August 2026
Family-owned business processes cans to cars as it continues to serve a wide range of customers from its southeast New Mexico locations
In a small community where family businesses still define local economies, Ed’s Recycling Center Inc. stands as a third-generation operation built on grit, trust and steady growth.
Founded in 1996 in Clovis, N.M., Ed’s Recycling began when Ed Lingnau transitioned from farming into the scrap industry. He was soon joined by his son, Michael, who was finishing college at Eastern New Mexico University and helping where he could.
“Dad decided he wanted to go a different direction from farming, so he started managing a recycling company here in Clovis,” Michael recalled. “I started working with him, and as soon as I got out of school, we started on our own with just the two of us. I remain excited that this fell into my lap. The scrap industry is great for our environment. We’re happy to provide that service.”
The company started with an empty building, a pickup and a single forklift. From those humble beginnings, Ed’s Recycling grew into a multicompany operation that employs more than 40 people and handles everything from cans to household and industrial scrap to whole vehicles. It offers roll-off services and includes additional businesses: Ed’s Auto Parts that salvages and sells parts, as well as Ed’s Waste Management, which offers residential and commercial waste management solutions.
“In addition to our yards, we offer mobile baling for others, and we go to landfills in the West Texas/New Mexico area and process metals they have pulled out of the refuse,” explained Michael. “We buy and process a lot of scrap metal in the area. We believe in being honest, paying fair prices and treating people right. In a small town, that’s how you build a good reputation and grow.”
In 2013, Michael officially took over ownership as his father stepped back from daily operations, though Ed still visits the yard frequently. With a strong foundation in place and a new generation stepping in, the company’s evolution continues — driven by experience, technology and family leadership.
Today, Michael serves as owner-operator, and his wife, Rachel, helps support the business. Their three sons all plan to become part of Ed’s Recycling’s legacy, including Tyler, who recently joined full time after graduating from Texas Tech University; Austin, a junior at Eastern New Mexico University; and high school senior Zachary.
“It’s a true family business,” Michael said proudly. “We started from absolutely nothing and built this together. Now, the boys want to be part of it, and that means everything to me.”
At the heart of Ed’s Recycling’s operations are Atlas material handlers, including multiple 350 MH models currently in service. The newest Atlas 350 was added within the past year and works daily as a primary production machine at the Clovis location. Ed’s Recycling worked closely with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Territory Manager Brady McAlister and Material Handling Specialist Ralph Faulkner on its latest purchase.
“We bought our first Atlas about 20 years ago after seeing one at an equipment show,” shared Michael. “The price was right, and it had all the features I needed, so I took a chance. I’m glad I did because it turned out great for our company. A year later, I had a deal fall into place to buy two more. Those machines are still running with 15,000 to 20,000 hours. That’s a big reason why I wanted an Atlas when I started to look for a new machine. Kirby-Smith became the dealer in the area recently, so I reached out to them, and they responded right away.”
The Atlas 350 features a 52-foot reach and a 15-foot elevating cab, allowing operators to load railcars with excellent visibility. Ed’s Recycling uses both grapples and magnets, utilizing a quick-connect system that eliminates attachment changes.
“The 350 model fits our operation really well,” Michael commented. “It gives us the reach, visibility and flexibility we need to keep material moving safely and efficiently. It’s set up so that we can do multiple jobs with one machine. That saves time, improves safety and keeps production moving.”
The wheeled machines also allow crews to cross to the rail site that sits across the street from Ed’s Recycling in Clovis without damaging the pavement, which is another distinctive advantage, according to Michael.
“The reach, shear strength and overall capability of the machine are great,” added Tyler. “The cab is comfortable, and it’s very handy that it elevates, so you can see exactly where to put material.”
For a volume-based industry, efficiency and production remain critical. Dependable service support plays a major role in that, which Michael said has been a strength of working with KSM, Brady and Ralph. KSM serves as the regional Atlas dealer supporting the company’s equipment fleet.
“Having local service is absolutely everything,” Michael emphasized. “When there is a need, you want someone who answers the phone and gets you answers. Kirby-Smith has done that for us. They have been upfront and honest through the whole process. They gave us the information we needed and followed through when we needed help. That means a lot in our business. It’s more than buying a machine. It’s about having a partner you can count on.”
That partnership with KSM helps position Ed’s Recycling for its next chapter. With modern equipment in place and a new generation stepping into leadership roles, Ed’s Recycling is focused on long-term growth.
The company plans to expand production capacity while continuing to diversify its scrap, auto salvage and waste management divisions. Growth will remain measured, prioritizing operational control and customer service.
“I see great things ahead for our company,” Michael declared. “With my sons coming into the business, we’re positioned to move more material and serve our community for a long time. There’s a lot of opportunity here.”
As Ed’s Recycling looks ahead, it remains grounded in the same principles that built the business: family involvement, honest service and a commitment to the communities it serves.
“It’s such a unique business,” reflected Tyler. “Other people look at it and kind of brush past it, but we’re all intrigued by it and interested in seeing all the different things that come through. Grandpa always says one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and this business can really show that. I’m excited about where we are and the future.”
*The opinions expressed here are based on the customer’s specific experience. Results may vary.
“We believe in being honest, paying fair prices and treating people right. In a small town, that’s how you build a good reputation and grow.”
– Michael Lingnau, Owner, Ed’s Recycling Center Inc.
