Pile of Scrap

🍽️ Table Scraps: The Challenge - Reunion Edition In this episode of Pile of Scrap the cast of Table Scraps: The Chef's Challenge returns to the table, this time to reflect, reconnect and relive the moments that didn't make the final cut. From behind-the-scenes laughs to unexpected lessons, host John Sacco sits down with the crew to talk about what's changed since filming, what stuck with them, and...

Live from the show floor at the ReMA 2025 Convention, John Sacco sits down with Tim Ridderbos to talk about the evolving media landscape in the recycling industry. From cell phone videos to full-scale advocacy projects, Tim shares how content creation is transforming the way we communicate value, policy, and sustainability. They dive into what it means to entertain, educate, and inspire action in...

Join John Sacco in the latest episode of Pile of Scrap, featuring special guest Stuart Kagan. Dive into Sierra's journey of onboarding with BUDDY as Stuart shares insights on the rigorous vetting process he conducts. Discover how BUDDY connects the right companies to buy and sell recycled materials, ensuring a seamless and trustworthy marketplace for sustainable business practices.

Join John Sacco and Mr. Scrappy himself Stuart Kagan for an exclusive tour of Sierra Recycling and Demolition—described by Stuart as a Hollywood set of recycled metals facilities. In this episode, we dive into the impressive efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, including the installation of 1700 solar panels. Discover the innovative practices of keeping extra parts for customer post-sales needs...

Join us on the latest episode of "Pile of Scrap" as host John Sacco explores the intricate dynamics of building and sustaining a family business. Discover the personal and professional challenges of working closely with loved ones, from the ground-level tasks of sorting materials to the strategic roles in purchasing and social media management. Dive into the diverse perspectives each family member...

In this urgent mini-episode of Pile of Scrap, host John Sacco shares alarming insights from the recent BIR convention in Copenhagen. Discover the stark regulatory changes in the EU that could redefine the global recycling industry, labeling valuable recycled materials as mere 'waste'. John emphasizes the critical need to reshape our language and public perception about recycling, challenging misco...

Join host John Sacco as he sits down with the Lincoln Brothers on the latest episode of Pile of Scrap! Discover what it's like to grow up in the recycled metals industry, leave it, and then make a triumphant return. In this engaging episode, the Lincoln Brothers share their unique journey, detailing their experiences growing up immersed in the world of recycled metals. They discuss the pivotal mom...

In this episode of Pile of Scrap, host John Sacco welcomes Collin Kelly, the newly appointed chairman of the Recycling Manufacturers Association (ReMA). Dive into the significant rebranding efforts from ISRI to ReMA and discover the strategic reasons behind this pivotal change. Collin shares his vision for enhancing the industry's appeal to policymakers by shifting the narrative towards hot-button...

Join John Sacco in the latest episode of "Pile of Scrap," co-hosted by the esteemed Cozzi brothers, Frank and Albert. Together, they delve into the transformative journey of the recycled metals industry across three generations. From evolving practices at recycled metal facilities to shifts in industry dialogue and their visions for the future, this episode looks at where we've been and where we'r...

Tune in as host John Sacco sits down with Susie Burrage OBE, the current President of BIR, for an insightful conversation on the organization's future. Learn about the exciting release of 'Recyclist,' a hard copy magazine diving deep into the latest developments in the waste and recycled metals industry. From discussing BIR's growth to exploring Susie's vision for its future, this conversation is...

Join John Sacco as he sits down with Lisa and Stuart Kagan. From their early days working at the grassroots level of the recycled material industry to spearheading innovation, the Kagans share their journey of building BUDDY — a unique marketplace designed by recyclers, for recyclers. Dive into their inspiring story of persistence, innovation, and how they are shaping the future of recycling with...

Live at ISRI 2024, top-ranked Economist and Futurist Jason Schenker joins John Sacco as they discuss the current Geopolitical state, the U.S. economy and inflation rates. They also dive into a possible “Cold War 2” scenario and what that means for the Metal Recycling Industry.

Join John Sacco, former ISRI chairman, as he interviews current ISRI chair, Brian Hennessy. John and Bryan discusses his term as ISRI chairman, and the experience Brian has had over the last two years. They discuss current, past and future of ISRI and his thoughts as the outgoing chairman of his final convention.

Join John Sacco as he discusses the importance of the recycled materials industry, addressing the common misconceptions and the negative imagery associated with the term "scrap." Emphasizing the need for rebranding and using precise language to positively change the industry's public perception. Sacco highlights the unveiling of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries' (ISRI) new name (happeni...

At the Scrap Expo 2023 convention in Louisville, KY, John Sacco brings the podcast to the center stage as he talks with Jay Robinovitz (Alter Trading President & CEO), Danny Rifkin (MetalX President & CEO), George Adams (SA Recycling CEO), and Kevin Gershowitz (Gershow Recycling Vice President). These men emphasize the spirit of business owners in the industry to flourish amidst industry consolida...

Host John Sacco and ISRI Chairman Brian Henesey discuss the challenges, opportunities, and goals of ISRI and the recycling industry as a whole. Highlighting the importance of recycled materials, the need for advocacy, and the importance of increased member engagement for the betterment of the industry, Brian Henesey’s goal is to promote the value of recycling to regulators, policymakers, and the p...

In this eye-opening episode, discover how a simple shift in language can revolutionize perceptions. Join host John Sacco as he engages with communication expert Michael Maslansky, exploring the rebranding of the recycled materials industry. From redefining raw materials to spotlighting its vital role in iconic products, this conversation emphasizes both education and collaboration. Michael's insig...

Host John Sacco sits down with the talented young minds of the ISRI 2023 JASON Learning Project. The winners – Barbie Lin, Ashvin Saini, Yaesung Kim, and Bailey Maltese – delve into their creative processes, motivations, and aspirations behind their designs. Although they’re already making huge strides in the world of recycling, we get to be all ears for what the next generation plans for their fu...

We welcome Bill Sulak, the new president of Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT), onto the podcast! John and Bill discuss Bill’s transition into the position and the compatibility between FPT and Cleveland Cliffs, highlighting the value placed on FPT's leadership and industry expertise. Sharing his leadership style and expressing his dedication to the industry, Bill outlines his commitment to deve...

Bruce Blue, ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and President of Freedom Metals, Inc., joins the podcast at the 2023 ISRI National Convention to discuss the changes he’s witnessed in the recycling industry over the years and the importance of spreading awareness about the industry’s societal impact. By delving into a few personal experiences of his, he highlights how each experience has further...

Host John Sacco sits down with Michael and Lindy Levell of Lakeside Auto Recyclers at the 2023 National ISRI Convention, where they share their passion for educating others about the importance of the recycling industry. Together, they delve into the importance of reshaping the perception of metals recycling, particularly among younger generations, and fostering enthusiasm for it. The Levells take...

At the National 2023 ISRI Convention in Nashville, TN, John Sacco invites George Adams’ sons, Kurtis, Kalvin, and Tyler on the podcast to delve into their roles as leaders of SA Recycling’s many yards and shed light on their commitment to sustainability and innovation within the industry. Emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between work and family while navigating the challenges of run...

At the 2023 ISRI National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, John Sacco sits with Tom Bird, President of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), to shed light on the obstacles the recycling industry is facing. While emphasizing the importance of navigating conflicts and trade regulations, Tom discusses the needed support for Ukrainian BIR members affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war an...

With a 125-year history, Alter Trading Corporation recently celebrated their anniversary in New Orleans, Louisiana. As fourth generation to head Alter Trading, Jeff, Rob and Rich Goldstein have managed to maintain a culture reflecting the traits of a small family business despite their growing success as a major corporation. During the celebration, the Goldstein brothers reflected on their upbring...

Jennifer Betts, now metal enthusiast, graduated from Indiana University as a major in finance. After stumbling upon the metals recycling industry at a job fair, the rest is history! Now, as a voice of metal recyclers everywhere, Jennifer has taken matters into her own hands to give the industry the recognition it deserves by sharing her experiences and stories on platforms like TikTok, hoping to e...