Skittles & Animal Feed – More to the Story
From our Quincy Farm Products subsidiary:
A recent “off-beat” story hit the news: hundreds of thousands of Skittles candies were found covering a Wisconsin highway, which were destined for farms as a feed supplement for cattle.
The story was often covered either as humor or as alarmist concern over candies being used in cattle feed.
Both missed the point. Post-industrial food waste – of many kinds – has long been used to enhance livestock feed.
In fact, the EPA lists Feeding Animals as the third tier in their Food Recovery Hierarchy.
At Quincy Farm Products our business is using food waste to create animal feed products and ingredients with custom mixes of protein, fat, and sugars.
This feed is both nutritious and economical, making it ideal for producers to use in various stages of livestock development.
Fortune and CNNMoney quoted John Waller, professor of animal nutrition at the University of Tennessee as saying “It is a very good way for producers to reduce feed cost, and to provide less expensive food for consumers”.
Food waste to animal feed also provides food manufacturers with a way to divert food waste from landfills, and often to generate a revenue stream from this material.
While it’s easy to chuckle at the thought of a sea of Skittles covering a rural highway, the reality is that using food waste as a nutritious supplement for animal feed is a sustainable way for food manufacturers and processors to divert food from landfills.
Are you involved in food manufacturing and have questions
about food waste and animal feed? Contact us!
Exciting Times Ahead for Alsip in 2025!
At Alsip, we’re feeling more excited than ever for what’s to come in 2025. The past year has been one of growth and progress, and we’re continuing to build on that momentum as we move into the new year. We asked the Alsip General Manager John Danker about the Alsip plant, and he gave us a lot to be optimistic about!
New Equipment, New Opportunities
In 2024, we made a major investment in the future of our operations: the installation of the REI shredder with the in-ground feed conveyor. This cutting-edge equipment has been a game-changer for us, allowing for more efficient processing and significantly improving our ability to handle large volumes. We’re proud to share that since the installation, we’ve added around 700 tons of new book accounts, which has enabled us to grow our capacity and better serve our customers. This new addition to our facility not only improves our operations, but it also opens up new opportunities for business growth in 2025. We’re looking forward to taking on even more destruction projects this year!
Our Team: The Heart of Alsip’s Success
While new equipment helps us grow, it’s our team that truly drives Alsip’s success. Each member of our team plays a vital role in making sure we meet our goals, stay organized, and keep safety a top priority.
Brian Sixsmith (11 years) and Nick Stachowiak (4 years) are both fired up for growth this year. With their combined experience, they’re actively seeking new opportunities to expand both our brokerage and plant business. Their dedication and high expectations set a great example for the entire team, and I couldn’t be more proud to support them as they help grow the business.
Cam Dunaway, entering his second year with Alsip, brings a fun and positive attitude to the team. Recently, he has been working closely with Lalo Amasende to ensure that we stay ahead of scheduling, making sure all loads are booked for the current and upcoming weeks. Cam’s proactive approach has been an incredible asset!
Elsa Amasende (4 years) has become indispensable to our team and our vendors. Her quick response time and problem-solving abilities have helped us retain our vendor relationships year after year. Elsa’s ability to close every month on time, no matter how many tons we bring in, speaks volumes about her dedication.
Jill Zayas (6 years) has truly grown within the company. Starting in an outbound ALC position, she now serves in Sales Support, while also stepping in to fill in for various roles when needed. Jill’s current focus is going over the PBA to ensure we’re charging back vendors correctly and tracking trends in fluctuating tonnages. She’s also begun cold-calling the Chicago area to help our sales team get meetings and learn firsthand what goes into conducting successful site visits.
Shelly Rueda (11 years) and Kristy Hamilton (12 years) have been absolute powerhouses in our brokerage division. Together, they consistently move over 10,000 tons per month, and they do it with a sense of teamwork that’s truly inspiring. Shelly and Kristy constantly go above and beyond to add value to both our vendors and customers, all while looking for ways to save on freight and maximize profits. Their collaborative approach has made them an integral part of our success.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Collaboration, and Continued Success
As we move into 2025, we’re excited for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Our team is committed to maintaining a culture of excellence, continuing to push boundaries, and working together to grow Alsip’s success. We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, but we know the best is yet to come!
To our team, thank you for your unwavering dedication. You come in every day with a positive attitude, ready to make a difference, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Here’s to another successful year, filled with new projects, strong relationships, and continued growth!
Pictured from left to right: John Vadeboncoeur, Lalo Amasende, Elsa Amasende, Kristy Hamilton, Jill Zayas, Shelly Rueda, Cameron Dunaway, Kurt McLaughlin, Brian Sixsmith, John Danker, and Nick Stachowiak.
Unlocking the Value of Aluminum Litho Recycling with Quincy Recycle
Your used aluminum litho plates hold more value as a recycled resource than discarded waste. At Quincy Recycle, we understand the challenges businesses face in managing scrap materials and waste streams. Aluminum lithographic plates, commonly used in printing and stamping industries, are valuable resources that often go underutilized. Recycling aluminum litho plates not only helps your bottom line but also supports your sustainability goals. Here’s how partnering with Quincy Recycle can unlock the full potential of your aluminum litho scrap.
Why Aluminum Litho Recycling Matters
Aluminum litho plates are made from high-quality aluminum, a material that is 100% recyclable and retains its value through multiple recycling cycles. Instead of sending litho sheets to landfills, where they take up space and incur disposal costs, recycle them for a dual benefit: economic returns and environmental responsibility. Turn your scrap into an opportunity while reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
A Hassle-Free Process Tailored to Your Needs
We know your focus is on running your business as efficiently as possible. Quincy Recycle makes aluminum litho recycling simple and effective. Our nationwide service means we’re ready to assist, no matter where you’re located.
- Flexible Pickup Options: We accept mixed-commodity trailers, so you don’t need to worry about sorting or separating materials.
- Expert Sorting and Processing: Our team ensures your aluminum litho plates are processed correctly, maximizing their value.
- Partnerships with Metal Refineries: We work with trusted refineries to ensure you receive fair market value for your scrap, giving you confidence in every transaction.
Why Recycling Aluminum Litho Plates is a Smart Business Move
Recycling aluminum litho plates isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a smart financial decision. By partnering with Quincy Recycle, you can:
- Reduce Landfill Costs: Avoid disposal fees and redirect those savings back into your operations.
- Generate Additional Revenue: Turn your scrap into a revenue stream with competitive rates for aluminum litho.
- Streamline Operations: Our efficient process minimizes manual labor spent on waste management, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your core business.
Environmental Impact: A Win for Your Business and the Planet
Sustainability is a priority for businesses today. Recycling aluminum litho plates conserves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and preserves natural resources. In fact, recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from raw materials. By choosing Quincy Recycle, you’re making a tangible impact on the environment while demonstrating your commitment to corporate responsibility.
Common Questions About Aluminum Litho Recycling
- How much are aluminum litho sheets worth?
The value of aluminum litho sheets varies depending on market conditions, but Quincy Recycle ensures you receive competitive pricing every time. - Is the metal recycling process complicated?
No. We handle the details, like pickup or drop off times, so the recycling process fits seamlessly into your current daily operations. - How quickly can we get started?
Right away! Contact us or call 1.800.311.6097 to request a FREE quote.
Why Choose Quincy Recycle?
With over 50 years of experience in metal recycling, Quincy Recycle is your trusted partner for aluminum litho and metal recycling. Our nationwide network, industry expertise, and customer-first approach set us apart. We’re not just here to recycle your scrap—we’re here to help your business thrive. From pickup to payment, we handle every step with transparency and efficiency, ensuring you get the most value from your materials.
Ready to Unlock the Value of Aluminum Litho Recycling?
Don’t let your aluminum litho plates go to waste. Partner with Quincy Recycle to turn your scrap into savings and sustainability. Contact us today to learn more about our aluminum litho recycling services and how we help businesses reduce costs, generate revenue, and make a positive environmental impact. Together, we can create a greener, more profitable future.
Quincy Support Center
During 2025 we will be bringing you updates about our teams. This month we invite you to discover how the Quincy Support Center team drives operational excellence across all facilities through dedicated support, innovative tools, and continuous employee development.
At the Quincy Support Center, our team is focused on delivering professional service and support to all of our internal customers, our teammates in the field and in our plants, who are doing the really hard work and interacting with our external vendors, customers, carriers, and partners on a daily basis. I am very proud of our team and our culture of customer service, built on the foundation of our Core Values. From Safety Programs and HR to Finance and IT to Sales and Operations Support, our Quincy Support Center team is at the ready to assist, guide, support, and pitch in where needed to help you and make an impact on our team members and on our businesses. – Phil Hildebrand, VP of Finance & Administration
Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Tyler Van Dee was recently certified to be a 1st Aid, CPR & AED instructor. He will be training employees at every facility to administer or use 1stAid, CPR, and AED. General Managers and Operations Managers are selecting team members at their facility to participate in the training. If you are interested in becoming certified, let your manager know. Once the training is completed – all of our facilities will be equipped with AEDs and have certified employees qualified to administer 1st Aid and CPR.
Facilities Operations & Support Manager, Craig Kurk is managing an expansion of the office space at the Quincy Support Center after a neighboring tenant recently vacated space in the building that has been home to our Support Center staff for the last 15 years. While there are no immediate needs to meet, this expansion will allow for growth opportunities in the future. Throughout this year, Mike Thompson will be completing Bollegraaf training in order to be able to lead and perform in house preventive maintenance on our equipment versus outsourcing the work. A new form is also being created and rolled out in OASIS for our local management and maintenance teams to request support and prioritize our projects and opportunities for the Facilities and Operations Support team.
IT Manager, Matt Garmer and team continue to work on evolving our OASIS forms and processes. Launched last year, OASIS has proven to be a highly utilized tool that has enhanced our onboarding processes, brought consistency and timeliness to our compliance requirements, and made reporting on matters from safety observations to incidents and accidents to monthly checks to preventative maintenance tasks easy, immediate, and transparent. Many more employee trainings will be administered via OASIS going forward as it contains a robust Learning Management Software that allows our facility leaders to administer and deliver consistent and relevant training to employees. If you are having trouble logging in, please reach out to your local Operations Manager or General Manager. While these initiatives are exciting, always at the core of our IT priorities and initiatives is security. Our team is constantly ensuring that we have the right tools, protocols, and protections in place to keep our systems and our data protected and secure. The recent launch of the new additional security layer to our internal email systems, Egress/KnowBe4 Defend is a perfect example of this never-ending effort.
HR Manager, Laurie Gilbert reminds us all to please participate in the weekly Engage360 surveys. Your input is valuable and will help us grow and evolve. We are listening. Our leaders spend considerable time and energy reviewing responses and comments and discussing opportunities to improve. It takes just 5 seconds, 3x a week. Please engage and share your thoughts with us. Also, our Human Resources team is always here to support you with an open door and open phone policy. Never hesitate to reach out to Laurie or Shelbi when you have a personnel matter you need assistance with. You can find their contact information posted throughout the plant.
Financial Controller, Kelsey Hayes and her team of Staff Accountants, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable departments are currently navigating their way through their busiest season of the year, from year end activities to audits.
The team is excited to launch a new Accounts Payable software called Stampli. Planned for a mid to late 2nd quarter launch timeframe, Stampli will improve our overall efficiency within the department for AP processes while also providing transparency and visibility to managers about expenses throughout the month with approval authorization and workflow processes.
Reagan Costigan, Talent Acquisition & Development leader, is collaborating with plant management teams to implement leadership development training for new leaders across the company. By leveraging OASIS and other innovative platforms, she ensures that our emerging leaders have the training, confidence, and essential tools to build and maintain successful teams.