the five boroughs. NYC operates the largest curbside recycling program in the United States. SMR services the City of New York with its facilities in Queens, the Bronx and Jersey City, and its newest facility in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, which opened in 2013. The Brooklyn plant is the largest commingled recycling facility in North America. SMR also processes recyclables produced by several municipalities and private generators in the NY-NJ metro region.

Chicago Expansion

In the summer of 2013, SMR expanded to Chicago and is now serving a portion of Chicago’s Southside “Blue Cart” curbside recycling program.

Recycling Services for Other Recyclers

With greater restrictions on plastic imports into China, SMR has recently expanded its business of processing mixed plastics produced by other MRFs into sorted, saleable resins.

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Did You Know?

Recycling rates nationwide have more than doubled in the last 15 years to 34.5%, due to the efforts of companies like Sims, increased global demand for commodities, and ever growing public awareness of environmental issues. In Europe, where Sims Metal Management operates numerous recycling facilities, recycling programs are even more ambitious than in the United States, and the recovery rate is closer to 60%.

Moving forward, Sims Municipal Recycling will make use of its resources and build on its experience to bring efficient and effective curbside recycling services to other municipalities across the US.

Curbside Recycling Services in Your Area

Interested in learning how Sims can help your region in managing curbside recycling services?
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