Recycling Frequently Asked Questions

·         Why Recycling?

o   Myers/CMS recycles because it is in a unique position: the company can provide a valuable service to customers and still create value for its team members and owners.  By doing this, Myers/CMS can expand its customer base and find new streams of revenue.  In addition, recycling helps keep waste out of landfills and the environment.  Myers/CMS is committed to developing a successful business while minimizing the harm to the environment.  By recycling, we can help do this not only for ourselves but for our customers as well. 

·         How do we recycle?

o   Myers/CMS processes recyclable materials at its plants in Portland, OR, and Hayward, CA.  The material, usually plastic, is either brought in by the customer or we bring it in on Myers/CMS transportation.  Once the material arrives, it is analyzed by our team members to determine the material’s potential to be reconditioned or recycled.  If a material can be reconditioned, it is sent through our cleaning process and sent back to our customers.  If it can’t be reconditioned, it must be recycled, and we break it down and bale it.  The bales are then sent to our business partners, who then clean and grind up the material.  Finally, they melt down the plastic and turn it into new products, such as coaxial cable and other low-grade plastic products. 

·         With whom do we recycle?

o   Myers/CMS recycles with any of its customers that would like to utilize the service.  We also provide recycling services to any other company or individual that we can provide economical service to.  In general, our services are most often utilized by industrial and commercial customers, but we are in no way limited to those types of clients.  In the event that we can’t provide the best service ourselves, we can suggest alternatives that may provide a better solution.

·         What do we recycle?

o   Myers/CMS currently recycles all types of plastic, non-ferrous (i.e. metals other than steel and iron) metals, and wooden pallets.  Generally, Myers/CMS focuses on recycling non-virgin material.  This means that our specialty is the unclean, unwanted material that could only otherwise end up in the landfill.  Many recyclers only accept clean material, but we believe that just because a material isn’t clean doesn’t mean it should end up in the landfill.

·         Where do we recycle?

o   We recycle in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains.  Our two processing plants are in Portland, OR, and Hayward, CA.  From these two facilities we work with customers to figure out the most economical way to dispose of recyclable waste in an environmentally friendly way.

·         How much does it cost?

o   Your Myers Container representative will help assess costs, depending on types of material, location, quantity, what the container last contained, etc.  However, we have found that in most cases, customers can reduce or eliminate their disposal costs by going with Myers/CMS for their recycling solutions.

·         What happens with the plastic?

o   We work with our business partners to have the plastic cleaned, melted down, and turned into new products such as coaxial cable.   Generally, we prepare for this reprocessing via shredding and/or baling, depending on end use.

·         Can you accept material X?

o   We accept almost all plastics, so it is likely that we can handle your material.  We also accept wooden pallets and non-ferrous (e.g. not steel or iron) metals.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1 (800) 406-9377

·         Can you accept buckets that held paint?

o   Yes, we can accept paint-covered items.  We prefer that the paint has dried, but can accept containers that have wet residues on them.