Learn About Republic Services Recycling Options

Understanding Republic Services and Their Recycling Program

Republic Services is one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the United States, serving millions of customers across the country. Founded in 1998, the company manages residential, commercial, and industrial waste collection, as well as recycling programs in numerous communities. Republic Services operates in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, making it a major player in how Americans dispose of and recycle materials.

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The company's recycling operations focus on collecting materials from homes and businesses, then sorting and processing them for resale to manufacturers. Republic Services manages this through regional facilities and partnerships with local governments. Understanding how Republic Services structures its recycling program helps residents and businesses make informed decisions about their waste management.

Republic Services offers different recycling options depending on your location. Some areas have curbside recycling programs where materials are collected from your home each week. Other regions may have drop-off locations or transfer stations where you can bring recyclables. The specific programs vary significantly by city and county, as local governments often set recycling rules and requirements for their areas.

The company collected and processed approximately 3.1 million tons of recyclable materials in 2022, according to their annual reports. This represents a significant portion of the nation's recycling infrastructure. However, what gets recycled and how it's processed depends heavily on local market conditions, material demand, and facility capabilities.

Takeaway: Republic Services provides recycling services in many communities, but availability and program details differ by location. Checking your local program's specific guidelines is essential before placing items in your recycling bin.

What Materials Republic Services Accepts in Standard Recycling Programs

Republic Services' standard curbside recycling programs typically accept a core group of materials. Paper products usually include newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and office paper. These materials are among the most commonly recycled items because they have established markets and processing infrastructure. Cardboard boxes should be broken down to save space in the collection bin.

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Plastics accepted in most Republic Services programs include containers marked with recycling numbers 1 and 2. Number 1 plastics (PETE) include beverage bottles and food containers. Number 2 plastics (HDPE) include milk jugs, detergent bottles, and plastic bags. However, plastic bags should never go in curbside bins as they jam sorting equipment. Instead, many grocery stores and retailers accept plastic bags for separate recycling.

Metal recycling includes both aluminum and steel. Aluminum cans are highly recyclable and retain value, making them a priority for collection. Steel cans (typically food cans) are also accepted. Both should be rinsed clean to prevent contamination. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable without losing quality, and recycled aluminum requires 95 percent less energy than producing new aluminum from ore.

Glass containers including beer bottles, wine bottles, and food jars are accepted in many programs, though some communities have restricted glass collection due to sorting challenges. When glass breaks in collection trucks, it contaminates other recyclable materials and creates safety hazards for workers. Check your local program's guidelines, as some areas ask residents to dispose of glass separately or in regular trash.

Mixed paper includes envelopes, greeting cards, and lightweight cardboard. Shredded paper should be placed in a paper bag before adding to the bin, as loose shreds jam equipment. Waxed or laminated paper should not be recycled as the coating prevents proper processing.

Takeaway: Most Republic Services programs accept paper, cardboard, plastics #1 and #2, aluminum, and steel. Always rinse containers and avoid putting plastic bags in curbside bins. Contact your local program for specific material lists, as accepted items vary by community.

Materials to Keep Out of Republic Services Recycling Bins

Contamination is a major problem in recycling facilities. When non-recyclable items or dirty materials end up in the recycling stream, they can damage expensive sorting equipment and reduce the quality of recovered materials. Republic Services and other recycling facilities spend considerable effort removing contaminants, but prevention at the source is far more effective.

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Plastic bags and films are among the most problematic items. These materials wrap around the rotating equipment in sorting facilities, causing equipment shutdowns and repairs that cost thousands of dollars. Pizza boxes contaminated with grease cannot be recycled because the oil interferes with the papermaking process. Food-soiled items generally should not go in recycling bins as they reduce the value of collected materials and create odor and pest problems.

Electronics including computers, televisions, cell phones, and tablets should never enter standard recycling bins. These items contain hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and cadmium that can contaminate the entire batch of recyclables. Most electronics require specialized e-waste recycling programs. Republic Services operates e-waste collection events in many communities, and manufacturers often provide mail-back programs for electronics.

Hazardous materials must be kept out of all waste and recycling streams. This includes paint, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, and cleaning chemicals. These substances can explode or release toxic fumes when equipment compresses them. Many communities operate hazardous waste collection facilities that accept these materials for proper disposal. Republic Services provides information about local hazardous waste drop-off locations through their websites and customer service.

Diapers, medical waste, and personal hygiene products should never be recycled. These items are biohazards that pose health risks to collection and processing workers. Yard waste like grass clippings and leaves should not go in standard recycling bins; many communities offer separate yard waste collection or composting programs. Textiles and clothing also shouldn't enter curbside bins, though some communities have separate collection programs for clothing donation and recycling.

Heavy items like rocks, concrete, or metal objects can damage collection trucks and sorting equipment. Ceramics and dishes are not accepted in most programs because they're not the same as recyclable glass and can break the glass processing stream. Items larger than what fits in your bin shouldn't be forced in; instead, many Republic Services locations accept bulky items through separate collection programs.

Takeaway: Keep plastic bags, food-soiled items, electronics, hazardous materials, and medical waste out of recycling bins. These items cause equipment damage, create safety hazards, and contaminate recyclable materials. Most communities have separate programs for these items.

Beyond Curbside: Republic Services Drop-Off and Special Collection Options

While curbside collection is convenient for many residents, Republic Services operates additional recycling options for people without curbside service or those with large quantities of materials. Drop-off locations allow residents to bring recyclables directly to a facility during operating hours. These facilities typically accept all standard recyclable materials and often have separate bins for different material types, reducing sorting work at processing facilities.

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Bulky item collection addresses materials too large for regular bins. Many Republic Services locations collect items like furniture, appliances, and large cardboard boxes through separate pickup services or drop-off programs. Some areas charge a small fee for bulky item collection, while others include it in regular service plans. Scheduling often requires calling ahead or using the company's online system to arrange pickup dates.

Electronic waste recycling is available through Republic Services in numerous communities. Many facilities accept computers, monitors, televisions, printers, and other electronics. Some locations charge small recycling fees for certain items like televisions or monitors, which reflects the costs of safely recovering materials and disposing of hazardous components. Republic Services' website and local offices provide information about e-waste collection events and permanent drop-off locations.

Yard waste collection programs operate in many communities served by Republic Services. These programs collect grass clippings, leaves, tree branches, and other organic materials for composting. Materials are typically placed in designated bins or bags. Composting these materials diverts significant waste from landfills; according to the EPA, food and yard waste makes up about 30 percent of landfilled materials.

Some Republic Services locations offer special collection for items like used motor oil, batteries, and light bulbs. These hazardous materials require careful handling and special processing. Availability varies by location, so contacting your local Republic Services office or checking their website reveals what special collections operate in your area.

Community recycling events are another option. Republic Services partners with local governments and nonprofit organizations to host periodic collection events for materials like electronics, textiles, and household hazardous waste. These events are typically promoted through local government websites and community social media pages.