Republic Services announces sustainability achievements

Republic Services, Inc., Phoenix, released its 2017 Sustainability Report Aug. 28. The report details the company's sustainability strategy and achievement of its time-bound goals set in 2014.

"At Republic, we understand that we play a critical role in helping more than 14 million customers lessen their environmental impact," Don Slager, president and CEO of Republic says. "We also recognize that as we grow the business, our responsibility as environmental stewards grows—along with our potential for even greater impact. This is a source of pride for every employee, because our customers—and the communities we serve—can count on us for solutions that are responsible, reliable and resourceful."

In 2014, as part of its Blue Planet sustainability platform, the company set its first public sustainability goals, including:

• Energy: Develop at least two landfill gas-to-energy projects per year through 2018. This goal was achieved in 2017.

• Recycled commodities: Add an additional 150,000 tons or more per year of recycling capacity through 2018. This goal was achieved in 2017.

• Fleet: Reduce absolute fleet emissions by 3 percent from direct operational impacts (Scope 1 emissions) through 2018. This goal was achieved in 2017.

• Safety: Reduce OSHA recordable rates by 7 percent year-over-year. This goal is on track.

Other highlights from the 2017 Sustainability Report include:

Operations

For over a decade, Republic has made investments in compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks and fueling stations, which are cleaner burning and quieter than diesel trucks. Republic's continued investments in CNG trucks and fueling stations have enabled the company to begin making a seamless transition to renewable natural gas (RNG), which has the lowest carbon intensity of all the alternative fuel technologies on the market today, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Materials management

In 2017, Republic collected over 8 million tons of recyclables and processed more than 6 million tons at 90 recycling centers nationwide. In addition, Republic is delivering solutions to customers in response to an industry-wide recycling crisis.

Communities

Last year, Republic gave $7.1 million back to the communities it serves. In addition, Republic employees, board members and suppliers gave over $4 million in funds, food, supplies and housing to support employees affected by hurricanes.

Safety

Since 2009, Republic drivers have won 75 percent of the Arlington, Virginia-based National Waste & Recycling Association's (NWRA's) "Driver of the Year" awards, an honor that celebrates exemplary customer service and superior driver safety records. 2017 was no exception with drivers from the company's Huntington Beach, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, divisions selected by the industry to receive thisrecognition.

People

Among other distinctions, Republic earned 100 percent and the distinction of a "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality" on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for 2018.

To learn more about Republic's Blue Planet sustainability platform or to download the latest Sustainability Reports, visit: RepublicServices.com/Sustainability.