Learn what WM is doing to recycle more plastics and support markets for recycled materials.
How our plastic recycling process works for the materials that we pick up from your curb
You put clean and dry plastic bottles, tubs, or jugs into your recycling container.
WM trucks empty curbside carts and transport materials to a recycling facility.
Recyclables are sorted and recyclable plastics get baled together. Materials that cannot be recycled are removed.
Plastic bales are shipped to manufacturing facilities in North America.
You put clean and dry plastic bottles, tubs, or jugs into your recycling container.
WM trucks empty curbside carts and transport materials to a recycling facility.
Recyclables are sorted and recyclable plastics get baled together. Materials that cannot be recycled are removed.
Plastic bales are shipped to manufacturing facilities in North America.
In response to concerns about plastic in the environment, WM is not shipping plastics collected on its residential recycling routes and processed in its recycling facilities to locations outside North America.
WM is an advocate for responsible management of recyclable materials through end of life. With this objective in mind, we are always working on various innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of plastic recycling.
Every day, WM works with recycling processors and domestic end markets for recyclable plastics - like bottles, tubs, jugs and jars - so that they can replace raw materials in the manufacturing process.
Here are some of the ways WM is investing in strategic relationships to continue making plastic recycling a reality.
WM owns and operates a PCR (post-consumer resin) plant that recycles plastic film and shrink wrap. PCR pellets can then be used to make recycled flexible packaging, potentially creating a circular solution for these traditionally hard-to-recycle packaging streams.
WM has worked with recycling and trash cart manufacturers in the U.S. to design a cart using at least 10% recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) collected from WM customers. When WM purchases new carts we prioritize carts that include recycled materials, thus helping to close the loop for recycled materials.
Some of WM’s recent investments into recycling infrastructure include specialized technology that will allow recycling facilities to sort certain plastic films. One day, we hope to add this material to the mixed recycling stream, which will help our customers further reduce the waste sent to landfills.
WM owns and operates a PCR (post-consumer resin) plant that recycles plastic film and shrink wrap. PCR pellets can then be used to make recycled flexible packaging, potentially creating a circular solution for these traditionally hard-to-recycle packaging streams.
WM has worked with recycling and trash cart manufacturers in the U.S. to design a cart using at least 10% recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) collected from WM customers. When WM purchases new carts we prioritize carts that include recycled materials, thus helping to close the loop for recycled materials.
Some of WM’s recent investments into recycling infrastructure include specialized technology that will allow recycling facilities to sort certain plastic films. One day, we hope to add this material to the mixed recycling stream, which will help our customers further reduce the waste sent to landfills.
WM can help customers reduce waste, increase recycling and progress their waste diversion goals.
The example below is just one of the ways recycled plastics can be transformed into feedstock used to create new products.
Recyclable plastic material is sorted and washed.
Recyclable plastic materials are melted, blended together, dried, and then chopped into plastic flake.
Plastic flakes are transformed into pellets of recycled plastic.
Plastic pellets can then be used in the manufacturing process and can be transformed into yarn or other plastic derived materials.
Recyclable plastic material is sorted and washed.
Recyclable plastic materials are melted, blended together, dried, and then chopped into plastic flake.
Plastic flakes are transformed into pellets of recycled plastic.
Plastic pellets can then be used in the manufacturing process and can be transformed into yarn or other plastic derived materials.
Here's a small sample of the many ways recycled plastics can be repurposed.
Wondering what everyday recyclables turn into after they're collected? Take a guess and answer all 3 questions to unlock the form and submit your entry.
** Recyclable items vary by location. Check local programs to find out what is accepted for recycling in your area.
Visit Recyle Right to learn more about becoming a recycling expert in your community.
