North Adams' Apkins Scrapyard to Close Dec. 23By Brian Rhodes, iBerkshires Staff
05:18PM / Wednesday, December 14, 2022 | |
 Plans are for now to clear and clean up the scrapyard. Two proposals have included the scrapyard, private property, in their future plans. |
 | | The company has operated on State Street since 1956. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — After nearly seven decades in operation, George Apkin & Sons scrapyard on State Street will close on Dec. 23.
The 5-acre scrapyard is situated between the railroad tracks to the east and the Hoosic River to the west and accepts a wide variety of scrap materials. William Apkins of George Apkin & Sons said, once closed, they will begin working on cleaning the site and getting it cleared of scrap and other materials.
"Thank you to North Adams for 65 years we've been there now; my father opened in 1956," Apkins said. "We appreciate all of the local support that we've seen over the years."
Apkins said there were several factors that led to the decision to close the facility. He noted that the company's other scrap facility, at 17 Depot St. in Adams, will remain in operation.
"We got some long-term employees that are moving on to other things. Lower volumes overall, business not quite, locally, what it used to be. It's just the right time," he said. "... We'll be moving some of the employees that remain from North Adams to Adams."
Philip Apkin started a scrap auto business on Spring Street Extension and then expanded and moved to State Street in 1956. It was named after his father, George. Philip Apkin died in 2013 at age 93. Apkins bought out its competitor, the 104-year-old Shapiro & Sons in 2003 and shifted part of its business to Adams in 2011.
Apkins did not wish to share future plans for the site. The acreage has been considered in a number of future planning presentations for the Hoosic River Revival and the proposed model railroad museum. It was the site of a major blaze last year that brought in fire companies from around Western Massachusetts.
Linda Cernik, the program coordinator for the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District, said residents have several other options for scrap metal disposal. She said all of the transfer stations in the district's 13-member towns can handle scrap metal.
"I don't think there's going to be a shortage of opportunities or facilities for residents to bring their scrap metal," she said. "... All of the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste municipality transfer stations and recycling centers have a scrap metal container.
"Residents can bring their scrap to the transfer stations. Some do require a permit for access."
North Adams is not a member of the waste district but its transfer station accepts appliances and recyclable materials. Cernik noted that Dobbert Recycling Inc. in the town of Florida as another potential option for scrap disposal. She also said the waste district has a contract with Sayers' Auto Wrecking in Pittsfield for scrap metal.
"The contract provides a free 30-yard container, free hauling and processing, and the towns are paid a $55 per-ton rate, and the checks go directly to the municipalities. So they're paid for the scrap metal they collect," Cernik said.
She suggested several places to bring items that can be reused or repurposed, such as Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity's Habitat ReStore program, nonprofit The Great Exchange in Devens and the Old Stone Mill in Adams.
"I am all about reuse if possible," she said.
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