Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan McLean.
Alan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2016, after working in the commercial diving industry for over 25 years, I decided it was time for a change. The city had recently decided to no longer accept glass in the curbside recycling program. I had the opportunity to work alongside a neighbor, Bill Robertson, who originally started the iRecycle Glass initiative. The idea resonated with many people in our neighborhoods of Garden Oaks/Oak Forest and the business grew. I took full ownership of iRecycle Glass at the beginning of 2017. Since then we have expanded the business to include several commercial customers, and added many new residential customers in neighborhoods throughout Houston. When the city suspended curbside recycling post Hurricane Harvey, iRecycle Glass stepped in and collected all recyclables for our customers. It’s been a wonderful feeling to be able to do something good for the environment, future generations and the community. But honestly, this would not be possible without our customer’s choosing to recycle their glass with us.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with any business there have been some bumps in the road. One in particular is the city of Houston’s potential of resuming curbside glass recycling for the residents. With that being said we continue to grow our commercial customer list. Thankfully with the growth the city is experiencing, there are many environmentally conscious business owners and property managers that want to do the right thing by recycling. So regardless of city’s plan, iRecycle Glass will continue its efforts to provide an alternative to sending glass and all other recyclables to the landfills.
iRecycle Glass – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
iRecycle Glass provides residential and commercial recycling pickup services. All recyclables we collect are 100% recycled and re-purposed. We strive on exemplary customer service, safety and our ability to give back to the community. I am most proud of our neighbors and their interest in recycling. With their help we have saved over 200 tons of recyclable glass from Houston area landfills. Over a ton of natural resources are saved for every ton of glass recycled. I borrow the words of Chief Seattle “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. What we do at iRecycle Glass is truly for the next generation. What started as a neighborhood interest in recycling has grown into a citywide business serving over 500 residents and an ever growing list of businesses.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Defining success for me is ever-evolving but for now I associate it with happiness and knowing that I do the right things for the right reasons.
Pricing:
- Weekly Residential Glass $5/pickup
- Biweekly Residential Glass $7/pickup
- Monthly Residential Glass $10/pickup
- Commercial plans starting at $30/pickup
Contact Info:
- Website: www.irecycle.glass
- Phone: 713-255-8374
- Email: support@irecycle.glass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irecycle.glass
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
