Forging a Greener Future
The Raw Metal Corp Revolution in Recycling
In a world where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, Raw Metal Corp has been a trailblazer in transforming the metal recycling landscape. Founded in 2014 by Todd Wanless, the company has not only grown into one of Queensland's largest scrap metal recyclers but has also become a symbol of environmental stewardship and innovative recycling practices. With a commitment to reducing landfill waste and repurposing valuable materials, Raw Metal Corp is leading the charge in an industry that is both challenging and essential for our planet’s future.
A Shift in Social Consciousness
"Recycling is a phenomenon that has been changing the social landscape over the last 10 years, particularly the last five," says Brett Crosby, General Manager of Raw Metal Corp.
"The advent of bottle recycling has revitalised the concept of recycling, showing the positive impact it has and the increased relevance of it now that the world is so focused on climate change and our contribution to its impact."
Todd Wanless, Founder and Managing Director said that Raw Metal Corp is at the forefront of developing new methods and ways of recycling.
“This enables our business to recycle more efficiently to get the best yield from recyclable materials, thereby reducing the need for mining virgin materials,” he said.
“Along with repurposing and reusing, recycling plays a very important part in the environmental and social governance areas that have proven to be so important for businesses of all sizes and to the community as a whole."
Raw Metal Corp’s Growing Footprint
Since its inception, Raw Metal Corp has continuously expanded its operations, recently focusing on its Mackay yard, which opened three years ago.
"The Mackay yard continues to grow as we apply the same ‘We Care’ attitude to the business and focus on our customers,” Brett said.
“Our customer base has expanded from the initial Paget area with a focus to now covering mines, major demolition, and regional councils with scrap metal recovery. Everyone’s recycling!"
A significant milestone in their growth was the installation of the only hammer mill shredder in North Queensland, a game-changer for metal recycling in the region.
"No longer do we need to transport material all the way back to Brisbane. We can process it right here in our Paget yard and export it out of Mackay Harbour to steel mills around the world," says Todd.
Customer interaction is not just a task; it’s a core value.
Brett said, "Our customer interaction is our key focus.”
“We are a small family business, and we like to be involved in our customers' businesses to see how better we can serve them."
This personal touch extends across all their operations, from dealing with large industrial customers to helping residential clients clear out a few kilos of scrap metal.
Wade Ruffin, Business Development Manager, adds, "We care about how we interact with our customers, the impression each interaction has on them, and whether this interaction is good enough for referral.”
“We strive to treat all our customers the same way, whether they are large industrial clients or residential customers with a few kilos of scrap metal.
“Small pieces of scrap metal add up, and it all helps the environment."
Metal Markets and Machinery
Raw Metal Corp’s success is not just due to its customer service; it’s also about the advanced machinery and strategic logistics that keep the wheels turning.
"We’ve completed five direct ship exports from our Mackay yard with shiploads ranging from 12,000 to 17,000 tonnes of steel," Wade explains.
"The organisation of ship loading is quite a feat, with the ever-changing timelines of ship availability, coordinating 15 trucks and bins, and managing the weather. These shiploads run for 24 hours over three to four days and require precise coordination across the business."
The company’s investments in machinery, such as the Sennebogen machines and Caterpillar excavators, ensure that they can efficiently process both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, preventing them from ending up in landfills. This not only aligns with their environmental goals but also supports their growing business.
“We installed the only hammer mill shredder in North Queensland a couple of years ago and it is proving a game changer for metal recycling in North Queensland,” Wade added.
As well as mining, Raw Metal specialise in farm clean-ups.
“We are continually doing farm clean-ups for crop, cattle and sugar cane farmers from Grafton in Northern New South Wales to the North at Bowen and West to Charters Towers,” Wade explained.
“To be able to do the farm cleanups we need a minimum of tipper trailer loads of scrap metal to offset the machinery that we have to take to site. We take a 21-tonne excavator with a grab, semi-trailer tipper bin, and the machine has to be floated to and from the site.”
Beyond the Yard
The team at Raw Metal Corp isn't just about business; they bring a wealth of personal experience and dedication to their roles with an emphasis on giving team members pathways for progression.
"One of my favourite moments was hiring a new staff member who had a tough start in life,” Wade shared.
“Over 3.5 years, he grew into his role, set and achieved small goals, and taught me as much as I taught him. His enthusiasm and hard work were truly inspiring."
Beyond his professional commitments, Wade is known for his love of the great outdoors. Whether it's fishing, camping, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the water, he finds his peace in nature, often using these moments to recharge and stay grounded.
Brett Crosby also reflects on his 10 years with Raw Metal Corp, particularly the pride he takes in the company’s Paget yard.
"Scrap yards around the world are historically dirty and not family-friendly,” he said.
“When Todd purchased the lot in Paget, we developed it specifically for a scrap yard.
“I project-managed the construction and design, and we all pride ourselves on how clean it is.
“Everyone that comes into the yard comments on it, and I’m very proud of the team, as they treat it like it’s their own."
Enjoying a cold beer and spending time with his family are simple pleasures in life Brett looks forward to outside of work. He spends weekends riding his cruiser and when he’s not chasing horizons in Queensland, he likes to explore other destinations across the globe.
Todd is passionate about fitness and staying active. When he's not busy with work, you'll likely find him hitting the gym. His dedication to health and wellness is something he takes seriously, inspiring those around him to lead an active lifestyle.
What’s Next for Raw Metal Corp?
As Raw Metal Corp continues to grow, the team remains focused on innovation and expansion.
"We have massive plans coming up in the yard at Paget and in Wacol, Brisbane," Brett said.
"We continue to invest heavily in the business to ensure our processing and material handling is world-class. Attending metal recycling conferences around the world keeps us abreast of the constantly changing recycling technology,” Todd added.
As they continue to expand and refine their operations, one thing remains clear: Raw Metal Corp is not just a team recycling metal; they are forging a greener future for Queensland and beyond.
