This waste management sustainability report 2023 covers a year where we really focused on making things better. We looked at how we handle trash and recycling, and what we can do to be kinder to the planet. It's all about finding smarter ways to deal with waste and making sure we're doing our part for the environment and the people around us. We've got some good news to share about the progress we've made.

Key Takeaways

• We're getting better at recovering materials, meaning less ends up in landfills.
• We're using more renewable energy sources to cut down on our impact on the climate.
• New technologies are helping us recycle more effectively and create alternative fuels.
• We've been recognized for our efforts in climate action and sustainable business practices.
• Our focus remains on investing in circular economy ideas and supporting our communities.

Progress On Our Ambitions

This past year has been a significant one as we've pushed forward with our goals. We're not just talking about sustainability; we're actively making it happen across the board. It's about making real changes that matter for the planet and for everyone who lives on it.

Circularity: Increasing Material Recovery

We're getting better at keeping materials out of landfills and putting them back to good use. Think of it as giving things a second life. Our aim is to recover a lot more material, and we're seeing good results.

• We've increased the amount of material we recover for recycling by 5% since 2021.
• We're working on new recycling projects and expanding our capacity to grab even more usable stuff.
• Our goal is to recover 60% more material by 2030, which means getting to 25 million tons a year.

Renewable Energy: Reducing Climate Impact

Cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions is a big deal for us. We're doing this by using more renewable energy sources and collecting more gas from landfills to turn into power. This effort is key to lowering our carbon footprint.

Here's a look at our progress:

Community Thriving: Enhancing Safety and Well-being

Our commitment extends to the people we work with and the communities we serve. We're focused on making sure everyone stays safe and feels supported.

• We've seen a 6% reduction in overall workplace injuries year over year, and we're aiming for even fewer.
• We're actively working to promote a culture where everyone feels included and heard, with a 700 basis point improvement in our employee engagement score.
• We contributed $27.6 million in charitable giving in 2024, supporting various social impact and workforce development programs.

We believe that a strong community is built on safety, opportunity, and a shared commitment to a better future. Our initiatives reflect this belief, aiming to positively impact millions of lives.

Innovation In Waste Management

This past year has been all about pushing the envelope when it comes to how we handle waste. We're not just talking about the same old methods; we're actively developing and implementing new ways to make waste management smarter, cleaner, and more effective. It's a pretty exciting time, honestly.

Advancing Alternative Fuel Fleets

Our trucks are getting a serious upgrade. We're moving away from traditional diesel and embracing cleaner alternatives. Think natural gas, and even exploring electric options for some routes. This shift is a big deal for cutting down on emissions and making our operations quieter in neighborhoods. It’s not just about the environment, though; these newer engines often require less maintenance, which is a win-win.

Here's a quick look at our progress:

• Natural Gas Trucks: Increased by 15% in the last year.
• Electric Vehicle Pilots: Launched on 3 new routes.
• Fuel Efficiency Improvements: Achieved an average of 8% better mileage across the fleet.

Leveraging Advanced Recycling Technologies

Recycling is getting a high-tech makeover. We're investing in equipment that can sort materials with incredible accuracy. This means we can pull out more valuable resources from the waste stream that might have been missed before. We're talking about things like optical sorters that use light to identify different types of plastics and metals, and robotics that can pick items off a conveyor belt faster than a human eye can see.

The goal here is to get more materials back into the production cycle, reducing the need to extract new raw materials. It's a key part of building a truly circular economy where waste is seen as a resource.

Transforming Landfill Gas Capture

Even with all our efforts to divert waste, some materials still end up in landfills. But we're not just letting them sit there. We're getting much better at capturing the methane gas that naturally forms as organic waste breaks down. This captured gas is then processed and turned into renewable natural gas (RNG). This RNG can be used to fuel our own trucks or even sent to the local energy grid. It’s a smart way to turn a potential environmental problem into a useful energy source.

Strategic Partnerships And Solutions

We're all about working together to make waste management better for everyone. It’s not just about picking up trash; it’s about finding smart ways to handle materials and energy. We team up with all sorts of clients, from big companies to local businesses, to create plans that fit exactly what they need. Think of us as your partner in making things more sustainable.

Tailored Sustainability Solutions for Diverse Clients

Every business is different, right? That’s why we don’t do one-size-fits-all. We sit down with our clients and figure out their specific waste challenges and goals. Whether it’s a sports stadium needing to manage massive amounts of waste during events or a national retailer looking to reduce their environmental footprint, we build custom plans. This often involves looking at how materials are used and discarded, and then finding ways to recover more of them. We've been doing this for a while, helping businesses manage their waste responsibly and efficiently. It’s about making sustainability work for your business.

Expanding Service Offerings for Specialized Waste

Sometimes, waste isn't your typical household trash. We’ve expanded our services to handle more specialized materials, like regulated medical waste and secure document destruction. This is super important for industries like healthcare, where proper disposal is critical for public health and safety. By offering these specialized solutions, we help clients meet strict regulations and manage sensitive materials without worry. It’s another way we’re growing to meet the complex needs of the modern world, including supporting the healthcare market.

Data-Driven Material Management Strategies

Guesswork isn't really our style. We use data and technology to figure out the best ways to manage materials. This means we can track what’s coming in, where it’s going, and how much is being recovered. This information helps us and our clients make smarter decisions. For example, understanding material flows can reveal opportunities to increase recycling rates or find new uses for waste products. It’s about being transparent and using facts to drive progress.

We believe that by working closely with our partners and using smart strategies, we can make a real difference in how waste is managed. It’s a collaborative effort, and we’re committed to finding innovative solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment.

Here’s a look at how we’ve been growing our capabilities:

• Recycling Facility Expansion: We’ve opened new facilities, like the one in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, using advanced technology to process more materials.
• Specialized Waste Handling: Added services for medical waste and secure destruction to meet specific industry needs.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Continuing to capture and convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas, creating a cleaner energy source.
• Fleet Modernization: Investing in alternative fuel vehicles to reduce emissions from our collection services, similar to initiatives seen in government operations.

Our goal is to be more than just a service provider; we aim to be a true sustainability partner, helping clients achieve their environmental goals through practical, data-backed solutions.

Commitment To Environmental Stewardship

We're serious about taking care of our planet, and it shows. This past year, our dedication to environmental responsibility got some serious recognition. It’s not just about managing waste; it’s about actively working to reduce our impact and be a good steward of the environment.

CDP Recognition for Climate Action Leadership

This year, we were recognized by CDP, a global nonprofit that helps companies and cities disclose their environmental impact. We landed on their prestigious ‘A List’ for our climate action leadership. This isn't just a pat on the back; it means we're doing a good job of managing our greenhouse gas emissions and working towards a lower-carbon future. This recognition validates our ongoing efforts to integrate climate considerations into our business strategy.

Dow Jones Sustainability Index Inclusion

We're also proud to announce our inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. This index tracks companies that are leaders in sustainability. Being part of it means our business practices are being measured against some of the highest environmental, social, and governance standards out there. It shows we're not just talking the talk, but walking the walk when it comes to sustainable business.

Ethical Business Practices and Transparency

Beyond these big recognitions, we're committed to operating ethically and transparently every single day. This means:

• Being open about our environmental performance and goals.
• Making sure our operations follow all regulations and then some.
• Treating our employees and communities with respect.
• Continuously looking for ways to improve our environmental footprint.

It’s a lot of work, but we believe it’s the only way to do business. We want to be a company that people can trust to do the right thing for the environment and for society.

Driving Sustainability Forward

We're not just managing waste; we're actively building a more sustainable future. This year, our focus has been on making significant investments in solutions that support a circular economy and expand access to cleaner energy sources. It's about creating the kind of future we all want to live in, and that starts with the choices we make today.

Investing in Circular Economy Solutions

Our commitment to the circular economy means we're constantly looking for ways to keep materials in use for longer. We're expanding our recycling capabilities and exploring new technologies to recover more valuable resources from the waste stream. This isn't just good for the planet; it makes economic sense too, creating new opportunities and reducing reliance on virgin materials. We're proud to be part of a system that turns what was once considered trash into something useful again. For example, our work supports initiatives similar to those at Amazon's waste reduction efforts.

Expanding Access to Lower-Emission Energy

Capturing landfill gas and converting it into renewable natural gas (RNG) is a big part of our strategy. This process not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a valuable, lower-carbon energy source for our fleet and communities. We're working to increase the amount of RNG we produce and make it more widely available. It's a win-win: we reduce environmental impact and create a cleaner energy alternative.

Supporting Community and Workforce Development

Sustainability extends beyond environmental practices; it includes supporting the people and communities we serve. We're investing in programs that promote safety, provide educational opportunities, and develop a skilled workforce ready for the green jobs of tomorrow. This includes everything from recycling education in schools to mentorship programs. We believe a thriving community is a key component of a sustainable future.

Our approach to sustainability is built on continuous improvement and strategic action. We are dedicated to finding innovative ways to repurpose materials, utilize renewable energy, and ensure our communities are safe and healthy places to live and work. This integrated strategy is how we move forward.

We're all about making the world greener and better. Our goal is to help businesses grow in a way that's good for the planet. Want to join us in making a real difference? Visit our website to learn how you can be part of the change.

Looking Ahead

So, that's a wrap on 2023. It's been a pretty busy year for waste management, and honestly, it feels like we're finally starting to get somewhere. We've seen some real steps forward, especially with figuring out how to reuse more stuff and make cleaner energy. It wasn't always easy, and there's still a ton of work to do, but the progress is clear. We're getting better at handling tricky waste like medical stuff and old electronics, and that's a big deal. The focus now is to keep this momentum going, find even smarter ways to do things, and make sure everyone's on board. The goal is a cleaner planet, and it looks like we're moving in the right direction, one bin at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'circularity' mean in waste management?

Circularity means we try to use materials again and again instead of just throwing them away. It's like giving old things a new life, so less trash ends up in landfills and we can reuse valuable resources.

How are you reducing your impact on the climate?

We're working hard to lower our greenhouse gas emissions. This includes using cleaner fuels for our trucks and turning gas from landfills into useful energy, which helps fight climate change.

What kind of innovations are you bringing to waste management?

We're exploring new ways to manage waste, like using trucks that run on cleaner fuels and using smart technology to recycle more materials. We're also getting better at capturing gas from landfills to create energy.

Why are partnerships important for sustainability?

Working with others helps us create special plans for different customers to manage their waste better. By teaming up, we can find the best ways to recycle and reuse materials, making a bigger positive impact together.

How do you ensure your business practices are ethical?

We believe in being honest and responsible in everything we do. This means being open about our actions, treating people fairly, and always looking for ways to do the right thing for the environment and our communities.

What are you doing to support the 'circular economy'?

We're investing in new ways to recycle and reuse materials, which is key to the circular economy. This helps turn waste into useful products, reduces the need for new raw materials, and creates a more sustainable system for everyone.