Sims Metal Receives Draft Permit from the City of Chicago to Continue Its Critical Recycling Work in Pilsen

Chicago’s decision follows the federal EPA issuing the Sims Metal facility a clean bill of health

CHICAGO (October 17, 2024) – Sims Metal, a global leader in metal recycling and a division of Sims Limited, today issued the following statement regarding its approval of a draft permit from the City of Chicago to operate its Pilsen recycling facility, a permit the company has held since the City’s permitting process began in 2004. 

Commenting on the approval, George Malamis, director of operations, Sims Metal said, “The renewal of our permit will enable us to continue to operate our metal recycling facility in Pilsen, which is an essential public good. This renewal will not change our focus on earnest partnerships with our neighbors and our cooperation with all federal, state, and local agencies to meet and exceed operational expectations. The health and safety of the community, particularly nearby residents, as well as our employees, remains our number one priority, which is demonstrated by the clean bill of health we have received from the EPA following extensive air monitoring. Recycling is local, the jobs are local, and the solutions are local, and this approval will ensure that these benefits continue to stay local for Pilsen.” 

Sims Metal wishes to express appreciation to partners in both the organized labor and business communities who actively supported the issuance of this permit, including: the Chicago Federation of Labor, the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 731, Teamsters Joint Council 25, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Pilsen’s Economic Strategies Development Corporation, and the Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group.

About Sims Metal  
Founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1917, Sims Metal, has grown from being an Australian-centric company to one of the most significant metal recycling companies in the world. A division of Sims Limited, Sims Metal has bases of operation in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where we buy and process discarded ferrous and non-ferrous metal and sell the recycled material to manufacturers around the world. Each year, we recycle approximately 10 million tons of metal across our global operations. In line with our shared purpose, create a world without waste to preserve our planet, Sims Metal is preparing for, and adapting to, the significant industrial and environmental changes in society and the industry. Visit www.simsmm.com to learn more.

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Media Contact: Matt Butterfield
+1 312 545 5058
matt@macstrategiesgroup.com