Republic Services Opens Its First Northern California Organics Pre-Processing Facility Ahead of New State Law Mandating Diversion

Rhea-AI Summary

Republic Services has launched its first Northern California organics pre-processing facility in Martinez, designed to comply with California's SB 1383 law, effective January 1, 2022. This facility processes 20 tons of food waste per hour from local businesses, converting it into renewable energy in partnership with the East Bay Municipal Utility District. The initiative supports sustainability goals, aiming to recover 40% of key materials from waste by 2030. With over 500 business customers participating, this move positions Republic Services as a leader in the organics recycling sector.

Positive

• Opening of first Northern California organics pre-processing facility enhances business growth potential.
• Facility processes 20 tons of food waste per hour, supporting increased recycling efforts.
• Partnership with East Bay Municipal Utility District for renewable energy production.
• Recognition as Organics Recycler of the Year in 2020 highlights company's leadership in sustainability.

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• None.

MARTINEZ, Calif., April 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. today announced the opening of its first Northern California organics pre-processing facility, which will help Bay Area communities meet the requirements of a new state law mandating diversion of food and yard waste from landfills. The facility removes contamination from food waste collected from businesses in Contra Costa County, and produces clean organic material that is converted into renewable energy through a partnership with the East Bay Municipal Utility District.

"As a leader in the environmental services industry, Republic Services is committed to recovering key materials from the waste stream and providing diversion solutions for our customers," said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability. "Organics is an emerging sector, especially in California, providing tremendous potential for us to both grow our business and strengthen the circular economy."

A state law (SB 1383) that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2022, will require every home and business in California to recycle their food and yard waste. More than 500 business customers participate in food waste recycling through the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority's RecycleSmart program, which delivers food waste to Republic's Martinez facility. The new facility is capable of processing 20 tons of food waste per hour. It is Republic's second organics pre-processing operation in the state; its first opened in Anaheim in 2018. Republic is pursuing additional similar opportunities throughout the state.

"Republic Services has been a service provider for RecycleSmart for over 20 years, and they have always been innovative in their approach to recycling," said Ken Etherington, executive director of RecycleSmart. "We are very excited about Republic's new pre-processing line to advance recycling in the community."

After pre-processing, clean organic material is delivered to the East Bay Municipal Utility District's wastewater treatment facility in Oakland. Through anaerobic digestion, the organic waste is converted into biogas, which is used to generate electricity to power the treatment facility as well as operations at the neighboring Port of Oakland.

"This pre-processing model is anticipated to expand opportunities for EBMUD to receive more of this type of material and increase renewable energy production in the future," said John Hake, a senior civil engineer at the East Bay Municipal Utility District.

In 2020, Republic Services was named Organics Recycler of the Year by the National Waste & Recycling Association, a recognition of the Company's innovation and leadership in diverting food and yard waste from landfills. Organics recycling directly supports Republic's sustainability goal to increase recovery of key materials from the waste stream by 40% by 2030. To learn more about Republic's Blue Planet^® sustainability platform, visit RepublicServices.com/sustainability.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the U.S. environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides superior customer 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 or Republic Services on LinkedIn.

 

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Republic Services' new facility in Northern California?

The new organics pre-processing facility helps comply with California's SB 1383 law, mandating food and yard waste diversion from landfills, positioning Republic Services as a leader in sustainability.

How does the organics pre-processing facility impact renewable energy production?

The facility converts processed organic waste into biogas, which generates electricity for the East Bay Municipal Utility District and its operations.

What are the operational capabilities of the new Republic Services facility?

The facility can process 20 tons of food waste per hour, contributing significantly to local recycling efforts.

What is the timeline for the SB 1383 law affecting Republic Services?

The SB 1383 law requiring recycling of food and yard waste will take effect on January 1, 2022.

How long has Republic Services been a partner in recycling efforts in Contra Costa County?

Republic Services has been providing recycling services for RecycleSmart in Contra Costa County for over 20 years.