At Recology, we’re a strategic partner to cities and communities working toward ambitious climate goals. Our sustainability-driven model diverts resources from the landfill and emissions from the atmosphere—delivering built-in climate benefits. Our operations are designed to safeguard the environment and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
Climate Benefits
In 2024 alone, Recology helped avoid the release of 1.7M metric tons of greenhouse gases by processing recyclable and compostable materials instead of sending them to landfill. That’s over 10X more than the greenhouse gas emissions produced through our operations.1
Since 2018, we’ve reduced our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 23%. Building on this momentum, we’re setting ambitious goals to further reduce our carbon footprint by 2028—focusing on key areas such as landfills, fuels, and facility energy.
Landfills
2028 Goal: Use 75% of collected landfill gas to generate renewable energy.
2024 Progress:
Expanding Landfill Gas Capture and Renewable Energy Generation
Recology and G2 Energy have partnered with Waga Energy to develop two renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities at our two active landfills in California. These projects will convert landfill gas into pipeline-quality RNG, reducing approximately 70,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually—equivalent to the emissions from nearly 15,000 gasoline-powered vehicles—and supporting California’s clean energy goals by producing over 300 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy annually through injection into the natural gas pipeline.
Fuels
2028 Goal: Power our vehicles and equipment with 95% renewable or alternative fuels.
2024 Progress:
Piloting Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology for a Cleaner Future
Recology is proud to have been the first to pilot North America’s first hydrogen-powered electric refuse truck, advancing zero-emission solutions in a hard-to-decarbonize industry. This milestone builds on our commitment to fleet sustainability—already powered by over 90% renewable and alternative fuels—as we continue exploring innovative technologies like EVs and hydrogen to drive lasting environmental progress.
Facility Energy
2028 Goal: Power our Recology facilities with 100% renewable or carbon-free electricity.
2024 Progress:
Advancing Sustainable Facility Energy Through Solar
At our San Francisco Transfer Station, a 663-kilowatt solar array—built with Cradle to Cradle™ certified panels—was designed to offset over 90% of the site’s electricity use, generating over 900,000 kWh annually. This installation reflects Recology’s broader clean energy strategy, including on-site generation and greener power through Community Choice programs across California, Oregon, and Washington.
1 Emission avoidance values were calculated using the US EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM, 2023) for recyclable material and the California Air Resources Board Composting Emission Reduction Factor (CERF, 2017) for compostable material. The 10x ratio divides total emissions avoided by our combined scope 1 and 2 emissions.
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