From our CEO
The Value of Sustainability
At Republic Services, we are partnering with customers to create a more sustainable world.
We make 5 million pickups every day to help our customers sustainably manage their varied recycling and waste streams. We challenge every ton we collect to look for a better use for the material, and we’re developing new solutions through our investments in Sustainability Innovation.
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t just benefit the environment. It creates value for all our stakeholders: our customers, our employees and the communities in which we operate.
As we reach the halfway mark of the decade, I’m optimistic about achieving our 2030 Sustainability Goals. At the same time, we’re helping customers achieve their own goals – driving business value and environmental benefit.
Our 2030 Sustainability Goals
We track and disclose our progress in our annual sustainability reporting.
12017 baseline year
2Goal is approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a corporate climate action organization that helps companies set targets to reduce their GHG emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Measuring Impact
Our sustainable actions are leading to real world outcomes
20%GHG emissions reduction since 2017
4.5MTons processed in recycling centers
2.2BPounds of organics processed
86Employee engagement score
24%Safer Than Industry Average
Our Sustainability Journey
See how our leadership in environmental services and sustainability has progressed over the past three decades.
- Company sets a foundation of environmentally responsible operations.
- Compressed natural gas trucks put into operation, reducing fleet emissions.
- First landfill renewable natural gas collection and processing plant in operation (McCarty Landfill).
- Merger with Allied Waste forms one of nation's largest environmental services providers.
- Programs to harness landfill gas to generate renewable natural gas (RNG) begin.
- Release of first Sustainability Report, outlining sustainability platform and goals.
- Named to DJSI and CDP A List for the first time.
- Charitable Foundation and National Neighborhood Promise™ launch.
- Recycling operations expand with acquisition of ReCommunity.
- With original goals achieved, Republic Services unveils 2030 Sustainability Goals aligned with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
- Emission reduction target approved by SBTi, an industry first.
- Mack LR electric collection truck begins testing.
- Announcement of Polymer Center, nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility.
- $2.2B acquisition of US Ecology creates industry's broadest set of product and service offerings.
- Launches joint venture with BP to develop portfolio of landfill RNG projects.
- First fully integrated electric collection truck with McNeilus. Republic estimates that 50% of truck purchase will be EV by 2028.
- Republic opens first Polymer Center, the first in a planned network of integrated plastics recycling facilities.
- First Lightning Renewables RNG project begins operations in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- EV fleet begins service in Louisville, Colorado.
- Indianapolis Polymer Center-Blue Polymers complex opens.
2024-2025
Sustainability Innovation
We’re investing in bold solutions to meet our customers’ sustainability goals, reduce waste, cut emissions and build a more circular economy.
Transforming Plastics Circularity
Through our Polymer Center and Blue Polymers network, Republic Services is reimagining plastics recycling, from curbside collection to consumer packaging and back again.
Advancing Decarbonization Solutions
With our partners, we're developing a portfolio of renewable natural gas (RNG) projects at Republic Services landfills, converting naturally occurring biogas into low-carbon energy.
Sustainability Spotlight
Leading the Charge
We're bringing cleaner, quieter service to the communities we serve through adoption of a zero-emissions electric collection fleet. We made the industry's largest commitment to electrification, and today we operate the largest EV collection fleet in North America
Read MoreAwards and Recognition
We're proud to be consistently recognized for our commitments and actions.
