Republic Services, Inc. has opened a recycling education centre at the company's recycling facility in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Learning Center is designed to educate the community, including children, on proper recycling behaviours and offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look into recycling technology and the process for different materials.
"Republic Services shares the Puget Sound region's strong commitment to sustainability and the environment," says Ryan Lawler, Republic Services' area president. "Education plays a critical role in the effectiveness of recycling programs, and we're proud to share our expertise through the Seattle Learning Center to increase the amount of recyclable materials collected in our community."
The Seattle Learning Center's educational displays showcase recycling facts, best practices, and the recycling process. Guided tours by recycling experts will help visitors learn how to properly recycle materials and the positive impact recycling has on the Puget Sound region. Visitors can climb into the cab of a Republic Services recycling truck, and tours conclude with a virtual view of the recycling centre's operations. Free tours of Republic's Seattle Learning Center can be scheduled.
Republic's Seattle Recycling Facility, located within Seattle's SoDo neighbourhood, is one of the company's largest, contributing to the region's circular economy. Each year, the facility processes 200,000 tons of recyclables. Reuse of these materials has a climate benefit equal to planting 500,000 acres of forest or taking more than 85,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road.
Republic Services processes five million tons of recyclable materials annually through its 71 recycling facilities throughout the U.S. In addition to the Seattle Learning Center, the company operates learning centers in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Plano, Texas.
