Unlimited Recycling Recognized as Recycler of the Year by Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

Latina-led Company is advancing circular economy and developing new capacity and solutions

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum named Unlimited Recycling its inaugural Recycler of the Year at the 12th Annual Triple Bottom Line Bash last month at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. The recognition was part of the Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year Awards. 

At Unlimited Recycling, Inc., advancing the circular economy is central to the company’s mission. For over two decades, it has designed and delivered comprehensive recycling and waste management solutions that keep valuable materials in use, reduce landfill dependency, and promote a regenerative, sustainable future.  It has become a recognized leader and advocate in the recycling, sustainability, and environmental justice sectors. Since our founding, we have not only provided high-impact recycling and waste management solutions but also used our voice, expertise, and platform to champion sustainability, equity, and economic opportunity, locally in Michigan and nationwide.

As a Latina immigrant and CEO, Maria Marin has built Unlimited Recycling into a respected voice for diversity and inclusion in the environmental industry. Her leadership inspires other minority- and women-owned businesses to enter and thrive in the sustainability sector.

• Maximizing Resource Recovery: it diverts thousands of tons of materials, including metals, cardboard, paper, plastics, organic waste, construction debris and electronic components — from landfills each year, returning them to productive use in new products and supply chains.
• Total Waste Management Solutions: Integrated approach streamlines collection, transportation, sorting, and recycling to ensure that waste is treated as a resource. By helping clients optimize their operations, it significantly reduces waste generation and extends the lifecycle of materials.
• Reusable Recycling Container Initiative: It is launching a program to provide reusable recycling containers to small businesses across Metropolitan Detroit and across the United States. This initiative reduces single-use waste and makes it easier for businesses to participate in circular practices.
• Innovative Recycling Facility Development: It is planning a new transfer and recycling facility focused on metals, cardboard, paper, e-waste, and solid waste. This facility will increase local processing capacity, create jobs, and further close the loop on material use.
• Extending Circular Principles Nationally: While deeply rooted in Michigan, Unlimited Recycling partners with organizations nationwide to help them transition from linear “take-make-dispose” models to circular systems that emphasize reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency.
• Education and Community Engagement: It actively educates businesses and community members on the importance of circular economy principles and how sustainable material management strengthens both the environment and the economy.  It partners with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to educate youth and families about sustainability, environmental justice, and how recycling contributes to healthier, more equitable communities.

Through these initiatives, Unlimited Recycling demonstrates that the circular economy is not just a concept — it’s a practical, impactful model that drives sustainability, supports economic growth, and creates healthier communities.

“This recognition means so much to me personally and professionally. I came to this country believing in hard work, opportunity, and giving back. Today  I am so proud that Unlimited Recycling was built on and continues to hold those same values. Recycling is not just an environmental solution—it’s an economic and social one. We are proud to advance the circular economy while creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and opening doors for communities that have traditionally been left out of the sustainability conversation.” said Maria Marin, President & CEO, Unlimited Recycling.

The signature event of the state’s sustainability community, this year’s Triple Bottom Line Bash hosted more than 350 professionals, supporters and their families to recognize businesses, institutions and professionals from around the state.  This was the first year for the Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year Awards program, which had previously been organized as a regional event focused on western Michigan. Award winners and finalists were nominated by Forum members and selected by a committee of their peers.  

“Unlimited Recycling is inspiring and innovative,” said Daniel Schoonmaker, executive director of Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. “Maria Marin’s company is improving its community and creating a more sustainable future.  They are finding ways to make recycling more accessible for businesses of all sizes and scales, and to introduce it as an opportunity for emerging workers and leaders.  We are proud to highlight the company’s growth and ambitions.”

The Triple Bottom Line Bash began in 2014 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.  The organization rebranded as the statewide Michigan Sustainable Business Forum at the event in 2024.

Other winners included Meijer (Large Company), Revolin Sports, (Small Business), Michigan Dining (Campus), Green Living Science (Community Organization, Supermercado Mexico (Food Systems) Edison Community Partners (Services & Consulting), City of Ann Arbor (Public Sector) and Manufacturer of the Year Vantage Plastics.