Local recycling CEO honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal
By Writer's Block Solutions
The CEO of KC Recycling, Pete Stamper, has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his company’s remarkable business achievements and outstanding contribution to the local economy and community.
Rob Morrison, MP for Kootenay—Columbia, presented Stamper with the medal, which recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to a province, territory, region, or community of Canada, at a ceremony held on Feb. 18, 2025 in Trail.
“As a pioneer in lead battery recycling, Pete is driving significant growth in circular economy initiatives while setting new industry standards for sustainable materials recovery,” says Morrison. “His innovative approach to recycling operations, international sales, and mergers and acquisitions has transformed companies, making him a standout figure in sustainable industrial management, and a leader in his field.”
KC Recycling is the Pacific Northwest’s leading producer of recycled battery plastic and metal. The company is urgently working with elected officials to stop the illegal export of scrap Canadian batteries to Asia, securing both valuable materials and jobs in Canada.
In September 2024, KC Recycling used a $1.2 million investment from the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund to expand their polypropylene plant and their ability to accept additional plastics, increasing the volume of high-quality plastic resin they produce by 1,000 metric tons annually.
“Every week, 50 truckloads of batteries are collected from all over western North America and delivered to KC Recycling, where 100 per cent of the materials are recycled and sold back into battery production,” says Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “Since 2022, their business and workforce has doubled, providing many members of our community with reliable, meaningful work so they can pay their bills and keep food on the table.”
Morisette also praises Stamper’s ability to build relationships and communicate enthusiasm about the importance of KC Recycling’s work. The company’s ongoing partnership with economic driver Metal Tech Alley has helped Stamper implement circular economy principles at both regional and international levels, and grow KC Recycling to become one of the region’s leading employers.
During his acceptance speech, Stamper expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the amazing Kootenay community in 2019, when he arrived to lead KC Recycling. He says it’s a unique place, full of people willing to step up, navigate the battery metals industry, and build a positive culture of success and innovation.
“Thank you to the amazing people in this community who have embraced the challenges of battery recycling,” he says. “I feel so lucky to be supported by all of you: our elected officials, my family, friends, and colleagues, my business partners, and my basketball team — and I’m very excited to see what the future brings!”
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