I’m not saying we shouldn’t do all we can to recycle containers of all sorts, we just need to ensure we are doing it correctly, intelligently. Wouldn’t it be a shame if California’s system collapsed on itself due to the government involvement?

Also, there is a stigma associated with scrapyards similar to pawn shops – operating in or near the gray area of the law. Many recycling operations are doing everything in their power to remove as much of the criminal element from their business relationships.as possible. Cleaning up and looking more like a recycling center instead of a junkyard is helpful in that process. Dealing above board on all transactions as well as working closely with law enforcement has been another important step.

Another reason involves growth opportunities. City and county government entities are much more likely to work with a reputable business to help them grow and being a recycling center helps with that, as was evidenced recently by Speedway Auto Parts of Joliet, Illinois.

So, next time you go to recycle something, take a closer look and see if you don’t see a different operation than your dad’s “junkyard.”

To be open for the first two shifts of the day and have the third shift show up to find a notice saying the shift is canceled and the plant is closed is not a kindly gesture. On top of that, not even answering the phone or providing a statement of any sort leaves so many questions unanswered.

Such action creates the feeling that something is or was amiss in the company – for surely providing no answers means there is something to hide. That kind of thinking is all too prevalent from the public with this type of closure. They might think that perhaps the owner is in legal trouble and is trying to escape the clutches of the law. You are also setting yourself up for future failure if people remember the way you handled things before. And with the internet, that is all too likely now.

Here are a couple of suggestions which would turn the situation less ugly. First, take the time and make the effort to call all the employees and inform them of the closure so they don’t make the commute only to find their drive in vain. Better yet, bring the employees in on the situation way beforehand, letting them know of the possible closure on a particular date if a way isn’t found to keep it open. Enlist their help. You’d be surprised at what employees will do to keep from losing their jobs if they know they have a chance.

Next, supply a simple notice to the press that things have been really tough and the firm can no longer stay open and you wish you had more to say but that’s all there is. And then have a live person to at least let callers know there is no further comment. It’s better than an answering machine to which everybody knows you have no plans for response. Better yet is to be open with the press – grant interviews and tell your story. People are a lot more forgiving and understanding when you use frankness and candor. Too many people today are quick to remember the past and make that the focus of their thoughts about you, even if you have changed for the better. So, giving them at least some positiveness to recall later serves both them now and you later.