Calbag Metals’ History – 100 Years of Family Ownership

The president of Calbag Metals Company, Warren Rosenfeld,is the fourth generation of the Rosenfeld family to lead the company co-founded by his great grandfather in 1907. Under the guidance of generations of family, Calbag Metals has grown to become a West Coast leader in recycling of non-ferrous metal and steel, with over 5000 customers selling scrap to us and over 300 Pacific Rim customers that buy our scrap.

1907
Calbag Metals Company has a 100 year history in recycling metal. Founded in Portland Oregon in 1907 as Northwest Junk, we started recycling and reselling used materials near the beginning of the 20th century. We were “green” before “green” existed.

1929
The company name was changed to California Bag & Metal Company and operated as a partnership until first incorporated in 1929 as an Oregon corporation. The phrase California Bag entered the name of the company to reflect the non-metal work the company did.

1957
To better reflect its business the company name and incorporation was changed to Calbag Steel Warehouse Company, an Oregon corporation.

1965
The company name was changed to Calbag Metals Company, an Oregon corporation, which remains the company name today. Company focus on recycling non-ferrous metal.

2007
Opening of Tacoma, Washington facility for recycling steel and non-ferrous metal.

2008
Steel recycling added to Portland operations.