Republic Services Advances its Sustainability Commitments

Latest Sustainability Report reflects important milestones toward Company goals and notable recognition for sustainability achievements

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Republic Services, Inc.

Aug 28, 2017, 07:00 ET

PHOENIX, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) released today its latest Sustainability Report highlighting many of its most recent achievements. The report represents the Company's commitment to provide regular reporting on the advancement of its sustainability initiatives.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7747754-republic-services-2016-sustainability-report/

Republic is making investments in technologies and infrastructure to ensure that their facilities are capable of meeting the sustainability goals of the communities and businesses they serve.

Republic believes that engaged employees are the greatest indicator of their success. They make Republic a preferred place to work and help make the communities they serve strong and vibrant.

As the operator of the 7th largest vocational fleet in the country, it’s critically important that Republic continually find ways to reduce fleet greenhouse gas emissions while reducing fuel usage.

More than 2,500 techs skillfully maintain Republic’s fleet nationwide while continuously finding greater environmental efficiencies.

Landfills provide opportunity to produce renewable energy. Whether converting LF gas to electricity or creating a solar platform to harness sunshine, Republic is converting waste into power.

Responsible landfill management requires science, engineering and technology to manage an evolving waste stream that is protective to the air, land and water for generations to come.

"Our customers count on us for simple solutions, the highest reliability and environmental responsibility," said Don Slager, president and chief executive officer. "Whether it's helping a customer turn an idea into a sustainable program in Alabama, converting brownfields in Massachusetts into sources for renewable energy or recovering value from exploration and production waste in Texas, we're enabling greater resourcefulness across America. We're proud to lead by example, doing what's best for our customers and our Blue Planet."

Republic's Blue Planet™ sustainability platform encompasses five key elements: Operations, Materials Management, Communities, Safety and People. Highlights from the Sustainability Report include:

Republic saved approximately 26 million gallons of diesel fuel through its natural gas-powered fleet, recycled more than 1.2 million gallons of oil from its collections fleet, and repurposed 192,000 tires from its retreading program.

Republic saved 15 million tons of CO₂e through its recycling network, which is equivalent to the emissions of 16 coal-fired power plants.

Republic's landfill renewable energy projects provide a source of recovered and renewable materials and energy back to the economy. Three landfill projects in metro Atlanta alone generate enough energy to power 14,000 households.

Republic invested $8.4 million in charitable giving and environmental education in the communities it serves nationwide.

Republic's safety performance is 41 percent better than the industry average, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data. Through its Focus 6 safety program, which strives to prevent the six most common types of serious accidents, Republic reduced accidents by 14 percent.

Republic's 15,000 highly skilled drivers are some of the best in the industry, as recognized by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA). Republic has won 75 percent of the NWRA's "Driver of the Year" awards since 2009 in the large company categories.

To celebrate its drivers and technicians, Republic held its first ROAD-EO National Championship, during which the Company's top 40 drivers and 10 techs from across the country showcased their driving and diagnostic skills, and safety acumen.

Republic's employee engagement score increased by 6-points to 88 out of 100, validating how strongly employees believe in the Company and consider it a great place to work.

Republic received notable recognitions by third parties for its sustainability achievements, earning a place on both the Dow Jones Sustainability – North America and World – Indices and the CDP™ (Carbon Disclosure Project) Climate A List and Supplier Climate A List, as well as receiving the "Industry Mover" sustainability award by RobecoSAM. Republic was also named to the elite Forbes America's Best Large Employers List and the World's Most Ethical Companies List by the Ethisphere™ Institute.

As part of its Blue Planet sustainability platform, Republic has set high reaching sustainability goals and continues to make important progress toward each goal:

Energy: Develop at least two landfill gas-to-energy projects per year through 2018.

Safety: Reduce OSHA recordable rates by 7 percent year-over-year.

Recycled Commodities: Add an additional 150,000 tons or more per year of recycling capacity through 2018.

Fleet: Reduce absolute fleet emissions by 3 percent from direct operational impacts (Scope 1 emissions) by 2018.

To learn more about Republic's Blue Planet sustainability platform, or to download the latest Sustainability Report, go to: RepublicServices.com/Sustainability.

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.™, 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 Facebook.com/RepublicServices and follow on Twitter @RepublicService.

SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.