Books about recycling business

These days most of us get our information from many sources other than reading a book. I'm hoping I'm not the only one that still reads a book every now and then. Yesterday I started reading a book called, "Junkyard Planet" by Adam Minter. I'm only three chapters into it, finding it interesting and very up to date (copyright 2013). Adam Minter is a third generation "Scrapper", his grandfather and father ran a scrapyard in Minneapolis. The book goes a long way in helping me understand the "global" facts about all things scrap. Particular like his insight on China, as he has lived their the last ten years.



Just thought I would pass this on, was wondering has anyone else read this book or any other books on this subject they would like to comment on.

I love to read and non-fiction is my favorite. I was looking at this book a few months back but didn't buy. So you'll have to tell me if it is worthwhile.

There aren't many books on the subject. Whenever I find something interesting I check to see if I can get it at the library. I think the rest of the population has a different taste in reading material though because I rarely find what I want there.

I was also looking at A Fortune in Scrap from 2012. I think I'll get that one and give it a read.

Originally Posted by bigburtchino

Hip O - I will post a review of the book when I'm done, not sure how good my literary review skills will come across, but will let all know what I learned or thought about this book. I to read a lot of books, tend to like no-fiction as well and the fictional books I do read need to be based on realities I can grasp. Fortunately for me I have a contact at the library, so I don't buy that many books anymore. My mom is assistant librarian (on her 3rd or 4th career), so it's easy for me to get the books I want.

A Fortune In Scrap by Ken Burtwell is on my list for mom to get for me (she had to order it). You are right there is not that many books on the subject. As my mom said "the ones that exist, for the most part go unread".

How about some "cliff notes". Just kidding.

Right now I am reading The Epic Of Gilgamesh. It is the oldest known written story, translated from clay tablets. I thought it would be interesting to see how stories were told in 2000 B.C. Assuming the translation is correct. Or near correct as it's translated from a dead language.

I read Junkyard Planet, and overall I enjoyed it. Will be interested to hear your thoughts.

Let me add that I also read "Starting From Scrap", by Stephen Greer. Supposedly a "rags to riches" story. I guess people have different opinions about the "rag" part of that equation. I didn't really care for it.

I've read Junkyard Planet and Starting from Scrap. Also read A Fortune in Scrap and An Insiders Guide to Scrap Metal Recycling all in the past year. The first two explained a few things I didn't know about the international side of things. The second two I found to be a waste of money. I bought them because I knew I would have down time after work waiting for my ride to pick me up.

In my opinion, if you want to read good information on the scrap industry in the USA, you've already found all the info you need right here on SMF. If you want to learn more than you can on here, buy a truck and start scrapping for yourself.

Originally Posted by Swampy

Let me add that I also read "Starting From Scrap", by Stephen Greer. Supposedly a "rags to riches" story. I guess people have different opinions about the "rag" part of that equation. I didn't really care for it.

I liked that book for the most part. I liked junkyard planet more. I feel Greer left much to be desired at the conclusion of his story. I won't elaborate in case someone in here wants to read it without knowing the outcome.

A Fortune in Scrap Ken Burtwell

The idea of scrapping big time, as in decommissioned ships and buildings, is very intriguing. I feel the author left it there though. He didn't offer very many specifics other than a quick overview of different types of machinery used.

I thought the best part of the book was in a chart he provided that helps you estimate the weight of material by size and thickness. It was supposed to b available by request in a pdf format. Unfortunately, the website and email address provided no longer exist.
There wasn't a lot of meat in this one. It was a quick read and probably not worth the money, IMO.

I did get a copy of Junkyard Planet from the Library. Yay!!

Junkyard Planet was the first thing I read when I got the recycling manager/commodity broker job at the company I work for. It was e great read and really opened my eyes to scrap on an international level. It also helped me, in an indirect way, understand the importance of due diligence in the e-scrap industry. I recommend it anybody in the scrap industry.

I also had the pleasure of getting to meet Adam at the E-Scrap conference this year. He put on an epic performance stating the facts and contradicting the founder of the Basel Action Network(E-Stewards standard) in one of the sessions.

It's good to hear from others at SMF that are also reading books about this business. I'm only half way through with "Junkyard Planet", I tend to read slower as I want to absorb a subject I'm interested in. I doubt if I would have absorbed half of this book, without already scrapping for years and the input from all the members here at SMF. The book so far has gave me a better understanding of the business of other peoples trash or unwanted items. I had very little understanding about the needed "scale" to process scrap profitably. I didn't understand the relationship between our "buying power" and the waste that it generates at a every increasing rate. The book also does a good job in explaining the American scrap industry and the "giants" in the industry that control it. I highly recommend the book to all who desire to learn more, much more than you will ever know by just getting a pickup load of scrap metal and processing it for sale!