October 2006

American Recycler

A Closer Look

Brian Brundage is very clear about what his company does - he recycles every last bit of electronic scrap that comes in. Unlike similar businesses, Intercon Solutions (IS) doesn´t sell used parts. "Nothing goes on eBay," Brundage said.

None of the computers or components is sold locally, nor do they get loaded on containers for third-world sales. It makes it easier, Brundage said, because IS doesn´t have to track what can be sold - it´s all just scrap at IS.

"We de-manufacture all parts," he said, breaking down the e-waste into components that can be recycled properly. He explained that if the components are sold as usable, "there´s no way to make sure that the material on the secondary market is recycled properly." And Brundage is all about recycling. "Down to the crumb," he said. Brundage said that customers like this approach, since it leaves them no worries that data on hard drives could be compromised, or that improperly recycled components could get traced back to the customer. "Once you´ve dealt with us, it´s done," Brundage said. It´s all about controlling the customer´s liability, including data liability.

Since most of IS´s customer´s are Fortune 500 companies, they are more interested in security than they are in getting a few dollars from component resale. "We aren´t the cheapest guy on the block," Brundage said, but "our customers are fine with that, knowing the job is done right."

IS can coordinate shipping for the client, and offers a tracking system that offers both a piece count and a weight on everything received at IS. "Everything is double-weighed," Brundage said, to ensure accuracy.

Brundage doesn´t see e-waste as particularly hazardous, the way IS handles it. "What makes it hazardous is pretty simple," he said. For example, lead is one of the computer components that concern environmentalists. But Brundage said, "Lead is lead - if you handle it properly, it can be recycled." It´s just scrap metal, if it´s clean.

One problem with trying to recycle computers and similar e-waste is that there are so many different materials - everything is contaminating everything else. Brundage says that IS´s solution is simple. "We´re able to take it down to level where there aren´t any materials that are contaminated."

When the parts are broken down that far, it´s no longer "hazardous," it´s just recyclable scrap. "It´s not hard to do that when we de-manufacture, like we do," Brundage said. And to do the de-manufacturing, IS relies on people instead of machinery.

"We´re a people company," Brundage said, "Our goal is the hire more people." Not only does IS want more employees, they want to make sure the current employees are happy. Over the past few years, IS has been improving the work environment. One example is the raised work tables so there in less need for bending or lifting.

As for the future, IS is ready to grow, hoping to increase the business 20 to 30 times. "Our systems here can support that," Brundage said. The facility already has 225,000 square feet under a roof, with plenty of room for further expansion.

"We can handle any item of e-waste," Brundage said, and noted that many people say that IS is "in the top three in the nation," as far as recycling e-waste. But he also noted that many people do not know that IS can process other types of scrap as well.

IS´s success, according to Brundage, is that they are about customer service. Brundage explained that any staff member can help a customer, so if someone is out of the office, things still run smoothy. "We totally work as a team here."

Better yet, by recycling every bit of e-waste that comes in, Brundage feels that IS is helping keep material out of landfills which directly impacts the environment in a positive way.

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