The history of ABC Recycling is intertwined with the legacy of the Yochlowitz family. Joseph Yochlowitz and his wife Sarah immigrated to Canada from Poland at the turn of the last century, eventually settling in Vancouver. In 1912, Joseph began a scrap peddling business, working the streets of the young city with horse and wagon. He was soon joined by his son, Daniel. In 1935, Daniel opened his own scrap metal business and, 14 years later, bought a building and established ABC Salvage and Metal Company.

Over the years, subsequent generations of family members have joined the business, and leadership has been handed from Daniel to his son Harold, and from Harold to his eldest son, David. The company has continued to flourish so that today, third and fourth-generation family members are actively involved in growing ABC Recycling for future generations.

Milestones

1912
Joseph begins scrap peddling business in Vancouver; his son
Daniel joins soon after
1935
Daniel launches his own salvage business
1949
Daniel opens ABC Salvage and Metal Company on Main Street in Vancouver
1961
Daniel’s son Harold joins ABC
1964
10-acre property purchased in Burnaby
1970's
Business relocates to Burnaby and begins to shift from salvage to recycling
Company builds spur to main railroad line
ABC employs 14 people
1975
Name changes to ABC Recycling

1980
Non-ferrous business emerges
1981
ABC Recycling begins exports to Japan
1988
Harold’s son David joins company full time
ABC Recycling employs 35 people
1993
ABC Recycling expands to Campbell River
1995 Exports to China begins; brokerage business emerges
2000
Helen's daughter Karen joins the company full time
2004
Company joins Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFÉ)
2005

Forms joint venture partnership with Bold Salvage & Recycling in Terrace
ABC Recycling employs 66 people
2006
Harold's son Mike joins the company full time
2007
ABC Recycling expands to Surrey
Forms joint venture partnership with Action Metals Recycling in Kelowna
ABC employs more than 130 people at operations throughout BC
2010
ABC Recycling partners with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, establishing Kidney Metals and taking over the Kidney Car program in BC
2011
ABC Recycling in partnership with Bold Salvage expands to Prince George
Action Metals Recycling and Bold Salvage & Recycling adopt the ABC Recycling brand
2012

ABC Recycling celebrates its 100th Anniversary
ABC Recycling expands to Fort St. John
2013

ABC Recycling acquires Grande Prairie Salvage Ltd. and Peace Containers
2015
ABC Recycling expands to Nanaimo