Gopher Resource

Gopher Resource is a national environmental solutions provider in operation for nearly 70 years. Our purpose is the safe and efficient recycling of lead-based batteries throughout North America using sustainable practices and advanced technologies.For nearly 70 years, Gopher Resource has helped solve one of our planet’s biggest challenges: protecting the earth and preserving natural resources. We have grown into one of the largest and most influential lead-based battery recyclers in North America.

Mission

• To supply quality products and services to our customers through environmentally safe recycling.

• To be recognized as a leader in implementing innovative process improvements.

• To enable all employees to realize personal and professional development through company-wide involvement, teamwork, open communications and training within a safe working environment.

History

• 1946: Gopher Resource is founded in Eagan, MN, and still operates from this same location.
• 1979–1989: Gopher Resource invests heavily in Eagan facility with multiple new structures: battery breaking, shipping docks, administration, maintenance, lunch room, locker rooms and water treatment.
• 1990: Gopher Resource becomes first U.S. company to receive the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part B permit for the safe treatment, storage and disposal of recycled materials.
• 1993: Gopher Resource, Eagan, opens subsidiary Resource Plastics to process polypropylene (recycled from plastic battery casings).
• 1993–Present: The Recycling Zone in Dakota County, MN, opens. Gopher Resource is selected as, and remains, the facility operator.
• 1997: Gopher Resource achieves QS-9000 certification, the first company in the battery industry to do so.
• 1998: Gopher Resource achieves ISO-14000 certification.
• 1999: Gopher Resource achieves ISO-14001 compliance, becoming the first in the industry to implement this strict environmental management system.
• 2006: Gopher Resource expands to Tampa, FL, by purchasing EnviroFocus Technologies LLC and proceeds to invest nearly $100 million in environmental improvements.
• 2012: Gopher Resource, Eagan, completes extensive storm water collection and re-use system.
• 2014: Gopher Resource surpasses 600 employees total.
• 2014: Gopher Resource joins the Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC), an international organization dedicated to research and advancing the capabilities of lead-acid batteries.

Environmental Sustainability and Safety

Safely caring for the environment is what we do. It’s in our DNA. It drives every decision we make, every step we take and where we invest. Put simply, environmental sustainability and safety are non-negotiable.We’re committed to protecting the planet by keeping the lead battery lifecycle in motion. We recycle spent batteries into high-quality, re-usable lead and plastic. Often, we go beyond meeting sustainability and safety requirements; we’re setting new standards.

Environment Protection Is Our Business

As a national environmental solutions provider, we keep approximately 20 million spent automotive, industrial and stationary batteries out of landfills each year. And we do so in a safe, environmentally sustainable manner.Since 2006, we have invested over $100 million in environmental initiatives and green jobs. Our stakeholders can trust that our facilities are state-of-the-art and our people are committed to environmental protection.

Sustainability Highlights

• Recent multi-million-dollar investment in high-capacity storm water collection and re-use ponds in Eagan
• Ongoing development and testing of new equipment in advance of regulations
• Meeting strict quality practices that reduce waste, such as ISO certification
• Designing every new structure and application to maximize efficiency and green features
• Proactively investing in research and development teams to develop new, sustainable practices
• Collaborating with global industry groups to advance technology
• Operating The Recycling Zone community recycling center

Community Safety
Our commitment to safety doesn’t begin or end at our front door. We have invested millions in new technology and processes to ensure year-round safe operations within our communities. Our facilities consistently meet – and strive to be better than – local, state and federal regulations for air, water and waste set by the EPA and other regulatory agencies.

Continuous Innovation

Being innovative means being on a continual quest to analyze, improve and evolve. Gopher Resource is at the forefront of innovation and continuous improvement in our field.Leadership and excellence throughout operations has always been our focus, and we have made huge investments to achieve this. We’re setting new standards for our industry and ourselves. Here are some examples.

OUR SERVICE

• Process and recycle spent automotive, stationary and industrial lead-based batteries
• Sort, process and recycle other lead-bearing materials
• Process and recycle plastic through our subsidiary, Resource Plastics
• Operate The Recycle Zone, a household hazardous waste facility in Dakota County, Minnesota
• Safely dispose of non-recyclable waste following strict environmental regulations

Customer Excellence

Gopher Resource is committed to partnering with our customers and bringing unrivaled value to them. We believe the best way to create long-term customer relationships is by delivering premium products and solutions with exceptional service.

QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY

Our customers rely on us to provide our superior service and material with consistency every time, on time. We deliver by following systematic processes designed to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, employee safety and environmental sustainability. Our methods incorporate ISO guidelines, a Continuous Improvement Management System and Lean Six Sigma practices.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY STEWARDS

Customers want a partner who is committed to environmental sustainability and safe operations. We have a nearly 70-year history of demonstrating this commitment. Through our ongoing, proactive investments in advanced technology and continuous improvement we will continue to lead the industry in safe, sustainable recycling.