USM, Inc. is one of North America’s largest wholesalers & processors of scrap metal. USM provides a full range of comprehensive scrap management services and technically advanced scrap handling equipment to all types of industrial accounts throughout metropolitan Chicago and the U.S. As global markets, environmental concerns and technology become increasingly complex, customers rely on USM for technical assistance and professional expertise.Before there was a Green Business Certification, before companies had sustainability plans and environmental officers who worried about zero emissions and overcrowded landfills, USM, Inc. was already at the forefront of scrap metal recycling and processing.

Recycling Today ranked USM in the top 20 of the largest non-ferrous scrap processors in North America in 2010.  Due to USM’s tremendous growth over the past decade, we have expanded into five operating companies: USM, Inc., USM Processing, USM Recycling, USMe and BLH Computers.  Our companies buy non-ferrous, ferrous, precious metal bearing, used beverage cans (UBC), hi-temp alloys, electronic and composite metal scrap from industrial and manufacturing companies, recycling centers and independent scrap dealers. With our 180,000 sq. ft. facility on ten acres just 2 miles west of the downtown Chicago Loop, USM coordinates extensive in house scrap processing and preparation.  USM is a fully optimized processing plant that offers an easy, single point of contact to handle a wide variety of processing needs.  Our extra-large capacity, efficient methodology and extensive years of experience all work together to streamline production and pull the most value out. Every day, the world market, environmental responsibility and technology become increasingly complex.  More businesses and consumers rely on USM for our technical assistance and expertise. We work closely with sustainability platforms, environmental standards and efficiency programs to make companies work better.  We can provide you with recycling and processing solutions that are built on integrity.

Recycling Solutions Built on Integrity

At USM, we value our clients.  We understand that integrity is built upon respect from our peers, by serving our community, environment, partners and clients with honesty, dedication and hard work.  Our clients are not just one-time customers with one-size-fits-all needs. We strive to achieve solid, long-term relationships by offering creative scrap management programs and competitive prices that ensure top value for their scrap metal.  We know our prices are competitive because they are based on active commodity markets such as LME & COMEX. In addition, we offer flexible payment terms and scrap pricing to meet each particular customers’ individual needs. Straight up actual pricing, or a variety of unique formula-based pricing structures are available to meet your requirements and maximize your profits.

USM Processing

As one of the largest processors of Used Beverage Cans (UBC) in the Midwest, USM Processing is focused on the collection and processing of specification and off-spec used beverage cans.  In addition, we specialize in precious metal recovery and films of all kinds, including medical, litho, industrial, microfiche, etc. We pride ourselves on our exclusive customer service with spot payments, prompt settlements and consignment accounts.  Our processed scrap metals are used throughout the United States as well as Asia, Canada and Mexico.

USM Recycling

At USM Recycling, located conveniently in Alsip, IL, we purchase scrap metal directly from the general public, other recycling dealers, & waste haulers. If you’ve got a pickup load you’re ready to drop off, we’re here to help with convenient hours and competitive rates.  Many of our regular customers include contractors from job sites, homeowners clearing out the garage or basement and small businesses who may have a bag or two of cans to drop off or a full truckload.  We are in full compliance with the latest changes to state and local regulations for the proper disposal of all scrap metal recycling. Some of the many items we accept are aluminum cans, copper wire, brass, aluminum siding/gutters and steel.    Please contact us with questions on appliances before bringing them in.

Specializations

USM didn’t become one of the largest, privately-held, non-ferrous scrap processors in North America by accident. Over the years, our great success lies in our personalized attention to our customers, our industry expertise, and our commitment to never settle for anything less than the best.  We leverage our size to accept and process one of the most diverse arrays of metals in the industry, including:

• Non-ferrous
• Ferrous
• UBCs
• High temperature alloys
• Precious metals

Our specializations have grown beyond the scrap metal division. We now enhance all our business relationships by offering an increased return on investment, turning your scrap into more than recycling material but also refurbished products where available.  When you partner with us, you get the entire lifecycle of processing, reconditioning and potential shared mark ups on those items as well.

How We Operate

At USM, we operate for efficiency. We employ economies of scale to maximize the return for our customers. We have the size, the equipment and the expertise to cater to various needs — from specialized equipment to customized processing and packaging to meet consumer needs. It all starts with collection.  We maintain an extensive network that covers:• Industrial manufacturing plants

• Government operations
• Scrap dealers
• Recycling centers
• Demolition centers
• Printers
• Other non-ferrous scrap producing venues

Our sophisticated processes maximize efficiencies and minimize errors. Working the facility around a giant “U” shape, allows material to flow seamlessly from receiving to shipping. A bar coding system tags all inventory and can be monitored throughout the facility. Computerized scales input data electronically for error-free recording. However, it is our exceptional people, who are dedicated to using a hands-on management style that offers constant attention to work flow, adjusting and resolving problems as they arise, that makes our business faster, safer and better than the rest. From receiving to shipping, we strive to make doing business with Universal easy. At USM you can expect:

• Timely Service
• Competitive Prices
• Prompt Settlements
• Consignment Accounts
• Fully Equipped Metal Identification Laboratory
• Computerized Barcoding/Tracking/Reporting
• Advanced Processing Equipment
• Material Management/Recovery Analysis
• Full Fleet of Transport Vehicles, Equipment, Containers
• Professionally Trained Bi-Lingual Staff
• Member: ISRI, IPMI, TMA, IRA