Earth Month Challenge: Republic Services Encourages Consumers to Recycle Plastic Water Bottles

Rhea-AI Summary

Republic Services is launching an Earth Month challenge to increase plastic water bottle recycling, highlighting that while bottles can be recycled up to 6 times, only 33% currently make it into recycling bins. Pete Keller, VP of recycling and sustainability, emphasizes that the company recycles 300 million pounds of plastic annually, with materials in high demand for new bottle production.

The company plans to invest $500 million in plastics recycling facilities over the coming years. In the previous year, Republic Services recycled more than 2.5 billion water bottles. The company provides key recycling guidelines: bottles should be empty, clean, and dry, with caps remaining on. Republic Services will participate in a nationwide open house with the Association of Plastic Recyclers in May to demonstrate recyclables processing.

Positive

• Plans to invest $500 million in plastics recycling facilities
• Currently recycles 300 million pounds of plastic annually
• Recycled over 2.5 billion water bottles last year
• Strong market demand for recycled plastic materials

Negative

• None.

Insights

Environmental Industry Analyst

Republic Services' $500M recycling investment bolsters sustainability positioning while addressing growing demand for recycled plastics.

Republic Services has announced a $500 million planned investment in plastics recycling facilities over the next few years, highlighting a strategic expansion of their recycling operations. This investment comes as the company currently processes 300 million pounds of plastic annually, with recycled material in "high demand" for producing new bottles and containers.

The scale of Republic's current operations is substantial, with the company reporting they recycled more than 2.5 billion water bottles last year alone. However, the broader industry context reveals significant growth opportunity, as the current recycling rate for single-use water bottles stands at just 33%, meaning approximately 7 out of 10 bottles never make it to recycling facilities.

This capital allocation demonstrates Republic's commitment to expanding capacity in a growth segment of the waste management industry. The investment in specialized recycling infrastructure positions the company to capitalize on increasing demand for recycled plastics, particularly as consumer product companies seek more sustainable packaging solutions.

The timing aligns with Republic's Earth Month initiative to educate consumers about plastic recycling myths, including the misconception that plastic bottles can't be recycled. Their outreach emphasizes that water bottles can be recycled approximately six times, highlighting the value proposition of improved collection rates.

ESG Investment Specialist

Republic's $500M recycling investment strengthens ESG credentials while targeting a growth market with significant environmental impact potential.

Republic Services' announcement of a $500 million investment in plastics recycling facilities represents a significant commitment to expanding their environmental infrastructure. This capital allocation strengthens the company's sustainability profile while targeting increased capacity in recycled plastics, a market with growing demand as brands seek more sustainable packaging solutions.

From an ESG perspective, this investment directly addresses a critical environmental challenge, as the company notes that only 33% of single-use water bottles currently get recycled. By expanding recycling capacity and simultaneously launching consumer education initiatives, Republic is taking a two-pronged approach to improving recycling rates and reducing plastic waste.

The investment underscores Republic's position as a significant player in materials recovery, having recycled approximately 2.5 billion water bottles last year. Their planned participation in the Association of Plastic Recyclers' nationwide open house further demonstrates commitment to transparency and public education on recycling processes.

This strategic move aligns with the growing emphasis on circular economy principles in waste management. While primarily an environmental initiative, the investment in specialized recycling infrastructure also has governance implications, showing management's commitment to long-term sustainable business practices and anticipation of possible future regulatory developments favoring increased recycling rates.

Myth: Plastic bottles can't be recycled; Fact: Water bottles can be recycled approximately 6 times – but only 3 in 10 make it into a recycling bin

PHOENIX, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services is challenging consumers this Earth Month to take action and recycle their plastic water bottles. The recycling rate for single-use water bottles is only 33%¹, meaning that nearly 7 in 10 bottles never make it into a recycling bin.

"There's a big misconception that plastic can't be recycled," said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services. "In fact, we recycle 300 million pounds of plastic every year, and this material is in high demand to produce new bottles and jugs. Everyone should be recycling their water and beverage bottles. It's not difficult to do, and this small action will make a difference one bottle at a time."

Republic Services is a leader in plastics recycling, with a network of facilities specifically designed to help transform plastic bottles and jugs collected from residents' curbside bins into new plastic bottles and jugs. Over the next few years, Republic Services expects to invest $500 million in plastics recycling facilities. Last year, the company estimates that it recycled more than 2.5 billion water bottles².

What consumers need to know about plastic bottle recycling:

• Only 3 in 10 water bottles make it into a recycling bin
• 7 in 10 water bottles are discarded when they could be recycled
• Water bottles can be recycled an estimated 6 times
• Recyclables should be empty, clean and dry
• Keep the cap on the bottle when recycling

Republic Services is joining the Association of Plastic Recyclers in May for a nationwide open house to show the public how recyclables are sorted and processed to become valuable new materials. To find a recycling center tour, visit plasticsrecycling.org/recycling-in-action.

For more recycling tips, go to Republic Services' RecyclingSimplified.com.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic's industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. For more information, please visit RepublicServices.com.

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

¹ https://napcor.com/news/2023-pet-bottle-recycling-reach-new-heights/
² PET equivalent

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

FAQ

How many times can plastic water bottles be recycled according to Republic Services?

According to Republic Services, plastic water bottles can be recycled approximately 6 times.

What percentage of plastic water bottles are currently recycled?

Only 33% of plastic water bottles are currently recycled, meaning about 7 in 10 bottles never make it into recycling bins.

How much is Republic Services (RSG) investing in plastics recycling facilities?

Republic Services is planning to invest $500 million in plastics recycling facilities over the next few years.

How many water bottles did Republic Services (RSG) recycle last year?

Republic Services recycled more than 2.5 billion water bottles in the previous year.

What are Republic Services' guidelines for recycling plastic bottles?

Bottles should be empty, clean, and dry, and caps should remain on the bottles when recycling.