About Us
Who We Are
Newport Recycling's remarkable journey traces back to its humble beginnings amidst the challenging landscape of mangroves, devoid of power, water, or infrastructure. The early days were marked by a wobbly crane with no brakes, an overheating pick-up truck, and the relentless assault of sandflies resistant to any repellent.
In 2000, Chris Newport joined the business, and together with his father, Ken, they steered the company through incremental growth. The meticulous separation of scrap metal into light and heavy categories marked the beginning of a transformative era. Overcoming challenges, a second trailer was acquired, and by 2005, a small shed in Muir Street, Cairns, became a pivotal operational hub.
The introduction of non-ferrous metals into the business plan in tandem with a medium rigid body truck in 2005 expanded their horizons, with trips to Townsville to sell the non-ferrous becoming a regular endeavour. As the operation evolved, additional prime movers, an overhead gantry with a magnet, and an 80 cubic meter high side tipper trailer (affectionately known as 'Big Red') were integrated.
In 2010, the business's relentless pursuit of efficiency led to the design of a prototype smaller tipper trailer ('Little Red') and the acquisition of another prime mover. By the end of the same year, Newport Recycling consolidated its operations in Marsh Street, Woree, creating a comprehensive facility that brought together steel and non-ferrous arms under one roof.
The business's commitment to innovation and expansion continued into 2011 with the addition of a weighbridge and the groundbreaking decision to purchase a container tilter, heralding the commencement of exporting scrap steel in shipping containers. Subsequent years saw major technological advancements, including the acquisition of a 550-ton shear baler and a non-ferrous metals press.
The period from 2012 to 2017 marked significant structural and technical transformations, with the addition of a new non-ferrous press, the introduction of a variety of skips and bins, and a hydraulic grapple. The business continued to flourish, expanding its reach to countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, India, Korea, and Indonesia.
Fast-forward to 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Newport Recycling welcomed a state-of-the-art long-reach material handler from Germany, boasting an impressive 19m reach and a high-rise cab. The anticipation and potential of this acquisition set the stage for an exciting future.
As we step into 2021-2023, Newport Recycling proudly unveils a brand-new twin-steer hooklift truck, a testament to its commitment to cutting-edge machinery. The business has also expanded its clientele, adding numerous large local Cairns businesses to its list, solidifying its position as one of the largest independently owned scrap metal operations in Queensland.
The horizon is marked by anticipation as Newport Recycling eagerly awaits the arrival of a Lefort 1000-ton shear, a powerful addition set to redefine the cutting force landscape in early 2024.
Looking ahead into 2025, Newport Recycling marks a significant turning point in its journey with the retirement of its car depollution operations. After decades of processing thousands of vehicles, this shift represents the end of an era—one built on hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to the Cairns community. While the chapter closes on vehicle depollution, it does so with pride, gratitude, and a clear vision for the future.
That future begins taking shape in 2026, with the arrival of a state-of-the-art non-ferrous press—a major leap forward in processing power, efficiency, and service capability. Alongside this investment, Newport Recycling will unveil a completely redesigned non-ferrous floor layout, purpose-built for increased storage capacity, smoother traffic flow, and a safer, more productive workspace.
These advancements carry the business into its next phase—stronger, smarter, and more capable than ever—continuing the Newport family’s legacy of innovation and excellence as it moves confidently into the future.
