ABOUT US

OUR BUSINESS

Welcome to the home of National Salvage. We are a third-generation family-owned full-service recycling yard that has been serving Lethbridge and community for over 70 years.

Our strength as a business comes from our people, our expertise and our equipment.

Our full-service yard works with businesses of all sizes providing a dedicated fleet of trucks, trailers, and bins to service their needs.

Our team will work with you to maximize the return on your material, and we can help you recycle loads of any size.

OUR FOCUS

Our foundation was built on integrity, honesty, and hard work and that hasn’t changed over 70 years of business. With our industry experience, we are problem solvers and experts at adding value to your recycling needs.

1948

Founded by George Varzari, National Salvage started as an old time scrapyard. We took metals, cattle hides, animal pelts; we were almost a trading post!

Located in the city centre of Lethbridge, we operated on leased land from the Canadian Pacific Railway.

National Salvage joined the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce; today we are one of the oldest standing members.

1969

Due to the relocation of the rail line, our lease was broken leaving us with a year to find a new home.

1971

We finalized a deal for the land of our new location, we’re still here today!

1972

National Salvage re-opened for business! This time only metals, no hides or pelts.

1975

We launched our bin service, which remains active today.

1982

We purchased our first Hydraulic Stationary Shear, previously, we used torches to cut all metals. After 26 years of heavy use, we retired the shear in 2008.

1985

Glenn Varzari, son of George, took over National Salvage as the full time owner.

1986

National Salvage purchased our first mobile shear. This allowed us more flexibility with larger materials, often being used to break down materials to get into the stationary shear.

2007

Quintin Pike, son-in-law of Glenn, takes over National Salvage.

2009

Our first material handling crane was added to the yard, allowing us to move material around more efficiently and safely.

A new spur line, rail track for metal carts was added to the West side of our yard. This gives us the ability to transport more material.

2011

A high volume Aljon Bailer was added to our yard. This, the “Cadillac” of bailers, increased our material processing capacity even further.

2015

Further upgrading our equipment, a new LH-40 material handler was added to our fleet.

2017

National Salvage added a Sierra T-900 Stationary Shear Bailer to the yard, even further increasing our metal processing abilities.

2018

Increasing our material handlers to three, the mammoth Liebherr LH-50 was added to our fleet.

2018

For our ten year commitment, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lethbridge recognized National Salvage for our participation and contribution to Golf for Kids Sake, Bowl for Kids Sake, and a number of other district events.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Throughout our history, we have played an active role in our local community. From volunteering at the Lethbridge Musical Theatre 40 years ago to volunteering on different committees, we believe in giving back to the community that supports our business.