About Us

Our History

We began as a general scrap metal business in 1993 that focused on ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The business has grown its operations to collect a wider variety of recyclable materials, handle larger volumes, and develop processes that convert these recyclable materials into a reusable form.

We collect millions of pounds of scrap metal materials each year that would otherwise end up in landfills.

The Future

River Valley Recycling is based on principles of integrity, flexibility, and innovation. Our reputation and future are built on our relationships with businesses and the local communities in which we operate.

We believe the need for recycling will increase over time as reusing resources continue to become more cost-effective than mining for new resources. We plan to evolve as our global economy evolves so that we can continue to fulfill recycling needs.

Solving Problems: Metal Recycling Case

Problem

A local oil distribution business contacted River Valley Recycling for a solution for disposing of empty metal drums. They were using about 300 metal drums each month, which were taking up valuable floor space in their building.

Solution

To improve the use of floor space, we installed a drum crusher at their facility. We also identified how they could recycle the residual oil in each drum. Through this partnership, the customer was able to be paid for their scrap drums as well as the unused oil.

We’re Not the Only Ones Excited by Recycling

We have hundreds of customers visiting us every day and process over 40 million pounds per year. Thanks to our customers, we’re keeping a lot of materials out of landfills and making them reusable. Our customers love having a place to bring the scrap metal collecting in their fields, yards, garages, or basements where they can get paid the best prices for it.

River Valley Recycling offers a recycling center that is efficient and convenient. Bring your scrap metal to our location, and we will pay you based on the type and quantity (some materials excluded) for bringing them in. Demolition or clean-up projects? We have a trailer to accommodate your needs.

We buy ferrous metals ranging from washing machines to heavy industrial equipment and non-ferrous metals, such as copper, brass, radiators, aluminum, electric motors, and stainless steel, as well as automobiles and much more!

Our Approach

Collect

We offer two methods of collecting recyclable materials:

• Buyback centers: Convenient drop-off locations with easy unloading and a fast payout process
• Pick-up services: We maintain our own fleet of trucks, heavy equipment, and containers. We can service scrap producers of all types and sizes

Process

We implement processes to upgrade and convert materials further along the recycling stream. The goal is to reduce waste and find ways to recycle everything that comes through our facilities.

• Some materials are processed to return the product to its original form. For example, aluminum is melted so it can be re-molded into new products
• Other materials are densified or prepared in a way that they can be sent to a processor that converts the material into a reusable form
• Some materials are processed so that they can be reused or remanufactured

Ship

After our initial processing, materials are sent to companies that can advance them to the next level so they can be put back into reusable products.

• Ferrous metals are sent to foundries and mills where they will be re-melted and reused
• Non-ferrous metals are sent to companies that re-melt these metals for use in new products. River Valley Recycling re-melts certain grades of aluminum on site

Related Links

Click the links below to learn more about companies and services related to ours:

• River Valley Truck Parts and KB Cores

  River Valley Truck Parts partners with River Valley Recycling to purchase and reuse trucks and truck parts. They offer a wide range of aftermarket, used, and reconditioned medium- and heavy-duty truck parts. KB Cores buys, sells, and offers trade arrangements for engines, transmissions, and parts. Their facility implements a process to take apart, inspect, and identify good reusable parts from engines and transmissions. KB Cores has a 50,000 sq. ft. inventory warehouse of engine parts, transmission parts, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, torque converters, and much more.

• Illinois Recycling Association

  Illinois Recycling Association (IRA) is a non-profit organization. It currently has 250 members consisting of municipal, county, and state recycling coordinators, businesses, haulers and processors, non-profit organizations, consultants, and manufacturers of recycled-content products. IRA is a collective voice for recycling on critical waste management issues facing the state of Illinois.

• Kankakee Chamber of Commerce

  The Kankakee Chamber of Commerce provides business leadership for the continuous improvement of the economic environment and the quality of life in the Kankakee region.

• AERA Engine Builders Association

  The Engine Builders Association is a network of professional engine builders, rebuilders, and installers that provides informational resources.

• Production Engine Remanufacturers Association

  The Production Engine Remanufacturers Association is an association of individuals and firms who remanufacture internal combustion engines and their major components or supply necessary components, supplies, and equipment required in the remanufacturing process.