Republic Services Opens Polymer Center in Las Vegas

Republic Services has launched operations at its Polymer Center facility in Las Vegas.

The $75 million facility has the capacity to produce more than 100 million pounds of recycled plastic feedstock for use in sustainable packaging and other items, according to the company.

"As a leader in the environmental services industry, it's our responsibility to challenge every truckload of material we collect. The Polymer Center is another example of our commitment to developing solutions that promote greater circularity and help customers achieve their sustainability goals,” Jon Vander Ark, president and CEO of Republic Services, commented.

The Phoenix-based company aims to enhance packaging circularity with the production of recycled rPET flake and color-sorted HDPE and polypropylene. The Polymer Center is accepting plastic jugs, bottles and containers from residential and commercial customers, with an expectation to recycle plastic bottles six to seven times.

rPET demand is estimated to grow to 5 billion pounds by 2030, according to Republic Services. Current infrastructure and processes place the capacity for supply at only half – 2.5 billion pounds.

Republic Services has secured an agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to supply rPET to the beverage manufacturer beginning Q1 2024. This aligns with Coca-Cola’s goal to produce packaging with 50 percent recycled PET by 2030.

The second of Republic’s advanced Polymer Centers is projected to open in Indianapolis in Q4 2024, with additional plans to expand the facilities nationwide.

Source: Republic Services