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PHOENIX (April 17, 2019) – This year, Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is pledging to make #EarthDayEveryDay and encouraging consumers to take a few simple steps to be better recyclers.

“Recycling is one of the simplest things people can do for the environment, but only if they are recycling the right way,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability. “We know consumers have the best intentions, but around one-third of what they’re placing in the recycling container today doesn’t belong there. Simple steps, like not bagging recyclables, can reduce contamination rates, and ultimately contribute to a cleaner environment.”

Those items that don’t belong are known as contamination, and it includes otherwise good recyclables that are soiled by food or other residue, or items that aren’t recyclable in the first place. Common non-recyclables seen in recycling facilities include plastic bags, old clothing, diapers, yard waste and garden hoses.

Everyone has a part to play to clean up recycling. Pledge to make #EarthDayEveryDay, and follow these simple steps to be a better recycler:

Step 1: Know what to throw. Keep it simple and focus on the basics – 1) cardboard and paper, 2) metal and aluminum cans and 3) plastic bottles and jugs. With bottles and jugs, leave the caps on or throw them away – they’re too small to recycle by themselves. 

Step 2: Empty. Clean. Dry.^TM Keep all recyclables free of food and liquid to avoid contaminating the recyclables around them. Don’t allow more than one teaspoon of liquid to remain in a recyclable container.

Step 3: Keep it loose. Never bag or bundle recyclables – items should be placed in the container individually. Plastic bags do not belong in household recycling, however many stores collect them for commercial processing.

For more recycling tips, videos and resources, visit RecyclingSimplified.com.
Infographic: Earth Day Every Day stats
 

About Republic Services

Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal. Through its subsidiaries, Republic’s collection companies, recycling centers, transfer stations and landfills focus on providing effective solutions to make responsive waste disposal effortless for its 14 million customers. We’ll handle it from here.^®, 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 Facebook.com/RepublicServices and follow on Twitter @RepublicService and Instagram @republic_services.

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Media
Media@RepublicServices.com 
(480) 757-9770