Sustainability at Recology can be found at the intersection of our social and environmental values – where our efforts to support our communities' goals to maximize resource recovery are coupled with strategic initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of our operations.
We are proud to publish our 2022 Sustainability Update, showcasing our company-wide commitments to reducing the environmental impact of our operations, supporting our diverse employee owners, and partnering with local communities to achieve our shared goals.
Resource recovery requires much more than just curbside pickup of household recyclables and organics. Advancing the limits of material recovery remains at the core of the Recology Waste Zero philosophy.
In partnership with industry peers, Recology collected and processed over 600,000 tons of recyclable materials from homes, businesses, and construction projects in 2021
Through our network of eight composting facilities, Recology transformed over 735,000 tons of food scraps, yard trimmings, and agricultural wastes in 2021 into nutrient-rich compost.
In 2021, our outreach teams conducted over 1,600 in-person and virtual presentations, facility tours, and trainings highlighting the importance of resource recovery, reaching over 2,800 attendees.
From how we fuel our collection fleet and power our facilities, to how we manage methane produced in our landfills, Recology operations are guided by a strong sustainability ethos. Our efforts to address climate change include a prioritization of resource efficiency, the revalorization of landfill gas, and an ambitious migration to renewable and low-carbon energy.
The Recology fleet is powered by a diverse energy portfolio, including an increasing portion of renewable diesel, biomethane, and electricity. As of 2021, nearly 83% of our fleet was powered by renewable or alternative energy sources.
Through ongoing partnerships with Community Choice Energy (CCE) Programs, the Recology network of recycling, compost, and transfer station facilities draws more than 82% of its electricity from renewable or carbon-free energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric.
At both Recology-owned landfills, specialized conversion engines combust methane harnessed from the landfill, converting this potent greenhouse gas into electricity that provided enough power to meet the annual electrical need for 3,800 households in 2021.
Recology is the largest 100% employee-owned company in the waste and resource recovery industry, bringing together a diverse and dynamic team of more than 3,800 employee owners. Our unique ownership model fosters a company culture that guides how we support our workforce, serve our customers and community stakeholders, and care for the natural environment.
Recology was awarded “2021 Company of the Year” by the National ESOP Association and two Recology drivers received prestigious Driver of the Year awards from the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA).
We remain committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative culture. In 2021, 75% of companywide promotions went to women employee-owners or those who identify with a racial or ethnic minority.
Our advancing safety culture – including the implementation of a safety scorecard and in-field monitoring software – has contributed to the company’s 49% reduction in Lost Time Incident Rate (LTIR) since 2015.
We continue to support community initiatives as we collectively adapt to the new normal. In 2021, Recology partnered with ArtStart Santa Rosa, a youth art education program, to create a 25-foot-tall mural of native flowers, each hand-painted by volunteers and Recology employee-owners from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Recology, sustainability means supporting our employee-owners, engaging our local communities, and protecting our natural environment. Our annual Sustainability Report provides insight into our operations and activities, including yearly progress and the vision we hold for our future.