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Growing up in the restaurant business, Brooks Smith saw how much waste is produced by this industry—not just food waste, but material waste as well. In 2022, Smith brought international business ChopValue to Las Vegas—the first of the franchise in the US—to bring sustainable change to the city and lead the way to adopting a circular economy.

The ChopValue microfactory in Las Vegas collects an average of 1,100-1,300 pounds of used chopsticks weekly. After cleaning and disinfecting the chopsticks, ChopValue upcycles them into tables, coasters, decorations and more. Smith enjoys the challenge and creativity of finding the limits of what can be done with new materials. Since bringing ChopValue to Las Vegas, Smith has secured partnerships with more than 100 local restaurants to keep chopsticks out of landfills. He is dedicated to the community he has always called home and helps promote sustainable business practices.

Smith is especially proud of opening the ChopValue warehouse, which now features a showroom. In 2023, ChopValue was a finalist in the Vegas Chamber’s Emerging Business of the Year Award. Smith said that recycling chopsticks is how he can ease society’s waste problem and do his part.