History

QRS Recycling has been helping customers make or save money through recycling for over 35 years. Our expertise is in creative recycling solutions that have a positive effect on our customer’s bottom line and environmental footprint. We are committed to building long-term relationships and will always do what is best for the customer while generating a fair profit for QRS.

QRS was established in 1974 by Tim Janson in New Albany, Indiana. He founded a company based on fair treatment of the customer, fair treatment of the mill, and the shipment of quality product in all market conditions. Our reputation of fairness and honesty is our most precious asset. From humble beginnings in a mud field, QRS has grown to operate six recycling facilities and have become the dominant recyclers in three major markets.

Talent and Teamwork

QRS Recycling is driven by the most talented team of recycling professionals in the industry. Our procurement staff has the experience to consult directly with the producers of scrap at the point of waste generation to provide the best solution to their needs. The operations team collects, receives, processes and ships over 30,000 tons of quality product per month. Our marketing arm sells this product around the globe, securing fair prices and excellent movement in all market conditions. Finally, our administrative and customer service team ensures accurate and timely payment and reporting. These professionals realize that it takes all pieces working together to exceed our customers’ expectations.

A Legacy of Expansion, Innovation, and Leadership

QRS began expanding in 1986 with the construction of a new facility in Louisville. We entered the St. Louis market in 1989 and the Nashville market in 1995. A second plant was added in St. Louis in 1998 followed by a second plant in Nashville in 2004.

Over the past decade QRS has emerged at the forefront of the sustainability and “green” movement by investing in flexible collection assets, innovative sorting technology, and efficient baling systems. We have been the leaders in allowing recycling to be simple and cost effective for tens of thousands of households, schools, and businesses. All QRS plants now have the capability to process either residential or commercial single stream product as well as large volumes of traditional grades such as cardboard, newspaper, high grades, and plastic. All plants are serviced by a fleet of QRS owned and operated trucks. We use semi-tractors, straight trucks, and commercial front loaders to collect recyclables in any size, form or fashion.
Our willingness to invest in innovation has made QRS the leading and #1 recycler in St. Louis, Louisville, and Nashville.

At QRS we are proud of our past and confident in the future. We have learned that volume follows simplicity and we are excited about investing in the people, processes, and partnerships that can make recycling as simple as disposal.