Kay started working for Hahn in 2004 as a part-time route driver and climbed his way up to operations manager. He purchased Green Guy Recycling in 2015 when Hahn decided to sell.
“I was always invested in the job. I’ve always had the drive to repurpose things—it’s always been in my blood,” Kay said.
With almost 25 years in business, Kay said the recycling company has grown and expanded tremendously.
Green Guy Recycling specializes in purchasing ferrous, or iron-based metals, and nonferrous metals. The company also accepts household recycling materials and has been awarded a contract with the city of San Marcos to serve as the city’s public drop-off center. It also collects recyclables from city facilities and city-sponsored events and provides labor for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection site.
Though the recycling business has always been “unpredictable” Kay said, the coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges that even an ever-changing business environment could have not prepared him for it.
Kay said the biggest challenge during the pandemic has been keeping staff healthy and reducing exposure. He added that Green Guy Recycling has not shut down operations since the pandemic started.
“I love the complexity of [this business]. It’s what drives me,” Kay said.
Green Guy Recycling
937 Hwy 80, San Marcos
512-353-3266
www.greenguyrecycling.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon, Sun. closed
