從回收瓶到回收信任：Republic Services 的 ESG 三重奏

在 ESG（環境、社會與公司治理）已成為全球企業營運主軸的當下，美國廢棄物與資源回收巨頭 Republic Services 正以行動回應環境挑戰。值此 2025 年地球月，該公司不僅投入 5 億美元擴建塑膠回收設施，更同步發起回收教育倡議，矢志從「一瓶之力」開始，扭轉塑膠回收的普遍誤解與低迷參與率，打造可量化、可落實的塑膠循環經濟。

Republic Services Invests $500 Million in Plastic Recycling Infrastructure and Education to Build a Real Circular Economy

As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) becomes a central pillar of global corporate strategy, U.S. waste and recycling giant Republic Services is taking decisive action to address environmental challenges. Marking Earth Month 2025, the company has committed $500 million to expand its plastic recycling infrastructure while simultaneously launching a nationwide recycling education campaign. With the message “One Bottle at a Time,” the initiative seeks to correct common misconceptions about plastic recycling and boost participation rates - building a measurable, actionable circular economy for plastics.

回應資源危機，建立回收基礎建設

據 Republic Services 統計，目前僅約三成的塑膠水瓶被回收利用，其餘約七成最終進入掩埋場或焚化爐，造成巨大的資源浪費與環境負擔。該公司副總裁 Pete Keller 指出，儘管社會對塑膠回收抱持悲觀態度，實際上塑膠瓶可重複回收達六次，且具有高度再利用價值。

Addressing the Resource Crisis: Building Recycling Infrastructure

為了讓塑膠回收從「可行」走向「可及」，Republic Services 宣布在全美投資 5 億美元新建與升級塑膠回收設施，強化在地處理與再生能力。2023 年，該公司已成功回收超過 25 億個塑膠水瓶，等同於減少數千公噸的原生塑膠生產與碳排放量。

According to Republic Services, only about 30% of plastic water bottles are currently recycled in the U.S., with the remaining 70% ending up in landfills or incinerators - leading to vast resource loss and environmental impact. Pete Keller, the company’s Vice President, notes that while public sentiment around plastic recycling is often pessimistic, plastic bottles can be recycled up to six times and carry substantial reuse value.

To move plastic recycling from possible to practical, Republic Services announced a $500 million investment in building and upgrading recycling facilities across the U.S., enhancing local processing and regeneration capabilities. In 2023 alone, the company successfully recycled over 2.5 billion plastic bottles, equivalent to thousands of tons of avoided virgin plastic production and associated carbon emissions.

此外，隨著美國《降低通膨法案》（IRA）與聯邦稅務政策對再生材料給予額外激勵，Republic Services 正積極整合上下游供應鏈，包括與包裝製造商、飲料品牌合作，創建穩定的再生塑膠市場機制。

環境識能教育與民眾行為改變

在推動資源循環的同時，Republic Services 也認知到社會層面的參與至關重要。地球月期間，公司透過媒體宣導與社區倡議，強調「回收其實很簡單」的訊息：只需確保塑膠瓶「清空、乾淨、瓶蓋上蓋」，即可有效投入回收流程。

該公司並攜手美國塑膠回收協會（Association of Plastic Recyclers）舉辦回收中心導覽，邀請民眾深入了解塑膠的回收旅程，從「回收桶」一路走到「再生材料」，強化公眾對循環經濟的直觀感受與參與動力。

In addition, with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and federal tax policies offering new incentives for recycled materials, Republic Services is actively integrating its upstream and downstream supply chains. This includes partnerships with packaging manufacturers and beverage brands to establish a stable market mechanism for recycled plastics.

Environmental Literacy and Shifting Public Behavior

While driving resource circularity, Republic Services recognizes the critical importance of public participation. During Earth Month, the company launched media campaigns and community outreach efforts to promote a simple recycling message: “Empty, Clean, and Cap On” - the three basic steps that make a plastic bottle ready for the recycling stream.

The company also partnered with the Association of Plastic Recyclers to organize guided tours of recycling centers, inviting the public to learn about the full lifecycle of plastics - from the recycling bin to regenerated material. These experiences aim to strengthen public understanding and engagement in the circular economy.

這類行動不僅提升回收率，也有助於促進地方就業、深化社區參與感，進一步強化企業社會責任（CSR）與社會資本的連結。

透明數據與綠色金融對接

Republic Services 在其年度 ESG 報告中持續揭露回收量、碳減排量、投資計畫與目標進度，展現高度透明的治理框架與對外溝通誠信。這一策略也有助於與責任型投資人（如 ESG ETF 或永續債券投資人）建立信任關係，為公司帶來中長期資本市場的支持。

Such actions not only boost recycling rates but also create local jobs, deepen community involvement, and reinforce the connection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social capital.

Transparent Data and Alignment with Green Finance

Republic Services continues to disclose recycling volumes, carbon reductions, investment plans, and progress toward goals in its annual ESG report, demonstrating a transparent governance framework and commitment to honest stakeholder communication. This strategy has helped build trust with responsible investors - including ESG-focused ETFs and green bond holders - securing medium- to long-term support from capital markets.

該公司亦為全美少數獲得多家 ESG 評級機構肯定的回收企業之一，顯示其在永續轉型上的治理成熟度已具備國際水準。

結語：從回收瓶到回收信任的循環實踐

The company is also among the few recycling firms in the U.S. to receive high ratings from multiple ESG rating agencies, reflecting internationally recognized governance maturity in its sustainability transition.

Conclusion: From Recycling Bottles to Recycling Trust

在 ESG 成為企業經營核心的時代，Republic Services 所展現的不僅是對塑膠問題的環境回應，更是透過制度性投資與公眾教育，建立起一個兼具經濟、社會與治理韌性的循環經濟體系。

In an era where ESG lies at the heart of corporate strategy, Republic Services is not just addressing the plastic waste problem - it is also investing systemically and educating the public to create a resilient circular economy that integrates environmental, social, and governance pillars.

從一個瓶子開始，我們看見的不只是垃圾的去處，更是一場企業帶領的環境信任修復行動—瓶瓶相連，滴水穿石。

Starting with a single bottle, we see not just where waste goes - but the beginning of a trust-building journey led by business. Bottle by bottle, drop by drop, this is how sustainability takes shape.