Following #SubaruLovesTheEarth will let you see all the Camden-based automaker does for the environment.
Like a recycling initiative announced Thursday to recycle personal protective equipment waste in response to its increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign is an expansion of the company’s existing recycling collection partnership with TerraCycle, the Trenton-based leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams. The new collection efforts divert improperly discarded PPE from landfills and incinerators.
Subaru said it 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 at its headquarters in Camden.
“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 Senior Vice President of Marketing Alan Bethke. “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 to hero
A PPE overload solution: Read more about Terracycle’s efforts to keep discarded masks, gloves and gowns out of the environment
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.
To properly collect and recycle PPE waste, each participating Subaru corporate location will utilize Disposable Gloves Zero Waste Boxes – to recycle vinyl, nitrile and latex gloves – and 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 can be used by rubber manufacturers in low-grade applications for products such as matting.
