Sharing the Wealth

Like many organizations, the nonprofit Aware Recycling started with a mission. In 2008, Vince Larson and his wife, Nancy, decided to support an orphanage in Myanmar, Burma. With proceeds from a month’s worth of recycling, they were able to feed the entire orphanage of 30 children.

The idea took root, and soon Larson was collecting recyclables from local businesses. He then joined forces with Chad McKinney, now co-president of Aware. McKinney was working to combat homelessness in the San Diego area and to assist a battered women’s shelter in Tijuana, Mexico.

The business, described by Larson as the city’s first downtown recycling center, celebrated its grand opening in October of 2011. In its first six months, Aware processed more than half a million pounds of materials. The recycler got a further financial boost soon after opening when ScrapRight Software donated a complete turnkey package to the nonprofit, helping Aware streamline back-office operations.

Today Aware coordinates daily pickups from more than 30 different businesses and accepts walk-in customers. The center supports such organizations as Invisible Children and the San Diego Rescue Mission. Larson recently discussed the organization’s objectives and goals.

Q: How has Aware Recycling been received by customers and the community?

A: Our social awareness bleeds through everything we do. As far as our growth, it has been exponential, and largely due to the growth of our public image. The more people interface with us, the more they seem to spread the word and jump into the cause.

Q: What is the volunteer component of Aware Recycling?

A: One hundred percent of our proceeds, after operational costs, go to support charities. We began in 2008 with no venture capital, just a broken-down, old F-150 and a dream. In March, Aware finally hit the black side of the ledger.

Q: What is your business philosophy?

A: We believe that this earth was created to be sustainable. There is plenty to go around. We need the excellence that competition breeds, but we also can work together. We love the idea of triple-bottom-line, and our hearts are wrapped around the belief that we can make a difference in our world.

Q: What is your market niche?

A: Aware is a charity that does recycling, not a recycler that gives to charity. We see the world through a hopeful lens while trying to protect ourselves from predatory businesses.