Subaru of America, Inc., announced a new recycling initiative to recycle personal protective equipment (PPE) waste in response to the increase in waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new initiative is an expansion of the automaker’s existing recycling collection partnership with TerraCycle®, the world’s leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams. The new collection efforts divert improperly discarded PPE from landfills and incinerators. Subaru will employ TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Boxes™ to collect disposable masks and gloves across more than 20 offices nationwide, including ports, regional training centers and the automaker’s headquarters in Camden, NJ.
“At Subaru, our commitment to maintaining a safe work environment is as strong as our dedication to protecting and preserving our environment by keeping it clean,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “This expansion of our years-long work with TerraCycle allows us to responsibly wear PPE while furthering the Subaru Love Promise commitment to reduce landfill trash and engage in smart environmental practices, simply because it is the right thing to do.”
Zero Waste Boxes provide a convenient recycling solution for all types of single-use PPE, which are not recyclable through conventional recycling facilities. By placing Zero Waste Boxes in offices around the country, Subaru employees can responsibly dispose of their protective gear instead of tossing items on the ground.
To properly collect and recycle PPE waste, each participating Subaru corporate location will use the following Zero Waste Boxes:
- Disposable Gloves Zero Waste Box – to recycle vinyl, nitrile, and latex gloves.
- Disposable Masks Zero Waste Box – to recycle surgical and industrial face masks.
When full, the boxes will be returned to TerraCycle for processing and the collected waste will be cleaned, melted and remolded to make new products. Disposable masks are typically made from #5 polypropylene plastic and can be turned into a variety of items ranging from reusable shipping pallets to plastic lumber applications. Rubberized disposable gloves be used by rubber manufacturers in low-grade applications for products such as matting.
“At TerraCycle, our mission has always been to eliminate waste, recycle the unrecyclable and use our innovative business solutions to minimize human impact on the planet,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle Founder and CEO. “By spearheading this initiative to reduce the impact of PPE waste on the environment, Subaru continues to demonstrate their shared commitment to a greener future.”
