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Republic Services Diverts 1.7 Billion Pounds of Food, Yard Waste from Landfills
Company Is Taking the Lead in Composting With 11 Facilities in 5 States

PHOENIX (PRWEB)

With 11 compost facilities in five states, Republic Services is doing its part to help divert yard and food waste away from landfills and to contribute to the circular economy.

Yard and food waste currently make up about 30 percent of the municipal solid waste that’s sent to landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, by diverting this material to compost facilities, that waste can be recycled into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that helps plants grow.

Republic Services processed 1.7 billion pounds of yard and food waste at its organics facilities last year, creating more than 275,000 tons of compost. This compost is marketed and sold to landscapers, golf courses and farmers, as well as residential customers.

Many of Republic’s composting facilities are technologically advanced, using mechanical aeration to speed up the biological process and reduce odors. The facility at the Otay Landfill in Chula Vista, Calif., is a unique example – it’s completely off the grid, using solar-powered fans and a cover technology that requires little energy consumption and traps odors, dust and emissions. The Otay facility is one of six in California, where there is a greater demand due to legislation mandating the diversion of organic waste from landfills.

“Organics diversion is being debated across the country, and legislation is driving this material out of landfills,” said Chris Seney, director of organics operations. “Organics is an emerging industry with an enormous amount of opportunity, and Republic Services is proud to be taking the lead.”

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, transfer stations, recycling centers, landfills and environmental services provide effective solutions to make responsible recycling and waste disposal effortless for its customers across the country. Its 36,000 employees are committed to providing a superior experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet® for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world. For more information, visit RepublicServices.com, or follow us at Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter and @republic_services on Instagram.

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