WM's Position on Plastics Recycling

Learn what WM is doing to recycle more plastics and support markets for recycled materials.

WM's Position on Plastics Recycling

WM's Plastic Recycling Process for Curbside Plastics

How our plastic recycling process works for the materials that we pick up from your curb

WM customer empties recyclables into WM curbside residential recycling container.

Step 1

You put clean and dry plastic bottles, tubs, or jugs into your recycling container. 

Step 2

WM trucks empty curbside carts and transport materials to a recycling facility.

Three WM Recycling Center employees sort recyclables on a conveyor belt

Step 3

Recyclables are sorted and recyclable plastics get baled together. Materials that cannot be recycled are removed. 

Step 4

Plastic bales are shipped to manufacturing facilities in North America.

WM customer empties recyclables into WM curbside residential recycling container.

Step 1

You put clean and dry plastic bottles, tubs, or jugs into your recycling container. 

Step 2

WM trucks empty curbside carts and transport materials to a recycling facility.

Three WM Recycling Center employees sort recyclables on a conveyor belt

Step 3

Recyclables are sorted and recyclable plastics get baled together. Materials that cannot be recycled are removed. 

Step 4

Plastic bales are shipped to manufacturing facilities in North America.

In pursuit of our intention to recycle materials with responsible domestic end markets, WM generally does not export plastics outside of North America that are collected on WM’s residential routes and processed in WM single-stream recycling facilities, except in very limited circumstances when no other commercially viable domestic end markets are available.

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. 

Plastics Recycling Initiatives

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.

Recycling Carts

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.

Plastic Bags

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.

See How WM is Collaborating on Plastics Recycling

WM can help customers reduce waste, increase recycling and progress their waste diversion goals.

Video

New Life for Plastic Bags

Learn how WM collaborates with H-E-B, a large grocery store chain based in Texas, in an effort to be good stewards of our resources and environment.

From Curb to Creation: Transforming your Plastics into New Products

The example below is just one of the ways recycled plastics can be transformed into feedstock used to create new products. 

Step 1

Recyclable plastic material is sorted and washed.

Step 2

Recyclable plastic materials are melted, blended together, dried, and then chopped into plastic flake. 

Step 3

Plastic flakes are transformed into pellets of recycled plastic.

Step 4

Plastic pellets can then be used in the manufacturing process and can be transformed into yarn or other plastic derived materials. 

Step 1

Recyclable plastic material is sorted and washed.

Step 2

Recyclable plastic materials are melted, blended together, dried, and then chopped into plastic flake. 

Step 3

Plastic flakes are transformed into pellets of recycled plastic.

Step 4

Plastic pellets can then be used in the manufacturing process and can be transformed into yarn or other plastic derived materials. 

The New Lives of Old Plastics

Here's a small sample of the many ways recycled plastics can be repurposed. 

Recycling Is Real

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.

What does your cardboard packaging turn into?

What do plastic bottles & containers turn into?

What does an aluminum can turn into?

** Recyclable items vary by location. Check local programs to find out what is accepted for recycling in your area.

Visit Recycle Right to learn more about becoming a recycling expert in your community.