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Republic Services' Landfills Are Improving Sustainability
As an environmental services company that keeps sustainability at the center of all we do, Republic Services is committed to creating waste solutions that not only benefit businesses but also help them achieve their sustainability goals.Byline: BTB Editor
July 10, 2024 / Time to read: 5 minThe amount of waste that’s produced in the U.S. is rising. According to the most recent
Waste production is a necessary byproduct of doing business, and for businesses with an eye on sustainability, disposing of this waste in ways that minimize the negative environmental impact is a priority.
As an environmental services company that keeps sustainability at the center of all we do, Republic Services is committed to creating waste solutions that not only benefit businesses but also help them achieve their sustainability goals. Businesses trust us to be at the forefront of progressive, environmentally conscious waste practices, and we take that responsibility seriously.
One major component of managing waste is the use of landfills. Historically, landfills have had some negative associations, but today’s landfills do more than collect trash. Republic Services’ landfills across the country are also responsible for bringing electricity to people’s homes through solar power and energizing communities through landfill gas-to-energy conversion. And many public places like parks, soccer fields, golf courses and even racetracks were once landfills.
At Republic Services, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. That includes how we use our landfills while they’re active and after they’ve closed. Jenn Ruminski, senior manager of sales, manufacturing and environmental services at Republic Services, says, “Landfills can be a sustainable option when you partner with Republic Services.”
Here’s how Republic Services is making landfills more sustainable for long-term use.
Keeping landfills safe for communities
Safety and compliance take center stage with Republic Services’ landfill strategy. Republic Services follows the
“The amazing thing about how we manage our landfills is they’re done so well, with such purpose and such intent to make sure the environment is safe both now and into the future,” Ruminski says. “Republic is always striving to find more sustainable ways of managing waste.”
The landfill systems ensure the ground and water don’t get contaminated and are also designed and built so that they don’t emit odors into the community. Republic Services aims to be a good neighbor wherever our landfills are built.
Making over old landfills
What happens when a landfill closes down? It gets a whole new life. Republic Services has some creative ways to repurpose the land.
For example, Republic Services has built
Another
“We believe in leading by example in everything we do,” says Loan Mansy, former area president of Republic Services. “This solar project reflects Republic’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and our efforts to make a meaningful and lasting environmental difference in the communities we serve.”
Transforming landfill gas into renewable energy
Landfills can also produce energy while they’re in use. Republic Services’ landfill gas-to-energy projects capture methane as organic waste decomposes. The methane can then be processed to meet natural gas pipeline quality qualifications and be converted to electricity that supplies local power grids.
Republic Services has more than 75 renewable energy projects across the nation. The landfill gas-to-energy projects produce renewable energy to fully power 250,000+ houses a year.
One landfill Republic Services owns and operates is the
“We are proud of this innovative partnership because it allows us to utilize a natural byproduct of the landfill to create low-carbon transportation fuels and other forms of renewable energy,” says Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services. “Republic Services set a long-term sustainability goal to send 50 percent more landfill gas to beneficial reuse by 2030. This project not only creates additional clean energy resources in the regional economy, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps us meet that goal.”
Another Republic Services gas-to-energy project is at the
“As a leader in our industry, we strive to do the right thing and be a good neighbor,” says Republic Services area president Rich Kang. “With this innovative renewable energy facility right here in our community, we are using the latest technology to capture the byproduct of our solid waste and convert it into renewable energy that protects our local environment and provides a clean fuel source.”
Republic Services: recognized sustainability leader
Republic Services is committed to sustainability through all our services. From innovations in recycling, to
From homes to businesses, construction projects to manufacturing plants, when you work with Republic Services, you know our landfills are safe and compliant for active use. They also contribute positively to surrounding communities to provide renewable energy and electricity. Partnering with Republic Services as your recycling and waste vendor means your business is even closer to achieving its sustainability goals.
If you’re interested in environmental services, recycling and waste solutions for your business,
