This America Recycles Day, Remember: Empty, Clean & Dry

PHOENIX, Nov. 15, 2016

Consumers play an important role in understanding what to recycle and how to avoid materials contamination, or unwanted substances such as residual food or liquid that can be harmful to the recycling process. A contaminated item placed in the recycling container can come into contact with other recyclables such as paper or cardboard, and potentially contaminate the entire batch of recyclables.

"We know from surveys and direct feedback that recycling is critically important to our customers," said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services. "We all have the opportunity to greatly reduce the amount of contamination entering the recycling waste stream. This America Recycles Day, we encourage everyone to remember empty, clean and dry when you recycle. Together, we can change the way society recycles and make a positive impact in our communities for generations to come."

Republic is offering three suggestions for every American to reduce the amount of recycling contamination at the curb so that recyclables are repurposed into new materials as intended:

1. Empty: Remove any remaining food or liquid contents from your recyclable item before placing it in a recycling container; 
2. Clean: Lightly rinse the recyclable item to remove any remaining residue; and
3. Dry: Gently shake out excess water or let the recyclable item air-dry before placing it in a recycling container.

By adopting these three steps, we can each do our part to help reduce materials contamination and further enhance economic viability in the nation's recycling model.  

Known as the Blue Planet^TM sustainability initiative, Republic is defining its approach to corporate social responsibility through reduced emissions from operations, materials management, safety, community engagement, and employee growth opportunities. Republic collects and processes approximately 5-million tons of recyclables per year at 67 recycling centers nationwide. Click here to view Republic's Sustainability Report.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste. Through its subsidiaries, Republic's collection companies, recycling centers, transfer stations and landfills focus on providing effective solutions to make proper waste disposal effortless for its 14 million customers. We'll handle it from here.^TM, the brand's promise, lets customers know they can count on Republic to provide a superior experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world.