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
- Save and reuse gift bags, ribbons and bows for next year – its
smart for the environment and for your wallet!
- Recycle that wrapping paper… even the glittery kind!
- Curb paper waste by creating personalized e-cards using one of
the many user-friendly websites available.
- Use shredded paper for packing instead of foam. Newsprint,
magazines and scrap paper can add a personal touch.
- Make a shopping list before going to the store to avoid food
waste.
- Save and reuse the bubble wrap. It's tempting, but try not to
pop it!
- 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 PlanetTM 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.