For more than a century, our work has been guided by a simple belief: materials should never be wasted, and our planet deserves better.
Today, one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time is plastic pollution. Trillions of pieces of plastic are circulating through our oceans, threatening ecosystems, communities, and future generations. We believe businesses have a responsibility to be part of the solution.
With over 110 years of recycling experience, we are using generations of knowledge to build real systems that recover ocean-bound plastic, strengthen recycling infrastructure, and transform waste into new materials. Our mission is not only to remove plastic from vulnerable environments, but to return it to productive use within the circular economy.
For more than a century, our work has been guided by a simple belief: materials should never be wasted, and our planet deserves better.
Today, one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time is plastic pollution. Trillions of pieces of plastic are circulating through our oceans, threatening ecosystems, communities, and future generations. We believe businesses have a responsibility to be part of the solution.
With over 110 years of recycling experience, we are using generations of knowledge to build real systems that recover ocean-bound plastic, strengthen recycling infrastructure, and transform waste into new materials. Our mission is not only to remove plastic from vulnerable environments, but to return it to productive use within the circular economy.
Our story began in 1910, when Phillip Kirstein walked the streets of New York City collecting discarded materials for resale. What started as a small family effort quickly became something greater: a legacy built on innovation, resilience, and a belief that waste could become opportunity.
Four generations later, that same spirit continues to guide our work. From the early days of collecting textiles and newspapers to building modern recycling infrastructure, our family has spent more than a century helping industries recover value from materials once considered waste.
Today, we carry that legacy forward with a new purpose: protecting our planet and advancing the circular economy.
1910
Phillip Kirstein starts the family business, roaming the streets of New York City in search of textiles, metals, newspapers, and other recyclables for resale. His entrepreneurial spirit begins a legacy of ambition and creativity in the Kirstein family
1930
Abraham Kirstein expands the growing family business by opening its first recycling facility in Connecticut, creating a more organized operation. This step strengthens the company’s foundation and sets the stage for long-term growth, regional influence, and a clearer vision for the future.
1975
Harold Kirstein, Abraham’s son, installs New England’s first high‑density baler, enabling the processing of 50,000 tons of recyclable material each year. The system expands capacity and attracts major clients such as IBM, Hartford Insurance, regional printing and packaging firms.
1998
Brothers Brent and Zachary Kirstein join the family business and begin modernizing operations across essential areas. Their leadership strengthens capabilities, and in 2010 they launch 4G Recycling to support larger programs, expand services, and guide the company toward broader opportunities.
1910
Phillip Kirstein starts the family business, roaming the streets of New York City in search of textiles, metals, newspapers, and other recyclables for resale. His entrepreneurial spirit begins a legacy of ambition and creativity in the Kirstein family
1930
Abraham Kirstein expands the growing family business by opening its first recycling facility in Connecticut, creating a more organized operation. This step strengthens the company’s foundation and sets the stage for long-term growth, regional influence, and a clearer vision for the future.
1975
Harold Kirstein, Abraham’s son, installs New England’s first high‑density baler, enabling the processing of 50,000 tons of recyclable material each year. The system expands capacity and attracts major clients such as IBM, Hartford Insurance, regional printing and packaging firms.
1998
Brothers Brent and Zachary Kirstein join the family business and begin modernizing operations across essential areas. Their leadership strengthens capabilities, and in 2010 they launch 4G Recycling to support larger programs, expand services, and guide the company toward broader opportunities.
TODAY
After years of building strong partnerships in the Dominican Republic, Brent and Zachary identify a greater opportunity to expand their impact. They focus on strategic initiatives that support sustainability, deepen relationships, and continue advancing the company’s long-term mission and vision.
Our story began in 1910, when Phillip Kirstein walked the streets of New York City collecting discarded materials for resale. What started as a small family effort quickly became something greater: a legacy built on innovation, resilience, and a belief that waste could become opportunity.
Four generations later, that same spirit continues to guide our work. From the early days of collecting textiles and newspapers to building modern recycling infrastructure, our family has spent more than a century helping industries recover value from materials once considered waste.
Today, we carry that legacy forward with a new purpose: protecting our planet and advancing the circular economy.
1910
Phillip Kirstein starts the family business, roaming the streets of New York City in search of textiles, metals, newspapers, and other recyclables for resale. His entrepreneurial spirit begins a legacy of ambition and creativity in the Kirstein family.
1930
Phillip’s son, Abraham Kirstein, expands the family business and opens its first recycling facility in Connecticut.
1975
Harold Kirstein, Abraham’s son, installs the first high-density baler in New England to process 50,000 tons of recyclable material per year.
1998
Brothers Brent and Zachary Kirstein, great-grandsons of Phillip, joined the family business and focused on strengthening operations across collection, recycling, sorting, and accounting. In 2010, they launched 4G Recycling to manage large-scale recycling programs and expand the company’s capabilities.
Today
After nearly a decade of creating relationships in the Dominican Republic, Brent and Zachary recognize a greater opportunity on the island. The duo forge a strategic partnership with AE Global with the vision of creating sustainable packaging products.
Our story began in 1910, when Phillip Kirstein walked the streets of New York City collecting discarded materials for resale. What started as a small family effort quickly became something greater: a legacy built on innovation, resilience, and a belief that waste could become opportunity.
Four generations later, that same spirit continues to guide our work. From the early days of collecting textiles and newspapers to building modern recycling infrastructure, our family has spent more than a century helping industries recover value from materials once considered waste.
Today, we carry that legacy forward with a new purpose: protecting our planet and advancing the circular economy.
1910
Phillip Kirstein starts the family business, roaming the streets of New York City in search of textiles, metals, newspapers, and other recyclables for resale. His entrepreneurial spirit begins a legacy of ambition and creativity in the Kirstein family.
1930
Phillip’s son, Abraham Kirstein, expands the family business and opens its first recycling facility in Connecticut.
1975
Harold Kirstein, Abraham’s son, installs the first high-density baler in New England to process 50,000 tons of recyclable material per year.
1998
Brothers Brent and Zachary Kirstein, great-grandsons of Phillip, joined the family business and focused on strengthening operations across collection, recycling, sorting, and accounting. In 2010, they launched 4G Recycling to manage large-scale recycling programs and expand the company’s capabilities.
Today
After nearly a decade of creating relationships in the Dominican Republic, Brent and Zachary recognize a greater opportunity on the island. The duo forge a strategic partnership with AE Global with the vision of creating sustainable packaging products.
Four generations of recycling expertise continue to guide our mission to build a more circular and sustainable future.
