River Valley Recyling now open

By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

April 01, 2008 06:15 pm

— ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is a well-known phrase that when applied to recycling and the rising prices of various metals — trash can become lucrative treasure.
River Valley Recycling, located at 1919 Cook Road, owned and managed by Andrew Lincoln, 30, of Erie, Pa., is open and ready to recycle.
“We have an 8,500-square-foot facility that is fully computerized, with a drive-through for convenience, especially during inclement weather,” Lincoln said. “I am real excited to offer the residents here another recycling opportunity.”
In fact, the procedure is as easy as one, two, three. Drive inside the brand new building, place your smaller metal items on the computerized scale, watch for the weight to appear on the screen, go to the window pick up your check, and smile all the way to the bank.
“We accept all metals, scrap as well as precious,” Lincoln said.
These include: aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, batteries, appliances, cars, light sheet iron goods, gold and silver, including coins and jewelry.
Collectors take note — right now aluminum cans are seeling for 65 cents a pound, silver is $15 an ounce, and gold is more than $900 an ounce.
“Not every recycling place will buy precious metals,” Lincoln said. “I want all types of people to feel comfortable coming here. I especially want families to feel they can get involved in recycling and have a clean, safe place to visit.”
River Valley Recycling not only boasts of offering competitive price values in a clean, organized environment, but they are also a responsible center that will take identification with each purchase, and keep a record of each person who comes in to recycle goods.
Since recycling is very important in the world today, and can be a lucrative venture, River Valley Recycling would like to partner with community organizations and schools for fundraising efforts in the future.
“This provides a new spin on recycling — aluminum can drives to raise funds for schools can be very successful,” Lincoln said. “We also want to be available for schools and groups to come out and see how recycling works.”
River Valley Recycling has four employees right now, but will likely add more as the volume builds up and the center grows.
“We welcome industrial accounts, also. About 50 percent of our business will be industrial scrap recycling. We have a fleet of trucks and containers available,” Lincoln said. “In about a month, we have a truck scale coming.”
Other interesting equipment is the aluminum can crusher, a bailer for aluminum siding, a car-crushing machine and more.
“We generally sell to mills within a 100-mile radius who process the metals down,” he said. “It has always been fascinating for me to learn what all the industries around here make.”
Why did a western Pennsylvania family choose Ashtabula Township for their location?
“My family has been involved in the recycling business for more than 70 years, so I understand the business very well. People who live in … the more rural areas understand the value of recycling,” Lincoln said. “Plus, there is room for competition and growth here.”
The Ashtabula Township location is also desirable since it is close to popular store chains and Route 11.
On April 14, River Valley Recycling will be having its grand opening, which will include a chance to win a 19-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) high-definition television for everyone who comes in.
“I am very happy to be here, with the high demand for metals and the fact that prices are up, this is a great business to be in,” Lincoln said.
River Valley Recycling hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon., Closed Sundays. Call Lincoln for more information (440 992-3970).

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