Pile of Scrap’s real and raw discussions give unmatched insight into the 5th most dangerous industry in the country. Travel across the nation with John Sacco, Sierra International Machinery President, as he reveals the truth behind recycling and waste facilities in America. The environmental and economic impacts of this $500 billion-dollar industry go unnoticed by most, but the work the men and women in this industry do is vital to the save the world and our natural resources.
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July 16, 202521 min
EP.92 Table Scraps: The Challenge Reunion
🍽️ 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 what it really meant to be part of something that pushed them outside their comfort zone.
June 18, 202523 min
Ep.92 Rethinking Recycling Media with Tim Ridderbos
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 an industry that's often misunderstood.
June 17, 202414 min
Ep. 91 Talking BUDDY with Stuart Kagan
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.
June 11, 202424 min
Ep. 90: Behind the Scenes at Sierra Recycling and Demolition with Stuart Kagan
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 and the creation of balers using steel sheets made from recycled metal. We also tackle societal misconceptions about recycled metals and the image recyclers project through their operations. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on sustainability and the future of recycling.
June 4, 202435 min
Ep 89: Building the Family Business with the Mims Family
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 brings to the table and learn how their individual contributions fuel the company's success. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the heart and soul of a family-run operation.
May 31, 20249 min
Ep. 88: Words Matter: Fighting for the Future of the Recycled Materials Industries
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 misconceptions that threaten the industry's future. Learn how these changes could impact North America and why it's vital to act now to protect our environmental and economic health. Join us in redefining recycling and safeguarding our industry.
May 29, 202434 min
Ep. 87: Growing Up in the Recycled Metals Industry with Lincoln Brothers
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 moments and challenges that led them to step away from the industry and the personal and professional reasons behind their departure.
The conversation takes an inspiring turn as they recount their return to the industry, highlighting the significant impact they’ve made since rejoining. The Lincoln Brothers delve into their efforts to contribute to building and growing industry associations, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent in the field.
This episode offers insightful stories, valuable lessons, and a deep dive into the recycled metals industry, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Lincoln Brothers' remarkable journey. Don't miss it!
May 22, 202430 min
Ep. 86: Rebranding Recycling: Collin Kelly on the ReMA Vision
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 topics like the Green Deal, electric vehicles, and decarbonization, rather than traditional recycling terms. Collin discusses his commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders, emphasizing the importance of involving more people in ReMA's committees and board meetings. Tune in to gain insight into how these initiatives not only aim to reshape the industry’s image but also ensure its sustainability and relevance in today’s rapidly evolving environmental landscape.
May 14, 202428 min
Ep. 85: Brothers in Arm
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're headed in the recycled metals industry.
May 8, 202419 min
Ep. 84: Recycling Resurgence: Insights from BIR President Susie Burrage
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 a must-watch for anyone passionate about sustainability and the recycling sector.
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