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| AUGUST 14, 20006
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandy Shadrow SOS Metals – 808-280-8844
Photos Available – Call Jeff Stark 808-573-6262
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| VETERAN RECYCLERS TAKE ON MAUI’S JUNK CAR PROBLEM
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| Maui’s newest recycling company already has nearly 30 years’ experience.
SOS Metal Inc., a major Southern California based metals recycling and
sales company, is now open for business in the Maui Baseyard facility in
Puunene.
The centerpiece of the SOS operation is a $400,000 Sierra Car Baler
that can turn a car into a bale of valuable scrap metal in less time than
it takes to drink a cup of coffee. This baler, and its associated
equipment, is a complete recycling machine. First the vehicle is
processed by the “Envirovac,” a device which drains all fluids – fuel,
engine oil, grease and other pollutants. These materials are then
stored in state-of-the-art containers designed to prevent any possible
leakage and pollution. The Freon in the vehicle air conditioning
system is also captured and shipped to a Freon recycler. All of this
equipment is situated in the middle of a huge cement pad and catchment
system, designed to contain any pollutants, covering a significant portion
of the SOS 4 acre facility.
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| The cars are fed into the baler by an excavator, a giant mechanical
claw capable of lifting virtually any car, truck or van. Then the
hydraulically operated crusher does its job and spits out a neatly compacted
mass of metal just one fifth the size of the vehicle. From there
the recyclable metals are loaded by forklift into overseas shipping containers
and shipped to various worldwide locations. Currently most of Maui’s
metals are destined for the mainland or Asia, however that can change as
market conditions change. Given the capability of the SOS equipment,
the company could theoretically process all of Maui’s junk cars, and restore
our roadside views and vistas, in less than one year.
This estimate is based on published reports that during a recent 6 month period over 2,000 derelict vehicles were counted all over Maui. That translates to a car being abandoned every two hours a day, 24/7. Judging by the opinions expressed in letters to Maui’s various editors, by Mauians and visitors, this staggering figure is no surprise. According to SOS Vice President Sandy Shadrow, “In virtually any town in Southern California 12 cars a day is insignificant, nobody would even notice. But here on Maui it is a major problem, a problem that has been overwhelming the ability of the community to deal with it.” This fact is what drove Shadrow and his brother, Don, to dedicate their organization’s experience, and invest over a million dollars or so of their financial resources, to their Maui operation. Shadrow and his family have been frequent Maui visitors for decades and the family has purchased two homes on Maui. “That changed our point of view,” Sandy said. “We couldn’t just stand by when we had the means, knowledge, experience and desire to help.” According to the SOS website (http://www.sosmetalsmaui.com) “SOS Metals is an industry leader in the recycling of all metals.” Shadrow adds that “All metal recycling technologies have come a long way in the past few decades. The technology for automobile recycling is no different. We’ve been recycling metals for a long time” Shadrow said, “helping Maui deal with this junk car problem is a fantastic opportunity for us to make a positive impact on this community.” In addition to cars, Mauians will be able to discard other recyclable metals. The existing County of Maui Curbside Pickup Program, aimed at stopping the illegal “disposal” of refrigerators, stoves and other “white goods” may soon be expanded. When and if that happens SOS will be a key player receiving and recycling the metals and materials in these difficult to handle products. Shadrow has met with County officials and has offered SOS’ expertise in collecting and recycling all metals, including “white goods.” Day to day management of the SOS Maui operation will be the responsibility of long-time Mauian Bruce Mizel. Mizel’s resume features 17 years as the Chief Building Engineer at the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center in Kahului, followed by one and one half years as Capitol Improvements Coordinator for the County of Maui’s Solid Waste Division. “We are extremently fortunate that Bruce agreed to join SOS,” said Shadrow. “Not only does he know industrial scale mechanical systems and equipment, he also knows Maui, knows how to get things done here.” Mizel was equally enthusiastic about his new position. “I’m excited by the opportunity to lead this new operation. Maui has long needed this type of facility, with this type of professional and financial support. Our job will be to rid the island of illegally dumped eyesores, and, to accomplish this in the most environmentally responsible way.” The evolution of Maui’s junk car problem is now well knows. For many years Maui Scrap Metals in Waikapu, under a County of Maui contract, processed and shipped junk cars and scrap metals, including “white goods” to Honolulu. However, in 2005 the State Department of Health shut down Maui Scrap Metals. With nowhere to take and process Maui’s derelict auto population and other products and materials our roadsides fields and gulches began to overflow with abandoned cars, and other once useful products. In most cases the junkers are dropped along roadsides and gulches because they are not wanted. And the costs involved in proper disposal are most definitely not wanted. Thus, an eyesore has bloomed on Maui, offending residents and visitors alike. “Our job,” Shadrow said, “is to attack this problem by combining our technology and experience into a powerful program that will help the Maui community rid itself of the problem. This is what we do – we’re ready.” For more information call 808-280-8844.
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