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PHOENIX, Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) encourages consumers across the country to incorporate sustainability into their celebrations and family gatherings with helpful sustainability tips. Click here to view Republic's 2016 holiday recycling video.

During the holidays, Americans on average generate 25 percent more waste than normal, or almost 1,000 pounds of waste per household. Remarkably, roughly 80 percent of what is thrown away during the holidays could be recycled or reused, according to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Republic's holiday sustainability tips include:

7 Holiday Sustainability Tips

1. Save and reuse gift bags, ribbons and bows for next year – its smart for the environment and for your wallet!
2. Recycle that wrapping paper… even the glittery kind!
3. Curb paper waste by creating personalized e-cards using one of the many user-friendly websites available.
4. Use shredded paper for packing instead of foam. Newsprint, magazines and scrap paper can add a personal touch.
5. Make a shopping list before going to the store to avoid food waste.
6. Save and reuse the bubble wrap. It's tempting, but try not to pop it!
7. Always make sure your recyclables are Empty, Clean & Dry before tossing them into the recycling container.

"We're so busy during the holidays, it's not easy to take the time to think about how or what to recycle, or what to throw away," said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability. "The good news is we all have an opportunity to make simple, sustainable choices throughout the holiday season, including remembering Empty, Clean & Dry before we recycle. Together, we can make a lasting environmental impact."

A few items to reuse, repurpose or dispose of this holiday season include: bubble wrap, holiday ribbons and bows, gift bags, cellophane and packing form or polystyrene foam. Keep in mind that toy packaging made of heavy cardboard is only recyclable when the cardboard is separated from the plastic. Sticky gift tags are not recyclable by themselves, but they are acceptable if affixed to an envelope or wrapping paper.

Additionally, by ensuring that recyclables are Empty of their contents, Clean of any residue, and Dry before tossing them into the recycling container, consumers can do their part to help reduce recycling contamination. This better ensures that recyclables are ultimately repurposed into new materials as originally intended. It can also play an important part in reinvigorating the economics of recycling, which will help to preserve the environmental benefits of recycling for generations to come.  

Consumers should check with their local collection service provider to confirm which items can be recycled in each community, as well as holiday collection times or special instructions for disposing of Christmas trees.

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. The Company has been steadily building on its sustainability progress, as demonstrated in its recent inclusion in the CPD Climate A List and the Dow Jones Sustainability – North America and World – Indices. 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.

For more information, visit the Republic Services website at RepublicServices.com. "Like" Republic on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepublicServices and follow on Twitter @RepublicService.

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.