General Iron is Committed to Sustainability
When metal products such as automobiles, appliances, and construction materials are discarded or become obsolete, responsible recycling supports the earth’s sustainability by conserving energy and natural resources while also protecting the environment. At General Iron, we understand the responsibility that accompanies recycling the vast amount of raw material that we handle, and we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our workers, suppliers, customers, and neighbors, as well as the environment. From our green roof to our air and water filtration systems to our daily operations, sustainability is at the core of who we are and what we do.
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Sustainability
We are committed to our employees, our neighbors, and our world.
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Green Roof
Our green roof not only contributes to air purification but lowers our demand for energy and reduces stormwater runoff and ambient temperatures.
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Water Filtration
Water runoff is captured and filtered through our treatment system.
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Air Filter
We use a high-efficiency air filtration system to control metal and particulate matter emissions. Our shredder's PM emissions rate is less than three percent of our permitted limit.
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RTO
We are investing over $2 million to install a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) to reduce VOC emissions, making us the first and only metal shredding facility in Chicago to use this technology.
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Riverbank Barrier
Our property includes a 26-inch high cement barrier with fencing that runs along the river. It does not allow stormwater to enter the river.
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Enclosed Shredder
We were the first metal shredding facility in the country to install an enclosure around a mega shredder. This enclosure promotes safety and mitigates noise and dust.
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Inspectors
We have a workforce of nine inspectors who examine all loads for unauthorized materials before they are received and shredded.
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Suppliers
All suppliers are registered with us and have a signed supplier agreement on file.
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Auto Suppliers
All suppliers who sell us end of life vehicles must be licensed with the Secretary of State and registered with industry vehicle title and information systems. We also require that all fluids and freon are drained and batteries are removed prior to delivery.
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Automated Loading
Our automatic barge loading system greatly reduces CO2 emissions by eliminating the need for trucks and other heavy mobile equipment. We estimate an annual savings of 70,000 gallons of diesel fuel and associated emissions.
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Barges
We transport a high volume of our finished goods by barge, which keeps more than 1,600 trucks off our roadways every month. This reduces CO2 emissions and neighborhood traffic congestion.
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Water Misters
Eight water misters, a street sweeper, and a water truck are used at our facility to mitigate dust.
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Separation Plant
Our innovative metal separation technology makes us a national industry leader and allows for the highest recoveries and greatest reduction of waste to landfills.
