About this episode

Theron Smith discusses his journey from metal recycling to agricultural plastic recycling and the challenges and innovations in the industry.

This podcast episode from Mulch Matters features an in-depth conversation with Theron Smith, co-owner of Flipping Iron—a California-based recycling company that has evolved from metal recovery to becoming a key player in agricultural plastic recycling. The episode traces Theron's personal and professional journey, beginning with his grandfather's metal recycling business and expanding into the complex world of plasticulture, including mulch film, fumigation film, and drip tape. Theron shares insights into the challenges of recycling agricultural plastics, the evolution of Flipping Iron's operations, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. He discusses the company's expansion across multiple states, the role of family in the business, and the strategic shift toward plastics despite initial resistance. The conversation also explores the limitations of domestic recycling infrastructure, the reliance on international export markets. Throughout the episode, Theron emphasizes the value of collaboration over competition, highlighting partnerships with growers, engineers, and institutions like Washington State University and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary…

People in this episode

Host: Nataliya Shcherbatyuk

Guest: Theron Smith

Topics covered

• recycling
• plasticulture
• sustainability
• agricultural plastics
• business evolution
• collaboration

Keywords

• recycling
• plasticulture
• Flipping Iron
• sustainability
• agricultural plastics
• collaboration
• innovation
• business evolution

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Flipping Iron, Washington State University, Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary

Places: California

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