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Unlocking a Sustainable Future: Republic Services’ Impactful Environmental Solutions
As the largest recycling and waste company in the U.S., we’re serious about our environmental solutions. We carefully track our progress toward sustainability — and how we help you achieve corporate green initiatives.Byline: BTB Editor
November 10, 2023 / Time to read: 5 minutesAs the largest recycling and waste company in the U.S., we’re serious about our environmental solutions. We carefully track our progress toward sustainability — and how we help you achieve corporate green initiatives. Here are all the ways you can count on us to move the needle:
- Pioneering aerosol technology
- Advanced waste classification technology
- Dynamic environmental reporting
- Glycol recycling
- Metals recycling
- Thermal recovery of organic-bearing waste
- Thermal soil remediation
- Container/drum reuse program
- Swift emergency response services
- Support to the renewable energy sector
- Secure hazardous waste disposal with limited greenhouse gas emissions
- Customized managed services
Pioneering Aerosol Technology
1.3 million pounds of aerosol cans recycled in 2022
Republic Services offers the only system that
Advanced Waste Classification Technology
Our investments in advanced waste classification ensures we accurately and efficiently sort waste so we can process it in safer, more compliant ways. Our system is available on trucks and in stores, so no matter how your waste comes our way, it’ll be properly categorized.
With our systems, we can recover and recycle more material, including:
- Ethanol recovery
- Electronic recycling
- Paint recycling
- Surfactant blending
Dynamic Environmental Reporting
Account dashboards built just for you
For many businesses, waste reporting is critical for both regulatory compliance and internal corporate green initiatives. Your account dashboard helps you easily see data related to your ESG goals and disclosure obligations, so you always know where you stand, and we always know how to help.
Glycol Recycling
8.6 million pounds of Glycol recycled in 2022
Glycol, a component of antifreeze, is hazardous to human health, and we help you make sure your glycol waste doesn’t end up in local landscapes or in surface water. And much of the glycol waste we handle doesn’t see a landfill, either. To
- Transfer fluid
- Windshield washer deicing fluid
- Diesel motor antifreeze
Metals Recycling
22.8 million total tons of metal managed through Environmental Services
We recycle a number of metals for reuse, including:
- Copper
- Cobalt
- Nickel
- Zinc
- Tin
- Steel
- Aluminum
And that’s just the beginning. Metal is just one of the
Thermal Recovery of Organic-Bearing Waste
170,000 barrels of oil recovered from refining waste and sold annually
Often, what prevents materials from being recovered and reused is contamination from organics. With our Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU), we can rescue many of these materials for recycling and reuse instead of using incineration, stabilization or landfill delivery.
During thermal recovery, oils and other organics are separated and recovered to be recycled into replacements for virgin fossil fuels. Meanwhile, catalysts are returned to the generator or recycled to reclaim metals like cobalt, nickel and zinc. This prepares materials for use in lithium batteries.
Using this method, we recover waste from:
- Petroleum refining
- Auto manufacturing
- Clean energy
- Aerospace
Thermal Soil Remediation
Thermal soil remediation technology that leaves soils 5 times cleaner than government recommendations
Thermal soil remediation keeps harmful contaminants out of Alaska’s land and watersheds. Each year, Our Moose Creek facility in Alaska treats thousands of tons of non-hazardous soils that are thermally impacted by both industry and commerce. The result is soils that are many times cleaner than the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation recommends. Certified clean soils are 95% compatible for use in topsoil and road projects.
Container/Drum Reuse Program
30,000 shipping drums reused and 100,000 pounds of recycled material produced in 2022
Shipping drums and containers are often destroyed or disposed of after they serve their purpose. Instead, our team inspects, refurbishes, tests and recertifies shipping containers and drums so they can be reused. Drums that can’t be reused are recycled into metals for use in other ways. Our process is EPA- and DOT-compliant and available companywide.
We began our pilot investment in this program in 2021, and since then we’ve inspected tens of thousands of drums — and saved our customers 50% on the cost of manufacturing new containers while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Swift Emergency Response Services
In 2022, our land-based emergency crews responded to 10-12 customer incidents daily, including a months-long remediation of a major oil pipeline leak damaged during Category 5 Hurricane Ian.
From natural disasters to accidents, we minimize your impact on the environment — and the impact on your business. Our network of experts is available 24/7/365 to respond rapidly, safely and effectively with containment, removal, disposal and treatment services.
Our
- Catastrophic oil spills
- Wildfire destruction
- Natural disasters
- Biohazardous contamination
- Hazardous product release
- Chemical fires and other events involving volatile substances
Support to the Renewable Energy Sector
Currently developing a portfolio of landfill gas-to-energy projects to increase beneficial reuse of biogas 50% by 2030
We provide specialized services to the
- Solar power and EV battery manufacturers
- Wind farm operators
- Wind turbine refurbishment programs
Meanwhile, our technical services team researches innovative, alternative energy waste technologies to create turn-key solutions to help you remain environmentally friendly.
Secure Hazardous Waste Disposal with Limited Greenhouse Gas Emissions
40 million total metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided — the equivalent of annual electricity usage of 7 million homes
With greenhouse gasses becoming an ever growing concern, we’re doing our part and helping you do yours. We carefully monitor waste disposal sites across the country to ensure safe containment of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. We emit little-to-no methane or other harmful gasses. And by 2030, we’ll have reduced our absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 35%.
Customized Managed Services
20+ years of experience developing and supporting customized programs.
Although we have plenty of turn-key, holistic waste solutions, we know that some customers have unique needs. That’s why we offer customized programs that help organizations surpass their sustainability goals and improve their ESG performance.
- Our customized solutions include:
- Expansion and improvement for existing recycling programs to improve reuse opportunities
- Upstream solutions to reduce waste at its source
- Evaluate new technologies that process wastes into commodities to eliminate waste altogether.
We’re as committed to sustainability as you are. Let our experts help you design and implement a plan for environmental solutions.
Republic Services ESG Commitment
Our approach to sustainability includes goals for Safety, Talent, Climate Leadership and Communities.
See how we’re partnering with customers to
