Overview — RecycleGuard: Recycling Operations (Amwins Underwriting)
For more than 20 years, RecycleGuard has been a leading commercial insurance and risk management program for the recycling industry. Sponsored by the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and administered by Amwins Underwriting, the program is built specifically for businesses that process metal, plastic, glass, paper, rubber, textiles, electronics or combinations of these materials. RecycleGuard pairs specialized underwriting with market access (including Berkley Custom) to address the unique property, casualty and pollution exposures that recyclers face.
Ideal Accounts and Target Classes
RecycleGuard is designed for recycling operations where recycling is the primary business activity. Target classes include (but are not limited to):
- Scrap metal processors
- Electronics recyclers and e-waste facilities
- Paper and cardboard recycling plants
- Plastic reclaimers and processors
- Glass recyclers
- Auto dismantlers and automobile recycling yards
Typical fits are accounts with defined processing operations, documented procedures for incoming product, and training programs for handling hazardous or combustible materials. Accounts that lack controls for hot work, dust management, or hazardous materials handling may require remediation before placement.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Broad package options: Automobile, General Liability, Umbrella, Property, Inland Marine, Crime and Equipment Breakdown (including production machinery).
- Specialty coverages: Impaired property, limited pollution coverage, professional liability for document destruction, and stock coverage with a manufacturer's selling price valuation clause.
- Conversion coverage: Available for purchases of material from sellers who may not hold legal title or possession.
- Products coverage clarified: Policy language is tailored to clarify coverage for material that will be recycled, reconditioned or reclaimed.
- Audit flexibility: Audits can be based on payroll or tonnage to reduce premium volatility caused by commodity price swings.
- Program structure options: Available as traditional guaranteed cost or as individually designed large deductible/self-insured retention programs.
- Admitted capacity: Coverage is provided on an admitted basis unless otherwise indicated.
Underwriting Appetite & Restrictions
RecycleGuard underwriters look for operations with documented procedures for receiving, storing and processing recyclable materials. The program generally favors facilities that:
- Have controls for hot work and spark management;
- Use housekeeping and dust-control practices to limit fire risk;
- Maintain clear vendor/seller documentation when purchasing scrap or recyclable material;
- Provide training for handling batteries, e-waste and other potentially hazardous items.
Higher-hazard operations, extensive onsite shredding without dust control, uncontrolled chemical or fuel storage, or operations with frequent large pollution incidents may be declined or require risk improvements and higher retentions.
Submission Requirements
To expedite placement, include the following with submissions:
- Completed ACORD applications signed by the insured, including detailed property information (construction, occupancy, square footage, age).
- RecycleGuard Supplemental Questionnaire (REQUIRED).
- Additional supplements as applicable (e.g., Rubber, Auto Dismantler).
- Five years of recently valued company loss runs (a summarized loss history is helpful) and details on losses over $10,000.
- Full description of operations (including additional Named Insureds).
- Expiring premiums and target premiums for all lines.
- Driver list with MVRs and complete VINs for covered vehicles.
- Current experience modification worksheet and Equipment Breakdown application if coverage is desired.
- For new ventures, owner and manager resumes.
Please refer to the RecycleGuard Submission Checklist to confirm you have all required materials.
Territories and Availability
The program is available in all U.S. states. States and territories supported include: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI and WY.
Why Place Recycling Business with Amwins Underwriting
As an experienced managing general agency, Amwins Underwriting combines deep recycling industry expertise, program-specific policy language, and access to admitted capacity (including Berkley Custom) to offer solutions mainstream insurers may not provide. RecycleGuard’s long track record and ReMA sponsorship make it an efficient option when you need tailored coverage for recycling operations.
Please send submissions to: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of recycling accounts are the best fit for RecycleGuard?
Accounts whose primary business is recycling—such as scrap metal yards, e-waste processors, paper and plastic reclaimers, glass recyclers and auto dismantlers—are the best fit. Preferenced accounts have documented processing controls, training and procedures for incoming material and combustible/hazardous material management.
Is pollution coverage included?
RecycleGuard offers limited pollution coverage options. The program can provide broader pollution limits in some cases, but availability depends on operations, prior loss history and underwriting review.
How are audits handled for tonnage-based operations?
Audits can be performed on a payroll or tonnage basis to reduce premium volatility from commodity price swings. Underwriting will choose the audit basis that best reflects the insured’s exposure and revenue drivers.
What are the common submission items that speed placement?
Include a completed ACORD application, the RecycleGuard supplemental questionnaire, five years of valued loss runs, a full operations description, driver lists/VINs (if applicable) and expiring premium details. For new ventures, add owner/manager resumes.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.