Republic Services, Blue Polymers Collaborate on Advanced Recycling in Indianapolis

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) and Blue Polymers, LLC held a groundbreaking ceremony for a plastics recycling facility in Indianapolis, which is expected to become operational in late 2024.

This venture will encompass the Republic Services Polymer Center and the advanced polymer production facility of Blue Polymers, collectively aimed at advancing plastics circularity and providing recycled materials for sustainable packaging and various applications.

"Through our Polymer Center network and Blue Polymers partnership, we're helping customers achieve their ambitious recycled content goals by producing high-quality recycled plastics," said Pete Keller, Republic Services vice president of recycling and sustainability, in a statement.. "As a leader in the environmental services industry and one of the nation's largest recyclers, Republic Services is uniquely positioned to advance plastics circularity and the region's circular economy while supporting Indianapolis' vision for a more resilient future

The Polymer Centers represent an effort in managing the entire plastics stream through an integrated process – from curbside collection of recycled materials to the production of high-quality recycled resins tailored for sustainable consumer packaging. The first of these Polymer Centers is set to open in Las Vegas later this year, with the Indianapolis site identified as the second, strategically located in the Midwest, according to Republic Services.

As consumer demand for high-quality domestically sourced recycled plastics continues to rise, Republic Services and Blue Polymers aim to meet this demand by creating a closed-loop system. This system, supporting true package-to-package circularity, will enable items like an orange detergent jug to be recycled into a new orange detergent jug.

The Indianapolis recycling complex is envisioned to consist of two buildings totaling approximately 286,000 square feet, generating an estimated 125 permanent, local jobs. Lauth Group, Inc. has been selected by Republic Services and Blue Polymers for the development and construction of the project.

Recognizing the economic impact and innovation this venture brings, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) has committed up to $2 million in incentive-based tax credits and up to $100,000 in workforce-training grants to Republic Services. Additionally, the IEDC will provide up to $4 million in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits, designed to support companies investing in smart manufacturing and new technologies.

"We couldn't be more excited for Republic Services' and Blue Polymers' investments in the City of Indianapolis," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "The Polymer Center and Blue Polymers complex is a next-generation step for the plastics industry and the circular economy of Indiana. It also shows Republic's leadership in sustainability and great commitment to the City of Indianapolis, our skilled workforce and the community as a whole."