World's Largest And Most Extensive Material Processing System Is Open For Business

MILPITAS, Calif., Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG), today officially flipped the switch on the world's largest recycling operation, which can process up to 110 tons-per-hour of multiple waste streams, and sets a new standard for the recycling industry.  The facility will process all of the commercial waste generated by businesses in San Jose, California.  In addition, the facility is expected to divert at least 80 percent of material collected.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100304/RSLOGO)

Until now, the system for collecting commercial waste was managed by 20 different haulers with four to six of the haulers providing standard garbage/recycling collection services. Additionally, rates varied widely for similar services and neighboring businesses with less than half of the businesses receiving recycling service. The new program views waste as a resource. It provides standard recycling services for all and introduces the recycling of organics using advanced technology that generates energy from waste.

"At Republic Services, we take our role as environmental stewards very seriously and have been dedicated to protecting the environment from the beginning," said Gil Cheso, Republic Services division manager. "We are proud that in partnership with our service cities, we have met or exceeded California's waste diversion requirements. The improvements in our facility allow us to operate at a higher-capacity which increases the diversion rate for our recycling programs and supports our community's green initiatives. This greatly enhances our overall positive environmental impact."

City of San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed spoke at the event and discussed the importance of working together to achieve greater sustainability in our communities. "Our businesses and community will benefit from this new approach to commercial waste recycling," said Reed. "The new service will include the recycling of organic waste which will help businesses and the City alike achieve their sustainability goals. The investment in advanced waste processing facilities generates new green jobs, turns waste into energy, and once again demonstrates San Jose's innovative leadership toward a sustainable future and moves the City significantly closer to achieving its Green Vision goal of diverting 100 percent of its waste from landfills and converting that waste in to energy."

Republic worked with Bulk Handling Systems (BHS) to design, manufacture and install the custom-designed, highly-automated system.  "Republic is pleased to be working with BHS on this extraordinary project," says Mark Buntjer, general manager at Republic. "This facility is the first and largest of its kind and we're excited to be at the forefront of the industry, setting the pace globally for multi-material recovery."

Republic's commitment to advancing sustainability continues with the modernization at the Company's 342-acre Newby Island Recycling Complex. The hauling company operates nearly 70 natural gas vehicles and provides wet/dry collection service to all San Jose businesses, and residential and commercial service to the City of Milpitas; commercial and industrial service in the Cities of San Jose and Santa Clara. The landfill recovers landfill gas and features an onsite compressed natural gas fueling station.  

Today's dedication ceremony offered attendees an up-close view of the recycling operation and how the program brings uniformity and greater efficiency, with one hauler, to the collection of organics and recyclables.

About Newby Island Resource Recovery Park

Operated by Republic Services and provides wet/dry collection services to all businesses in the City of San Jose and proudly operates the Newby Island Resource Recovery Park, the world's largest recycling operation, processing up to 110 tons per hour of multiple waste streams and setting a new standard for the recycling industry.  The facility will process all of the commercial waste generated by businesses in San Jose.  Newby Island houses the local hauling company, recyclery, composting facility and landfill.  The Company has 289 employees and is dedicated to investing in manpower, equipment and state-of-the-art facilities that will have a positive environmental impact on these communities and the world.

About Republic Services

Republic Services, Inc. is an industry leader in the U.S. non-hazardous solid waste industry.  Through its subsidiaries, Republic's collection companies, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills focus on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers.  Republic and its employees believe in protecting the planet and applying common sense solutions to customers' waste and recycling challenges. For more information, visit the Republic website at republicservices.com. 

SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.