Who We Are

Company Overview

Gopher Resource has been a national environmental solutions provider for over 75 years, protecting the earth and preserving natural resources. Our purpose is the safe and efficient recycling of lead batteries throughout North America using sustainable practices and advanced technology.

HISTORY

  • 2023: Gopher Resource receives 2023 BCI Innovation Award
  • 2021: Gopher Resources celebrates 75 years of providing clean, reliable, high-quality environmental solutions primarily through lead battery recycling. Annually, the company keeps over 26 million spent lead batteries from landfills.
  • 2020: Gopher Resource, Tampa, hits a major milestone: Keeping an estimated 75+ million lead batteries out of landfills since joining the company in 2006.
  • 2020: COVID-19 becomes a global pandemic. Gopher Resource is deemed an essential business and adds heightened employee-safety measures to continue serving the critical battery industry.  
  • 2019: Gopher Resource proactively launches SafeStart, a $5 million investment in an extensive program for human-error prevention training, injury reduction and 24/7 safety. 
  • 2019: The U.S. Department of Energy awards Gopher Resource an Energy Innovation Grant to help advance the national energy agenda.
  • 2018: Gopher Resource, Tampa, achieves ISO-9001 certification.
  • 2018: Dakota County (MN) and Gopher Resource celebrate 25 years of partnership operating the Dakota County Recycling Zone.
  • 2017: Gopher Resource opens its new, in-house research lab to support advanced recycling test work in the fields of pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy and physical separations.
  • 2014: Gopher Resource joins the Consortium for Battery Innovation, an international organization dedicated to research and advancing the capabilities of lead batteries.
  • 2014: Gopher Resource surpasses 600 employees strong.
  • 2012: Gopher Resource, Eagan, completes extensive storm water collection and reuse system.
  • 2010: Gopher Resource launches multi-year initiative to modernize Gopher Resource, Tampa, investing $140 million in safety, health and environmental improvements.
  • 2006: Gopher Resource acquires Gulf Coast Recycling in Tampa, FL, and retains all employees.
  • 1999: Gopher Resource achieves ISO-14001 compliance, becoming the first in the industry to implement this strict environmental management system.
  • 1998: Gopher Resource achieves ISO-14000 certification.
  • 1997: Gopher Resource achieves QS-9000 certification, the first company in the battery industry to do so.
  • 1993–Present: The Recycling Zone in Dakota County, MN, opens. Gopher Resource is selected as, and remains, the facility operator.
  • 1993: Gopher Resource, Eagan, opens subsidiary Resource Plastics to process polypropylene (recycled from plastic battery casings).
  • 1990: Gopher Resource becomes first U.S. company to receive the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part B permit for the safe treatment, storage and disposal of recycled materials.
  • 1979–1989: Gopher Resource invests heavily in Eagan facility with multiple new structures: battery breaking, shipping docks, administration, maintenance, lunch room, locker rooms and water treatment.
  • 1946: Gopher Resource is founded in Eagan, MN, and still operates from this same location.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Gopher Resource is devoted to advancing safe, sustainable lead battery recycling. We’re proud of the recognition we’ve received for achieving high standards of environmental sustainability, safety, continuous improvement and product and service excellence.

  • 2023 BCI Innovation Award
  • U.S. Department of Energy Innovation Grant Awarded 2019
  • Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation
  • Dakota County Regional (DCR) Chamber Business Excellence Award Winner in 2009 and 2015
  • Call2Recycle Leader in Sustainability Award 2015
  • Bada Hennessy Industries Certificate of Appreciation for consistently meeting Quality and Delivery Performance expectations for 2014
  • EnerSys Distinguished Supplier Award recipient in 2012

AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Gopher Resource is honored to partner with leading associations and organizations to build a better tomorrow.

Company-Wide

Minnesota

Florida

Gopher Resource is a company making a difference.

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP