Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a leader in the environmental services industry, has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art recycling centre in Bridgeton, Mo., to serve Greater St. Louis and the region.

Republic Services expects the facility, anticipated to open in mid-2027, will have higher capacity and more advanced technology than current facilities in the area, helping to improve recycling rates.

The 105,000-square-foot recycling centre is estimated to manage recyclables from approximately 3 million people throughout Greater St. Louis and surrounding communities. The high-capacity facility will process up to 45 tons, or nine truckloads, of single-stream recyclables per hour, including paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminium and metal food and beverage cans, and glass bottles and jars.

“Our investment in this new recycling centre reinforces Republic Services’ commitment to circularity, sustainability and the St. Louis community,” said Republic Services Area President Andrew Wempe. “It will meet growing demand for recycling throughout Greater St. Louis and help our customers achieve their sustainability goals.”

The facility will be designed with cutting-edge recycling technology, including a minimum of 10 optical sorters that use digital recognition to identify and separate paper or plastic in milliseconds, screening technology to sort recycling material by size and remove unrecyclable material from the stream, and artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce contamination. AI system data also will enable real-time adjustments to maximize the volume of materials recycled.

Groundbreaking, contingent on the permitting process, is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2026. The project is expected to create up to 200 full-time construction jobs, and 60 full-time employees will work at the facility once completed.

Republic Services has a large presence in Greater St. Louis. The company employs nearly 1,000 people in the area and operates 12 facilities, including hauling locations, transfer stations, recycling centres and disposal sites.

The company also actively supports Greater St. Louis through community investment and volunteer initiatives. Over the last seven years, support from Republic Services and the Republic Services Charitable Foundation to area nonprofits has positively impacted more than 360,000 people in Greater St. Louis and more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri. 

As one of the America’s largest recyclers, Republic Services processes 5 million tons of recyclable materials annually through 75 facilities across the U.S.

Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides customers with products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services.