Professional Role and Leadership
Tom Outerbridge holds a senior executive position within Sims Metal Management, specifically leading its municipal recycling division. He formerly served as General Manager of Sims Municipal Recycling (SMR), the division responsible for processing and marketing all commingled curbside recyclables collected in New York City and surrounding regions. As of early 2022, following the acquisition of SMR by the Closed Loop Partners consortium, Tom Outerbridge was appointed President of Sims Municipal Recycling and subsequently assumed the role of CEO of the newly rebranded Balcones Recycling, the entity formed after a merger between SMR and Balcones Resources (Austin, Texas). This entity services over 13 million customers with an annual recycling volume exceeding 1 million tons, indicating substantial operational scale under his leadership.
Company Context and Strategic Initiatives
Sims Metal Management is a global leader in metals and electronics recycling, with operations primarily in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The municipal recycling arm, SMR, operates some of the most advanced material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S., including a state-of-the-art 85-acre facility in Jersey City and a flagship facility in Brooklyn (Sunset Park), which has been recognized for its innovative design and incorporation of green technology.
Tom Outerbridge played a key role in the operational and strategic development of these facilities, overseeing processes such as the slow-speed shredding of incoming recyclables and the integration of robotic sorting technology (EverestLabs robotic cells) to improve efficiency. Notably, he highlighted operational challenges such as the mechanical removal of water-bottle caps from recycling streams and addressed safety considerations related to fire risk in sorting operations.
Under Outerbridge’s leadership, the company achieved a major strategic milestone with the $45 million investment from Closed Loop Partners, involving key investors such as Nestlé and PepsiCo Beverages. This investment fueled the expansion and modernization of Sims Municipal Recycling’s capabilities and accelerated circular economy initiatives.
Industry Influence and Public Engagement
Tom Outerbridge has extensive experience spanning over 15 years in municipal recycling and waste management. He is recognized as a subject matter expert in the recycling sector and frequently engages with stakeholders, governmental agencies, and industry forums to advocate for modernization of recycling systems. He has testified before legislative bodies such as the New York State Senate and worked closely with New York City Department of Sanitation partners.
His expertise encompasses the challenges and operational intricacies of urban recycling in large metropolitan contexts, particularly New York City. He has been involved in urban sustainability and waterfront redevelopment projects tied to Sims’ facilities and has contributed to initiatives focused on circular packaging and waste reduction.
Outerbridge is also known for supporting labor relations positively, acknowledging workers’ rights to unionize and fostering collaborative agreements with unions such as the Teamsters.
Notable Projects and Partnerships
- Closed Loop Partners Investment (2022): Outerbridge has played a pivotal role in positioning Sims Municipal Recycling within a larger circular services platform enabled by Closed Loop Partners’ private equity fund, which focuses on best-in-class circular business models. He has been quoted emphasizing the potential for accelerated industry modernization through this partnership.
- Merger and Rebranding (2023): He led the strategic merger of Sims Municipal Recycling with Balcones Resources, resulting in the newly named Balcones Recycling, aiming to leverage complementary regional strengths and enhance market reach.
- Aluminum Recycling Expansion (2019): Under his management, Sims expanded aluminum recycling in New York City with support from Nespresso’s $1.2 million commitment to improve collection and sorting of aluminum coffee capsules and lightweight metals, enhancing circularity for consumer products.
- Sustainability and Safety Initiatives: Outerbridge has emphasized fire risk mitigation strategies and operational safety within recycling streams, crucial for maintaining uninterrupted recycling services and protecting assets.
Background and Experience
Tom Outerbridge was born and raised in New York City and has accumulated more than three decades of experience in the waste and recycling industries. He joined Sims Metal Management in 2003 and has grown with the company through various operational and leadership roles, developing an expert understanding of both the technical and business aspects of municipal recycling in dense urban environments.
He has managed some of the most complex urban recycling facilities in the U.S., driving improvements in operational efficiency, technology adoption, and stakeholder engagement. His leadership style reflects deep sector expertise combined with a pragmatic approach to workforce and operational challenges.
Key Points for Engagement
- Leadership in urban recycling infrastructure and operations: Oversees large-scale, complex recycling facilities serving millions of residents.
- Proven experience in mergers and organizational integration: Managing the merger with Balcones Resources and rebranding under Closed Loop Partners.
- Strong network within circular economy investors and partners: Engaged with major brands like Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Nespresso through Closed Loop initiatives.
- Focus on innovative recycling technologies and process optimization: Advocate for robotics and automation within material recovery facilities.
- Advocacy for labor rights and workforce collaboration: Supports unionization and cooperative labor relations.
- Public sector and regulatory engagement: Experienced in working with city and state agencies and providing expert testimony.
LinkedIn Profile: [Tom Outerbridge](http://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-outerbridge-b020b98)
Current Position: President, Sims Municipal Recycling (Balcones Recycling) / CEO, Balcones Recycling (post-merger)
Company: Sims Metal Management / Balcones Recycling (Closed Loop Partners portfolio company)
