Core Insights - The 2025 WM Recycling Report reveals a significant "say-do gap" between Americans' recycling intentions and actual behaviors, indicating that while many express a commitment to recycling, actual recycling rates are much lower [1][5][4] Consumer Behavior - A national survey shows that over 75% of Americans report recycling, yet only 32% of materials used are actually recycled according to EPA data [5] - Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans are more likely to purchase products from companies that use recycled content, with younger and higher-income consumers being the most responsive [5] - Over 81% of respondents would be more inclined to recycle if they knew their recycled materials were used to create new products [5] Corporate Influence - More than 70% of respondents notice when a business offers recycling options, and 48% consider a company's sustainability goals as a strong factor in their purchasing decisions [5] - Corporate recycling commitments significantly influence consumer purchasing habits, emphasizing the importance of companies using recycled content in their products [3][5] Emotional Connection - Recycling is associated with positive emotions such as satisfaction, optimism, and accomplishment, making it a "feel-good" habit for many Americans [5] Knowledge and Education - There is a notable knowledge gap regarding what happens to recycling after pick-up, with nearly 75% of people interested in learning more about the recycling process [5]

Core Insights - Republic Services, Inc. is producing recycled plastic flake (rPET) at its Las Vegas Polymer Center, which has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to other rPET and virgin PET in the U.S. market, aiding customers in decarbonizing their supply chains and reducing Scope 3 emissions [1][3]. Group 1: Environmental Impact - The global warming potential of the bottle-grade, clear rPET flake produced at the Las Vegas Polymer Center is 54% lower than evaluated rPET alternatives and 82% lower than virgin PET [3]. - The lower carbon footprint is attributed to more effective energy use at the facility, which employs patented equipment that consumes less electricity and thermal energy per kilogram of flake compared to other mechanical recycling processes [5]. Group 2: Production Capacity and Process - Republic Services operates Polymer Centers in Las Vegas and Indianapolis, with a third facility under construction in Allentown, Pennsylvania, each capable of producing approximately 120 million pounds of bottle-grade recycled plastics annually [6]. - The rPET flake produced is bottle-grade, enabling bottle-to-bottle circularity, and the company manages post-consumer recycled material from collection to flake production, contrasting with imported rPET [7]. Group 3: Sustainability Initiatives - The company emphasizes its commitment to advancing circularity and supporting decarbonization, aiming to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world [8].