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24
Jun
Going Paperless – Part of the Green Mission with our Top 10 Tips
At PTR Baler & Compactor we are always focused on our “Green Mission” – going green and meeting our sustainability goals. We work with clients everyday to help them build recycling programs, utlizing our balers. While we’re always making moves on a big level – the little things make a difference too. That being said, we are proud to announce that all PTR offices will be going completely paperless by 2022.
While this doesn’t work for all businesses, its certainly worth looking into for yours. Once you start, you may be surprised at just how much paper your office uses. Below are tips to get a program together.
1. Go Digital. From invoices and internal forms to employee handbooks. Not only do you save paper, it makes it easier to stay organized and track things.
2. Talk to your customers. Find out what ideas they may have. They have an outside perspective on your organization and may suggest something you haven’t thought out.
3. You can go mostly paperless. There are some instances where you will still need paper. Thats ok. Just be sure to set up recycling bins around the office for this paper.
4. Talk to your vendors and partners. Request that they send their invoices and such digitally. This may not fit with their protocals, but it can’t hurt to ask. And you may inspire them to go paperless as well.
5. Digital Marketing. When possible, switch to digital methods to get the word out. An email blast saves a whole lot of paper versus a direct mail campaign. Another bonus – its usually more cost effective to go digital.
6. Set up your payment processor to email the receipt instead of printing a paper receipt. Every little bit helps!
7. Get tablets for use when taking notes in meetings, instead of using a pad. Another bonus – you can email yourself the notes and they’ll also be more legible.
8. Use QR codes for both employee and customer use. These can be used in place of menus and signage for example.
9. Use an digital signature service for sending documents that need to be signed. This is totally secure and is legally binding. (Check the specific service you use for details)
10. Think twice. Before you print something out, stop and think if you really need to. If you must print, try to duplex it – you’ll use 50% less paper!
Every business is different, so different ideas may apply. Take a look to see what you and your team can do to reduce paper use. Another bonus – you’ll spend less money on paper
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28
May
Now Seeking Transportation Partners!
Do you have a CDL license and flatbed truck 48′ or greater? If yes, let’s work together for a win-win! We’re currently seeking partnerships with reliable, professional drivers to help us transport our equipment throughout the United States.
Here are the important details:
TRUCK TYPE/WEIGHT: Job requires flatbed, step deck or conestoga trucks. Most loads don’t exceed 30,000 lbs.
DESTINATIONS: Throughout the U.S. (occasionally Canada).
FREQUENCY: Average 10 trucks per day.
REQUIREMENTS: Loads must be tarped. Drivers are required to pre-call 24 hours prior to arrival at delivery location.A key part of successfully meeting the sky-rocketing demand for our products, is being able to quickly deliver the equipment when the customer needs it. We need you to help us make that happen. Let’s work together together to create a solution! You’ll provide reliable, professional transportation for us, and in turn you’ll receive consistent, steady work. PTR Baler and Compactor is a world leader in the waste equipment industry located in Philadelphia. We’re a 4th Generation, family-owned company. Our mission is to help companies achieve their green initiatives by reducing waste streams and increasing recycling efforts.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow with us for years to come! Contact us today at freight@ptrco.com.
-Eric Riethmiller, Owner & Vice President, PTR Baler and Compactor Company
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19
May
Recycling Baler ROI
A recycling baler has a variety of benefits. It helps to keep facilities clean and free of hazardous debris. It reduces your company’s waste contribution and frequency of landfill hauls. The latter has a two-fold benefit, as it helps your company reach sustainability goals while also benefiting from those cost savings. Many haulers charge upwards of $300 every time they bull a container.
There’s another major benefit to consider when investing in a PTR Recycling baler: new revenue generation for your organization.
Your recycling baler turns what was once considered waste into a valuable recycling commodity. How valuable? Well, currently more than ever before. The demand and price of recycling materials, especially corrugated materials, is experiencing record highs this year.
Why is the cost continually increasing? “The need for boxes has been going up by 2 to 4 percent every single year because people love having stuff delivered to their door, and COVID has accelerated that,” (Recycling Today). We discussed this and more reasons for the increased demand in last month’s blog, “Industry Update: Cardboard Price Reaches New Heights”. You can read that full blog post here.
How much revenue can you expect to make with your recycling baler?
The number varies by how often you bale, the size of your machine, and the size of the bales it produces. Back in January of this year, “Plastics Recycling Update” published an article outlining the current value of recycling bales. From that article, they provide data from the SMP Index. These prices represent “what is being paid for post-consumer recyclable materials in a sorted, baled format, picked up at most major recycling centers.”
Here is the pricing information they compiled:
• The national average price of PET beverage bottles and jars moved up 16% this month and is currently at 7.58 cents per pound, compared with 6.55 cents per pound this time last month.
• The national average price of polypropylene surged upward this month and is now at 11.69 cents per pound, compared to 7.00 cents last month and 5.81 cents one year ago.
• The national average price of color HDPE is also up again. It is now trading at 17.19 cents per pound, up from 17.06 cents last month. This compares to a low 3.58 cents six months ago, in July 2020.
• The national average price of Grade A film is up 15%, now at 10.84 cents, compared with 9.44 cents per pound last month and 8.44 cents per pound this time last year. Grade B film is now 3.63 cents per pound, while Grade C film remains a low 0.81 cents per pound.
How soon after making your investment will you start seeing a return? On average, customers start seeing a return within the first 2 years of operation.
Investing in a PTR Recycling Baler is a smart move for your organization. You’ll enjoy the benefits of cost savings, the implementation of sustainability policies, and the creation of a new revenue stream. Contact PTR today to find the right equipment for your company!
source for pricing: New year brings higher bale prices
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30
Apr
PTR Solar Power: The Polaris Power System
Did you know PTR manufactures Solar Power equipment?
As an industry leader, we’re continually striving to leverage advancements in technology. Our Solar Power option provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to powering equipment. By utilizing energy from the sun, you’ll see significant savings with installation and operating costs.Our model Polaris Power System solar power option enables your organization to take a critical step in becoming a universal green energy. If your company has “green” goals, this is a great way to get there! Solar Power helps protect our environment, as well as our economy as we move into a future.The Polaris Power System provides a complete integrated solution of powering your waste equipment. It can be a stand-alone power source that requires NO external power. Or, it can be used as a hybrid energy option. With the latter option, you would need the support of an alternate 120 VAC charging configuration.
PRIMARY COMPONENTS
The primary components of the solar power option include:• Two 42 volt PV Photovoltaic Solar Panels,Each rated at 350 Watt. This converts sunlight into DC for powering and charing the machine.• 6KW inverter with built in AC charger and built in Solar MPPT charger.• 48 VDC 120Ah Battery Pack. This stores energy potential for machine power.• Auxiliary Power to run the compactor. There are 2 option here. The first requires the operator to install a 120VAC 30Amp power line. The second line provides a 100ft plug in cord that can be powered by an 15amp convenience outlet for supplemental charging.
Solar options are based on power requirements and intended use with consideration to frequency of use, number of cycles and recovery time to charge. First, we’ll determine the total power requirements of the machine and then size the capacity of the solar option with regard to the number of cycles.The Polaris Power System includes an intuitive, easy to use touch screen to serve as the local HMI (Human Machine Interface). System health can be determined quickly and easily based on status conditions including Low Battery Level Alarm, Battery Voltage, Battery Temperature, and many more.The solar option is usually provided as a factory option and mounted directly to the compactor. Note that if the solar option is provided as a hybrid option, you may need provision of a 120 VAC receptacle at 30 amps.It’s important to consider that even partial shading of the PV panels can significantly hinder the system’s performance. Ensure that the panels will be completely exposed to sunlight to get optimal performance!
Pictured are the PTR Solar Power Self-Contained Compactor and Solar Power Vertical Compactor. There’s lots of in depth information available, so contact us to learn more or request to be sent a complete manual.(800) 523-3654
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16
Apr
Industry Update: Cardboard Price Reaches New Heights
Back in February, cardboard prices hit an all-time high. According to the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s value has risen 4% since December 2020.
What’s behind the growth?
It wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone to hear that e-commerce has grown rapidly over the last year. Online sales accounted for an incredible 14% of total retail sales in Q4 of 2020. In fact, it’s already surpassed levels it wasn’t expected to reach until the year 2025. This year, experts predict e-commence will bring in about $843 billion in sales. (ROI Revolution)
With people ordering products online at a higher rate and frequency than ever before, there has been a huge surge in the demand for corrugated and solid fiber boxes. But that’s not the only factor driving up pricing.
Beyond the rise of e-commerce, another significant factor driving up cardboard box demand is the housing market boom. Inventory is at record-lows, along with interest rates, while demand has skyrocketed. When people purchase homes, they need cardboard boxes, and thus, demand rises. Back in January, Packaging Corporation of America Executive Vice President Corrugated Products Tom Hassfurther said the following:
“We’re also seeing obviously the big trends in people moving away from cities, buying homes, when you buy homes, there’s a lot of things that go into those homes that are associated with corrugated boxes.”
Hassfurther also cited the move in consumer purchasing trends away from plastic and towards paper products. With all of these components are in “growth mode”, he believes demand is sustainability and will continue in an upward direction.
In addition, the following factors are increasing the demand for cardboard
• Most consumer segments growing in the fourth quarter of 2020
• Demand from restaurants for take out packaging
• Increased demand from China as their economy reboundsThere’s never been a better return on your baled cardboard than right now. Packaging giant Sonoco’s VP and CFO, Julie Albrecht, explained that OCC (old corrugated containers) prices “averaged $71 per ton throughout 2020, and that the company anticipates OCC will increase to average about $90 per ton this year.” This has been a drastic change since 2019, when the average pricing was at record lows. Now, it’s jumped around 196% nationally.
Further points as to why the price of cardboard will continue to rise
• Continued increased demand both nationally and globaly
• Growing inflation
• Growing transport costsBe sure to this extra revenue stream for your organization running optimally by having regular service and maintenance appointment. Or take the time to start a recycling program if you don’t have one in place. You’ll be both helping the environment and increase cash flow. Contact PTR to learn more.
SOURCES:
“Cardboard pieces reach record high amid e-commerce demand”“How Coronavirus (COVID-19) Is Impacting Ecommerce [March 2021]”
“2021 Housing Market Trends: What Buyers Need To Know”
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24
Mar
A Look at the Steel Industry During The Pandemic
The Fabricator is a magazine that provides market, industry, and product news to metal fabrication professions. Back in April 2020, they published an article called, “A brief history lesson on steel prices during crises”. It was the very early stages of the Covid 19 Pandemic, and the publication drew comparisons to the Great Recession of 08-09 in order to gauge how the steel industry would be affected by the global health crisis.
Reading this article nearly a year later, we know the steel industry, and all those industries that rely on it, are continuing to face significant challenges.
In Spring 2020, steel production and prices were indeed declining, but not nearly as severely as the Recession of ’08. Both hit suddenly and we saw a sharp decline in the demand and cost for steel. In 2020, mills were forced to close or drastically reduce their capacity, along with businesses across the globe.
Fast forward to mid-March 2021. While things are improving concerning the pandemic, many unknowns remain. Steel prices are now setting record highs. Demand is still grossly higher than what supply can keep up with. In an article published just a few days ago, “Steel prices continue to set new record highs week after week’, The Fabricator provides an updated look at how this is presenting very real challenges to fabricators and buyers alike. Availability is restricted, and pricing has become almost unpredictable. Throw the growing inflation into the mix and the landscape looks even more unpredictable.
According to SMU (Steel Market Update), “the market on March 8-9 showed the benchmark price for hot-rolled steel reaching $1,270/ton ($63.50/cwt), topping the previous high mark set in 2008 by $200/ton.” (TheFabricator.com)
Things to consider as one navigates this:
1. How and when to pass the price increase along to the consumer. Now is the time to plan on how to roll this out.
2. Keep your eye on inflation indicators, in particular, wage increases. While some industries like construction and hospitality are seeing increases, this isn’t affecting all industries. Wage inflation is a key driver of inflation.
3. Consider stockpiling inventory. Not just with steel, but with any consumable or commodity that is used frequently. This locks on your costs for a period of time. If this isn’t possible, try to negotiate with your suppliers.
4. Build partnerships. Unprecedented times call for thinking outside of the norm. Analyze what type of unconventional business partnerships could help ease the burden of rising steel prices and production costs.
5. Don’t rely on one vendor. Another reason for the rising price of steel is supply chain issues. If possible, have several vendors you can rely on for steel and other commodities, in the event that one can’t deliver.
We post two blog updates here a month, but be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn, for more frequent industry news!
You can read the article from last year in its entirety here, and the latest article here.
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16
Mar
It’s Not Luck, It’s PTR Preventative Maintenance!
Take your luck into your own hands with our Preventative Maintenance Programs! If you want to avoid unnecessary downtime & costly repairs, ask yourself the following questions:
When is the last time your equipment has had Preventative Maintenance performed?
If you haven’t had your baler or compactor serviced in a year or more, don’t wait any longer to set your appointment! According to ANSI, (The American National Standards Institute), equipment should undergo maintenance checks at least annually. Whether you operate with one baler or have a fleet, we can accommodate your organization’s needs.
How important is the safety of and reliability of this equipment in your operation?
If it’s very important, consider this. After long periods of regular use, inevitably, oil quality in your baler or compactor will begin to degrade. From here, it’s a domino effect. Parts will undergo wear with time, which in turn decreases pressure capability. For compactors, material weights will be reduced as a result. This will mean additional pull fees for your organization. And with your baler, performing at less than optimal levels causes lower bale weights, and often times, increases labor costs. Overall productivity nose dives and hauler fees increase. Sanitation issues will likely follow suit, which is hazardous to your employees. Click here for the full list of critical systems and structures that will be addressed during PM, as well as options to customize your program.Luckily, we work on all makes and model of balers and compactors in the industry, throughout the United States – not just PTR recycling and waste equipment! Contact us at (800) 523-1155 or email Service@ptrco.com to learn more or make your service appointment.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us here at PTR!
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” – Irish Blessing
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22
Feb
PTR Welcomes New Hires to Our Sales Teams!
PTR Baler and Compactor Company has recently welcomed two exciting new additions to our national Sales Team!
CJ PANCIOCCO – SOUTHWEST
We’re thrilled to announce that CJ Panciocco, formerly of WCA Waste of Orlando, is the newest member of the PTR sales team. CJ brings with him a new dimension of understanding coupled with an enthusiastic attitude.
CJ is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University where he majored in Marketing and Small Business Consulting. He has worked in both the hauling and equipment sides of the waste and recycling industry, so he truly understands and can anticipate your needs.
CJ’s primary role with PTR will be to manage the Southwest region (CA, AZ, NV, NM, UT, CO) for new and rebuilt equipment sales under the direct guidance of Fred Freer, Director of Sales SE & SW. We believe you will find his expertise invaluable for all of your future waste and recycling equipment requirements. Feel free to contact CJ directly!
CJ Panciocco
Southwest Regional Sales Representative
o: (215) 537-2214 ex.2288
c: (267) 658-0264
e: cpanciocco@ptrco.com
SAM MCKINLEY – MIDWEST
PTR has also recently welcomed Sam McKinley as the newest member of the PTR Midwest sales team! Sam is an Ohio State graduate and now resides in the Columbus, Ohio area. After earning his degree, Sam was involved in helping a National Hauler grow their market share in the Midwestern Region.
His primary role with PTR will be to manage the OH, MI, KY and IN territory for new and rebuilt equipment sales under the direct guidance of Jay Sikorski, Regional Manager Midwest & Northwest. We believe you will find his expertise invaluable for all of your future waste and recycling equipment requirements.
Together, we’re confident we can add value to your Waste/Recycling Program. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sam directly!
Sam McKinleyMidwest Regional Sales Representativeo: (800) 523-3654 ex.1010c: (267) 453-2905
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10
Feb
Recycling in 2021: Looking Forward
2020 was certainly an anomaly year across the board, disrupting a number of industries, including recycling. There’s no doubt that the last year has made a significant impact on the recycling and waste industry.
The coronavirus pandemic changed the way businesses operated as well as how we recycle at home. Before COVID-19, reusable was becoming the name of the game. Disposable packaging was decreasing, while the demand for reusable options were on the rise. The pandemic turned that trend on it’s head. Anything that could become disposable, did, in order to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The recycling industry has become largely overwhelmed. Most cities ask their residents to focus more on quality over quantity. The rise in residential recycling can be attributed to a significant increase people working remotely, children attending school virtually, and so on. According to David Biderman, executive director and CEO of SWANA, “residential volumes were up about 20%” in the early stages of the pandemic (Resource-recycling.com). That numbers has come down a bit, but it’s still much higher than the industry is used to dealing with.
The United States currently has a 32% National recycling rate (Resource-recycling.com). The U.S. EPA has a goal to reach 50% diversion by the year 2030. In order to achieve that goal, the organization is challenging businesses, communities and individuals to to take certain measures. Here’s a brief summary of those measures:
MEASURE 1: Reduce contamination in recycling.
This means ensuring you are recycling items that are indeed recyclable. Your city or township should provide information on which # plastics they accept, as well as what other materials are appropriate to recycle.
MEASURE 2: Make the recycling processing system more efficient.
Here, the EPA wants to make sure that anything that can be recycled, is. Again, this will take education and making curbside recycling accessible for all Americans.
MEASURE 3: Strengthen the economic markets for recycled materials.
Overall, this means manufacturers utilizing recyclable materials as often as possible and the public buying more recycled products. You can find full information from U.S. EPA here.
If you manage an organization that deals with waste, utilizing a Recycling Baler will be a critical measure to get on board with these goals in addition to your own sustainability goals. Contact PTR today to learn how! Click here to get started.
sources: https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2021/02/02/wastecon-takeaways-covid-impacts-and-compostable-concerns/
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28
Jan
Facility Management with PTR
Waste and recycling equipment is necessary for the vast majority of industries and types of businesses. Whether you manage a hotel, hospital, medical facility, restaurant, apartment complex, or retail establishment, you need waste and recycling equipment.
How do you know which type of equipment is right for your business or organization? PTR Baler and Compactor Company can help you determine what you need. Our experts can identify your organization’s waste stream composition. From there, we can recommend the PTR machines that best meet your unique needs.
Here’s a basic guide to determining which equipment you’ll need:
Do you have predominately dry waste? If you do, you’ll most likely benefit most from a PTR Stationary Compactor. Typically, they are best for retail establishments such as home supply stores, clothing stores and department store chains, as well as distribution centers.
HOW IT WORKS: The dry waste is compacted into the container. The full container is then removed from the compactor, which remains in its position. The container is emptied at a different location by a waste hauler, and then returned to your facility.
Do you have mostly wet waste? Organizations such as malls, movie theaters, condo association, apartment complexes and restaurants deal with a significant amount of food and liquid waste. Organic materials are best suited for a PTR Self-contained Compactor. This type of compactor is carefully designed to prevent leakage, which is critical in order to prevent odors and pests. PTR Self-Contained compactors have a unique liquid seal.
HOW IT WORKS: The entire unit is hauled away to be emptied at a landfill. Preventing leakage and odor control are so important because you want to ensure you’re able to fill the unit as much as possible in order to control waste hauling costs.
Do you have a significant amount of recyclable waste? Those who find they have a great number of recyclable materials, including cardboard, plastic bags, shrink wrap, aluminum cans, paper and plastic bottles should consider a PTR Vertical Baler. Our balers are the best quality you’ll find, and they are manufactured right here in the U.S.A. We offer a variety of sizes to suit the needs of organizations large and small. With a baler, this waste can be a new profit stream for your business, since proper recycling bales are valuable commodities. You’ll see a return on your investment quickly, will keep floor space clear of debris, and help the environment with one simple machine.
Contact us today to discuss your business and we can come up with a custom solution best for you.
Call (800) 523-3654 or click here.
