What a Recycling Broker Actually Does (and How to Know If You Need One)

How much money does your business throw away every day? And we’re not talking figuratively; you may almost literally be tossing money in the trash. If your waste management system involves little more than having city workers come out weekly to empty your bins, you’re not helping your bottom line or the environment.

Global research shows who is and isn’t recycling, and the numbers are particularly stark for America. 

One reason recycling rates have gone down, especially for businesses, is that managing waste is more complex than ever. Costs are rising, and markets are fluctuating. When you add inconsistent vendor performance into the mix, this becomes a big financial and ecological problem.

If your business has multiple locations or produces diverse waste streams, chances are good that you’re leaving money and sustainability wins on the table. So, what’s the solution? Working with an experienced recycling broker. Here you’ll learn what this professional does and how they are instrumental in turning waste into value.

What is a recycling broker?

With the recycling market so fragmented, businesses need someone to act as an intermediary, and this is where a recycling broker comes in. This is far from waste pick up, however, as a broker, they will:

•  Understand your needs: A recycling broker will learn about your business and the types and volumes of waste it produces. They will then tailor a recycling or disposal plan based on your requirements. 
• Coordinate with the right vendors: Based on your business needs and factors such as location and expense, a recycling broker will find the vendors and suppliers that will provide the most efficient and cost-effective services.
• Handle logistics: Your recycling broker will collect your waste at the right times and deal with any problems that arise during the process. 
• Keep you in compliance: Reputable recycling brokers know local rules and regulations regarding waste disposal, and they will ensure that your business always complies with them.
• Provide ongoing support: Waste disposal can involve many people and companies, but your recycling broker will act as your sole point of contact to address your questions or concerns.

 The 4G Recycling advantage

Companies have relied on 4G as their recycling broker for over a century. Why? Because we utilize a nationwide network of vetted vendors. We also have strong negotiation power to help businesses reduce costs and increase rebates. In addition, due to our extensive logistics experience, we ensure consistent pickups and service performance.

Benefits of working with a recycling broker

When you run a business, you want it to be as profitable as possible. This is the biggest reason to partner with a recycling broker; they will find the best vendors to meet your needs and fit your budget. That’s not the only advantage, however, as a broker will also:

• Save you time: You don’t have time to get quotes, arrange waste pick-ups, or deal with issues that arise, which is why it makes sense to outsource to a recycling broker.
•  Discover lost revenue: Ensuring the right waste goes to the right places to be recycled is great. But, you know what’s even better? Getting paid for it. A recycling broker will find value in what you get rid of to turn trash into treasure.
• Lessen your environmental impact: While saving money is important, so too is helping the planet. A recycling broker will ensure that all waste that can be recycled is recycled. This helps keep trash out of landfills and allows your company to do its part.
• Help you avoid fines: As mentioned, your business must comply with strict environmental laws. A recycling broker will ensure that you adhere to regulations, thus avoiding fines or potential legal issues.
• Bolster your reputation: With environmental concerns more important than ever for many consumers, you must be aware of your company’s public image. Working with a recycling broker shows that you care about the planet, which can strengthen your reputation.

The 4G Recycling advantage

4G Recycling can help cut your waste costs significantly. We provide detailed reporting so you can get a clear picture of how you’re saving money and metrics related to landfill diversion rates and compliance outcomes. In addition, we offer a variety of customized recycling programs for different materials, including paper, plastics, metals, and e-waste. For both national and regional recycling needs, we are a one-stop solution.

Does your business need a recycling broker?

Now that you know what a recycling broker does and the advantages they offer, the next step is figuring out if your business can benefit from one. To figure this out, ask yourself these questions:

•  Do you manage large quantities of waste or across multiple locations?
•   Are you unsure if your current rates are competitive?
•  Is there a lack of visibility into your recycling performance?
•   Are you tasked with meeting internal or external sustainability targets?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to contact a recycling broker. Contact 4G Recycling to learn how we can turn your waste into strategic wins.