Earthcharter

SBA Case Study: Creative Recycling Systems, Inc.

Friday, 26 February 2010 19:43

MEDIUM  BUSINESS CATEGORY

Company Name: Creative Recycling Systems, Inc.

Contact: Diana Nieves-Oake
Website:  www.crserecycling.com

Number of Employees: 50 - 250

Certifications/Affiliations: ISO 14001:2004 certification
Year Established: 1994
Industry: Electronics Recycling

Introduction: Creative Recycling Systems is a "Green Technology" company headquartered in Tampa Bay, FL. It was founded in 1994 with the mission of providing private companies, local, state and federal government and institutions with electronics recycling solutions that represent a viable, economical alternative to environmental contamination. The company has led the industry by incorporating innovative methods into the processing of obsolete electronics.  It has invested in cutting-edge equipment to shred, sort and separate equipment into its original components which are further refined and recycled into new products. Its goal is zero waste. Of the thousands of tons of equipment that enter its facilities, less than 1% actually enters the waste stream. And of that 1%, all of it is 100% contaminant free. It provides the best solution to the problem of unwanted electronics.

The company has facilities in Tampa, Miami and Tallahassee, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. It service all of the SOUTHEAST, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, and north to Washington, DC. In addition, CRS is branching out to service MIDWEST states such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.

Sustainable Practices and Initiatives (Planet)

Technology/Infrastructure: CRS is constantly improving processes and machinery to ensure lifetime sustainability.  Its technology is the finest in the world and ensures minimal impact to the environment.  Currently it owns two recycling machines that are EACH capable of processing 150 million pounds of material annually. These machines ensure that hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium are kept out of landfills, producing the smallest environmental footprint available in the world. CRS has spent countless hours finding, developing and delivering true environmental solutions. Extensive world travel for research and to share technology has helped then to building lasting international relationships, allowing them to bring the best available solutions and technology to the United States.

Internally, employees are always reminded to turn off lights and conserve energy with signs prominently placed throughout their offices. The heat and a/c systems are thermostat regulated to ensure energy conservation. CRS also prefers to use environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Materials and Recycling:Their state-of-the-art recycling equipment shreds and separates electronics into their original material of plastics, steel, aluminum, precious metals, and glass. An advanced filtering system insures that it does so without any harmful air emissions. Creative Recycling is leading the industry in developing and utilizing new uses for these commodities and preventing any electronic waste from entering landfills. This gives them the capacity to handle the deluge of TV’s, cell phones and other electronic scrap that are quickly made obsolete by the introduction of High Definition TV and numerous rapid advances in technology. In addition to processing electronics scrap for the State of Florida, they are responsible for handling all aspects of electronics recycling for Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County and City of Tampa. This involves managing electronics waste collection for residents of these Tampa Bay communities.  They have a zero landfill policy, meaning everything they process becomes a reusable commodity through recycling or reuse. They have received the prestigious ISO 14001:2004 certification, complying with risk reduction, prevention and resource management for a healthy and safe environment. Additionally, by reusing and recycling electronics, CRS helps to decrease the need for mining for resources such as gold and copper, a process which is extremely hazardous to the environment.  Gold mining is the single most polluting activity on the planet and produces more mercury pollution than any other activity.  Since mining is done in some of the most pristine areas of the Earth and produces tons of poisonous mine waste for every usable ounce, reusing these resources is a true victory for the environment.

Other than their own business, all printing paper used in the offices is recycled paper, whereby some of their employees reuse paper to ensure both sides are printed on before recycling paper.  Bottles, cans and other recyclable materials are also all handled appropriately.

Products/Services: Creative Recycling is committed to the constant improvement of pollution reduction and environmental performance. By recycling electronics, they are able to capture commodities and precious metals that would otherwise have to be traditionally mined from the environment; thereby eliminating land destruction and producing the smallest environmental footprint in the world. CRS' technologies, along with continued refinement of all operational aspects, propel CRS to be environmental stewards with the best practices in the industry.  CRS' initiatives also facilitate the company's ability to meet its client's data security needs, decrease operating costs while increasing capacity and improving efficiencies.  CRS was awarded a contract

with the Florida DEP to establish innovative programs throughout Florida to encourage recycling of household electronics.  These programs helped launch the Sunshine State as one of the leading recyclers of electronics in the nation. 

Economic Impact (Profit)

Being a "Green Technology" company headquartered in Tampa Bay, FL, CRS impacts the growth of their support staff for their expanding national locations. Their growth creates both white and blue collar jobs locally and nationally. Their investment in processing technology and machinery stimulates local businesses and allows them to reinvest in the community by using local vendors.

CRS is a growing company and industry. Below are their financial trends which support their sustainable profitability. 

• Net Income trends (% change for last 3 years)                      11% increase
• Free Cash Flow trends (% change for last 3 years)                7% increase
• Return on Assets (% change for last 3 years)                        14% increase

• Return on Equity (% change for last 3 years)                       18% increase

Community Commitment (People)

External: Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. has a tradition of providing support to local charities. Using its resources to provide technology to those in need, CRS has donated in excess of 2,000 refurbished computers to schools, service organizations, churches, troops overseas and other entities, which might otherwise be unable to fulfill a demonstrated and urgent need. Some of the programs that have benefited from the computer donation initiative include: Troops serving in Iraq, Joshua House, JA BizTown, Earth Day Awareness, Lakeland Boys and Girls Clubs, Children’s Home in Seffner, Christian Coalition and many others.

Jon Yob, the CEO, serves as the Chairman of Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, a local organization that works to improve the lives of foster children in the Tampa Bay area. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Joshua House Foundation. Additionally, several members of the company volunteer their time and efforts for local charitable organizations such as Children's Cancer Center, Joshua House, and Junior Achievement, to name a few. 

Internal: All of their employees are eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, and AFLAC supplemental insurance. Luckily, as they are a growing company and industry, they have not been affected with layoffs. On a personal level, they encourage all employees to continue their education and they offer flexible work schedules to everyone as necessary to accommodate personal situations, including continuing education. All employees are eligible for vacation, sick time and are encouraged to spend family/social time.  On a professional level, CRS has achieved the ISO 14001 Certification and is currently working on 18001 and ISO 9001 certifications.

All employees, when hired, receive environmental and safety training. This is followed up with on-going training to ensure the highest level of policy adherence.  Health care benefits of the employees are covered at 50%.

Employees receive developmental reviews after 90 days and then repeated on an annual basis. Skills management programs are offered to employees as promotional opportunities arise.  Tuition reimbursement is also offered on a case by case basis. Their workplace is committed to diversity in all hiring practices. CRS subscribes to all EEO policies and offers fair and equal pay regardless of race, gender or ethnic background. CRS strives to achieve fair and ethical standards and is a leader in ethical measures. Regardless of position with the company, all customer interaction is fair and courteous, with the customer always in mind.

Because the safety of their employees is of the utmost importance, CRS has advanced HEPA filtration systems that ensure clean air in their facilities.