Many Americans attempt to recycle items that aren’t recyclable, causing the process to be lengthy and costly. Improper recycling creates more waste, exposes the earth to harmful chemicals, and damages recycling machines. From cardboard to plastic, The Home Depot has discovered inventive ways to extend the usefulness of a variety of materials and products.
Trex, the leading recycled materials manufacturer of wood-alternative products, makes its decking with more than 95% recycled wood and plastic – much of it from The Home Depot stores. By collecting plastic film for Trex to include in its products, the company is shifting plastic from protecting the products on its shelves to being part of the products on its shelves.
The Home Depot also brings the lifecycle of its cardboard full circle by turning cardboard waste into moving boxes. The Home Depot recycled 230,000 tons of cardboard in 2017 alone and has recycled over 1,000,000 tons to date.
When reuse isn’t possible, The Home Depot looks for the most responsible recycling method. Since 2001, The Home Depot has partnered with Call2Recycle®, a nonprofit battery stewardship program to recycle rechargeable batteries that have lost their ability to recharge. In 2016, The Home Depot recycled more than a million pounds of rechargeable batteries, becoming the first Call2Recycle retail participant in North America to achieve this accomplishment. Today, stores in nearly 50 states offer this program to customers.
The Home Depot is committed to protecting our customers, our people and the environment. To learn more about Home Depot’s sustainability efforts click here.
