2
min read
Mar 6, 2025
Shannon's journey began nearly thirty years ago when she started as a temporary worker at Millennium Recycling. Over the years, she took on diverse responsibilities, learning to operate equipment and manage teams and ultimately stepping into her role as President. "Recycling is very dynamic," Shannon explains. "You're working with market changes, employee challenges, and constant shifts in both technology and materials."
Her experiences demonstrate that adaptability and a willingness to learn can open doors, especially for those excited about making a positive impact on their communities. For Shannon, those qualities have been pivotal to her success, as she continues to refine strategies that effectively respond to changing circumstances in our industry.
A Passion for People and Second Chances
One hallmark of Shannon's leadership is her dedication to second-chance hiring. At Millennium Recycling, she has helped foster an environment where individuals from all walks of life can thrive. "We embrace people who need a second chance," Shannon says. "We bring them in, provide jobs, and work together toward a common goal."
This focus on helping people find stable, rewarding work aligns with our own core values. Building relationships with our partners and employees fuels success in any service-centered industry, and we are proud to stand alongside Shannon in supporting a compassionate approach to business.
The Power of Partnership
Our collaboration with Shannon and Millennium Recycling goes beyond traditional client relationships. We view Shannon as a vital partner who is working with us to champion responsible, sustainable waste management practices. Her achievements, such as pioneering single-stream recycling and electronics recycling in South Dakota, demonstrate the tangible benefits of strong alliances and a shared vision.
When asked about future challenges, Shannon highlights the balance between technology and a skilled workforce. "It's amazing what technology can do," she notes. "It can take some of the load off our people without removing jobs. We hope to stay at the forefront of those advances." We share this perspective that thoughtful, practical innovations should serve to empower teams, not replace them.
Honoring Women's Leadership in Waste
This March, we are honored to feature Shannon in our Women in Waste spotlight, recognizing the many ways women drive progress in our sector. Women's History Month offers a chance to reflect on the contributions of leaders like Shannon, who continue to shape our industry's future.
Shannon's advice for anyone considering a career in waste management is straightforward: "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Look closely at how everything works. We really are an integral part of the economy on a state, regional, and even worldwide level."
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Shannon's story underscores the importance of nurturing talent, championing sustainability, and fostering strong collaborations. These principles guide our work every day, and they are a major reason we value our partnership with Shannon and Millennium Recycling.
As we celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month, we stand behind the achievements of leaders like Shannon. They remind us that a supportive environment, resolute vision, and dedication to our communities can make all the difference. Together, we will continue building meaningful partnerships that enable responsible, future-focused waste management solutions.
If you'd like to learn more about our partnership with Millennium Recycling, read more about it in our case study.
