Rethinking Waste: Turning Trash Into Opportunity

Rethinking Waste: Turning Trash Into Opportunity

From Small Business Big Impact by Meridian

April 9, 2026 · 28 min · Season 2 · Episode 3

About this episode

The episode discusses how waste can be rethought as a resource through the experiences of Shane Harker and his company Rethink Resource.

Some of the most impactful businesses don’t begin with flashy ideas, they start with hard work, lived experience, and a desire to do things better. In this episode of Small Business, Big Impact, host Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, speaks with Shane Harker, Founder and President of Rethink Resource. Shane shares how he built a 25-year career in transportation and waste before launching a company focused on rethinking trash as a resource. Today, Rethink Resource has diverted more than 10 million pounds of waste from landfill and operates across Canada and the U.S., working toward a circular economy.  Key Takeaways: Hard work matters- but working smart and striving to be the best at what you do matters more. Waste isn’t garbage,  it’s an opportunity to create value through innovation. Purpose-driven entrepreneurship often requires financial risk and resilience. Integrity and culture are critical when scaling in industries where trust matters.

People in this episode

Host: Jay-Ann Gilfoy

Guest: Shane Harker

Topics covered

  • waste management
  • circular economy
  • entrepreneurship
  • innovation
  • sustainability

Keywords

  • waste
  • entrepreneurship
  • circular economy
  • innovation
  • sustainability
  • Rethink Resource
  • Jay-Ann Gilfoy
  • Shane Harker

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rethink Resource, Meridian Credit Union

Places: Canada, U.S.

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