Another PhredG post that deserves some attention a
Post# of 3844
I also have PERSONALLY worked with 2TRG and know Julie personally. The consolidation has less to do with what you are saying than with an overall decline in the economy after 2008. Yes, the earlier gold, silver and copper in the industry was picked out of basements in the first wave. However, there is value in ABS, PC, PC/ABS, HIPS, PS, PMMA, Nylon and every other kind of plastic. There is also aluminum, copper, silver, gold , and so on. You have to evolve in any business to stay alive. The Business of EWaste has also changed, and those players that know how to extract value out of every component survive, those that don't, fail.
What do you think Lead trades at today? What is the value of a lb of PC when handled properly? How about this? The value of a cut appliance cord in copper has LESS value than the Plastics at this point. Did you know that? I guess you are not a professional. I wouldn't recommend starting a recycling company.
I know how to recycle plastics, and I personally trade in the world commodity market. I know the value of lead vs. aluminum and how to grade a circuit board. Sounds to me like I might put your buddy to work disassembling toasters , but not doing any heavy mental lifting or recycling strategy.