LiveSmart BC Community Hero
Brothers work shoulder-to-shoulder recycling metals of all kinds
Quesnel brothers Wayne and Tony Pastachak are the brains and braun behind Cariboo Metal Recycling, an environmentally-friendly company that boasts a new facility in a new location south of town.
“Metal is a non-renewable resource and it has always been in our family,” said Tony, the younger of two. “Dad collected metal on the side. He was more of a dabbler; we took it one step further.”
The two brothers believe the company will continue to grow and one day bring them prosperity, until then they are keeping their “day jobs” to support their young families.
Wayne is a certified mechanic and Tony manages the BK 2-way radio for industry in Quesnel, but both have a vision that would make their dad proud. Tom Pastachak died in 2001, but not before instilling a strong work ethic in his two sons. Tom started collecting and recycling metal to make some extra money to help pay for his daughter, the boys’ sister, to go to university. The West Fraser carpenter also liked to collect things as a hobby.
“He collected stamps, coins, arrowheads, lots of stuff,” Wayne said. “He was a man of few words but if he saw what we were doing today, he’d say, ‘good for you guys. You’re doing good.’”
What started as a hobby for Tom is now a passion for his boys. This year they moved from a small rented facility at Two Mile Flat on Highway 97 to the Chew subdivision just south of Quesnel. The new 1,200 square-foot bright red building serves as the shop for storing and separating scrap metal that arrives in all shapes and sizes. Similar to a bottling depot, the brothers pay for everything that comes across their scales.
“We recycle basically every type of metal,” Tony said. “Steel, copper, aluminum, brass, we do it all. We buy scrap metal in many different forms like transmissions, engines, welders, AC motors and DC motors.”
The brothers want to give people a choice so the metal they recycle doesn’t end up in the landfill.
“I’ve heard of people burying it,” Wayne said. “This gives a good incentive to clean up your yards and make a bit of money.”
Metals are organized at the facility but it helps if customers can sort the metal before it comes in, Tony added. “If you know what the metal is, it is best to try and separate it. It takes a bit longer for us to sort through when metal comes in mixed. The more you have of one type, the better off you are.”
After sorting and storing the metal, it is eventually returned to the foundry or manufacturer where it is made. The brothers have a five-ton truck decorated in vibrant red, black, gold and blue letters to advertize their business. Customers can arrange to have metals picked up depending on the quality and quantity, Tony added. Cariboo Metal Recycling is also a certified lead battery recycle facility.
“We do take all types of lead acid batteries but we don’t take alkaline or rechargeable,” Wayne said. “Automotive, truck and RV batteries are what we get the most of.”
While the brothers grew up in Quesnel dirt biking and playing hockey, they never imagined they would end up co-owning a recycling depot. But they work well as a team and have found a way to blend their talents.
“Tony is the people person,” Wayne said. “I’m more the guy behind the scenes. The best thing about working with Tony is I know him,” he added.
Tony agreed and said working with Wayne means he is safe to express his emotions. When he gets frustrated, his brother knows him well enough to give him space if he needs it.
“That’s the best thing about having a brother for a partner,” he said. “You know them so well.”
With rising and falling prices, the business has its ups and downs but both men enjoy the uniqueness of the industry.
“When you line up a big contract, it always makes you feel really good,” Wayne added. “It’s always kind of neat to see things coming through the door and see what you are processing.”
The partners are optimistic there is a bright future for metal recycling.
“We both did it with our dad. It is a viable semi-profitable business and it does help our environment,” Wayne said.
Both men are married with young children and both families recycle at home.
“Of course,” Wayne said. “It’s the thing to do – cardboard, plastic bottles, you try to do what you can.”
Knowing that Cariboo Metal Recycling is a way to LiveSmart is an incentive for the brothers to invest their energy.
“For every pound of copper you recycle here, it is five tons of earth – plus or minus – depending on the grade of the soil that’s not going to get turned up by a machine,” Tony said.
And recycling goes beyond returning metals to their original place of manufacturing. The business is also a place to buy salvaged metal.
“Our prices are a lot cheaper than you can buy new,” Tony said. “A lot of the material we get in like steel and aluminum sheeting can be used for other applications.”
Cariboo Metal Recycling is located at 1265 Sam Toy Ave behind Cariboo Water. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 250-983-2254.
