Empire Recycling Corporation is headquartered in Utica, New York with recycling facilities in Utica, Syracuse, Waterloo, Endicott and Albany. Family-owned and operated for more than 100-years, Empire has grown from recycling rags to an EMPIRE of ten divisions serving not only the metals recycling industry, but also paper recycling, steel fabrication and intermodal transportation. - Our History - In 1916, before the importance of recycling was recognized, Robert, Morton and Louis Kowalsky believed that simple items, such as rags, paper, and metals could be re-used… and from that, an Empire was born. Today, Empire Recycling is one of the largest family-owned recycling centers for metal and paper in the nation, and despite the growth of the company, one thing has remained in the forefront - providing customer service that is second-to-none. With such a rich history, dating back 103-years, Empire Recycling Corporation is still a family tradition with brothers Steven and Edward Kowalsky at the helm. They have lead the company to substantial growth, which now includes the Empire Family of Companies with nearly 200 employees. Empire looks forward to the future… a future filled with growth, while always remaining committed to the environment, to our fantastic team of employees, and to our community.