Republic Services Commits to Help Identify Gaps in Plastic Recycling Infrastructure

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) has become the second major solid-waste-and-recycling collection company in the U.S. to agree to publish a report that could help identify basic gaps in plastic recycling infrastructure in the United States. Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WM) was the first to make such a commitment, this past February.  

This announcement from Republic Services is in response to a shareholder proposal filed in December 2019 by As You Sow, a non-profit that aims to “harness shareholder power to create lasting change that benefits people, planet, and profit.” As You Sow believes that more “organized, concerted action is needed by upstream packaging manufacturers, consumer brands, recyclers, processors, regulators, and interest groups to dramatically increase levels of recycling,” especially in light of China’s 2018 ban on plastic waste imports. 

Republic Services’ report will show the material flows of collected and recycled plastics; end market uses for these materials; and gaps in both infrastructure (including an assessment of its MRF capabilities) and markets. The company will also identify actions it believes could help address the identified gaps. 

Read the press release here.