Introduction: The Prescription Bottle Predicament
In the United States alone, over 4 billion prescriptions are filled annually, generating billions of empty prescription bottles. These small plastic containers represent a significant environmental challenge, with most ending up in landfills despite being potentially recyclable. While many conscientious consumers diligently sort their household recyclables, confusion persists around whether companies like Waste Management—America’s largest waste disposal and recycling service provider—actually recycle pill bottles. This comprehensive guide will address this critical knowledge gap, providing you with clear answers and actionable alternatives to ensure your pharmaceutical containers don’t contribute to our planet’s plastic crisis.
Table of Contents
- Does Waste Management Recycle Pill Bottles?
- Understanding Prescription Bottle Materials
- Challenges in Pill Bottle Recycling
- Waste Management’s Recycling Policies
- How to Prepare Pill Bottles for Recycling
- Alternative Recycling Programs
- Creative Reuse Options for Pill Bottles
- Environmental Impact of Pharmaceutical Waste
- The Future of Pharmaceutical Packaging
- FAQs About Pill Bottle Recycling
Does Waste Management Recycle Pill Bottles?
The short answer is: it depends on your local Waste Management facility. Waste Management, as a company, does have the capability to recycle many types of plastic, including those commonly used in pill bottles. However, their acceptance policies vary significantly by location due to regional recycling infrastructure, market demands for recycled plastics, and local regulations.
Most prescription bottles are made from #5 plastic (polypropylene), which Waste Management can technically recycle. However, several factors complicate the process:
Key Factors Affecting Pill Bottle Recycling at Waste Management
| Factor | Impact on Recycling |
| Local MRF Capabilities | Not all Material Recovery Facilities have the equipment to sort small items like pill bottles |
| Size Constraints | Many pill bottles fall through sorting equipment due to their small size |
| Contamination Concerns | Medical residue can contaminate recycling batches |
| Local Market Conditions | Economic viability of recycling specific plastics varies by region |
| Municipal Contracts | Specific agreements between cities and Waste Management affect accepted materials |
To determine with certainty whether your local Waste Management facility accepts pill bottles, it’s recommended to:
- Check the Waste Management website and use their “Recycle Right” search tool
- Call your local Waste Management customer service
- Review your municipal recycling guidelines, which often detail agreements with Waste Management
Understanding Prescription Bottle Materials
Before diving deeper into recycling options, it’s essential to understand what pill bottles are made of, as this directly impacts their recyclability through Waste Management and other programs.
Common Materials Used in Pharmaceutical Containers
1. Polypropylene (#5 PP)
- Most common material for prescription bottles
- Recognizable by the #5 recycling symbol on the bottom
- Relatively valuable in recycling streams when collected properly
- Heat and chemical resistant, which is why it’s preferred for medications
2. High-Density Polyethylene (#2 HDPE)
- Used for some larger medication bottles and non-prescription containers
- More widely recycled than #5 plastic
- Often accepted in most curbside programs, including Waste Management
3. Polyethylene Terephthalate (#1 PET)
- Sometimes used for over-the-counter medication bottles
- One of the most commonly recycled plastics
- Generally accepted by Waste Management in most regions
4. Amber or Colored Plastics
- Many prescription bottles use amber coloring to protect medications from light
- Colored plastics may have lower recycling value
- Some facilities may separate these from clear plastic streams
Material Identification Chart
| Recycling Symbol | Plastic Type | Commonly Used For | Waste Management Acceptance |
| #1 PET | Polyethylene Terephthalate | Some OTC medicine bottles | Widely accepted |
| #2 HDPE | High-Density Polyethylene | Larger medication containers | Widely accepted |
| #5 PP | Polypropylene | Most prescription bottles | Varies by location |
| #6 PS | Polystyrene | Some medicine packaging | Limited acceptance |
| No symbol | Mixed/Composite Plastics | Specialized pharmaceutical packaging | Rarely accepted |
Understanding the specific type of plastic your pill bottles are made from can help you make informed decisions about recycling options when Waste Management might not be available.
Challenges in Pill Bottle Recycling
Even when Waste Management technically accepts the type of plastic used in pill bottles, several challenges can prevent these items from being effectively recycled.
Size Limitations
One of the biggest challenges in recycling pill bottles through mainstream recycling programs like Waste Management is their size. Most prescription bottles are relatively small, which presents several problems:
- They can fall through sorting screens at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
- They may be mistakenly sorted with paper or other materials
- The cost of recovering such small items may exceed their recycling value
Contamination Issues
Pharmaceutical containers may contain:
- Medication residue
- Patient information labels with adhesives
- Moisture-absorbing packets
- Specialized safety caps with non-recyclable components
All these factors can potentially contaminate recycling streams, making pill bottles less desirable in mixed recycling programs.
Economic Factors
Recycling is ultimately a business, and economic factors heavily influence what materials get recycled:
- Low oil prices can make virgin plastic production cheaper than recycling
- Small volumes of specialized plastics may be uneconomical to process
- The cost of sorting and cleaning small items like pill bottles may exceed their material value
Regional Variations
Perhaps most importantly for consumers trying to recycle through Waste Management, recycling capabilities vary dramatically across regions:
- Urban areas typically have more advanced recycling infrastructure
- Rural Waste Management facilities may have more limited capabilities
- Some regions have specialized programs for hard-to-recycle items
- Local regulations can mandate different recycling requirements
These challenges explain why Waste Management’s policies on pill bottle recycling are inconsistent nationwide and why alternatives may be necessary.
Waste Management’s Recycling Policies
Waste Management is North America’s largest environmental solutions provider, serving more than 21 million municipal, commercial, and industrial customers. Understanding their approach to recycling helps clarify why pill bottle recycling varies by location.
Waste Management’s General Plastics Recycling Approach
Waste Management has invested significantly in recycling infrastructure over the years, with capabilities that include:
- Single-stream recycling processing
- Advanced optical sorting technologies
- Materials marketing and recycled commodity sales
- Partnerships with manufacturers who use recycled content
However, their capabilities and focus areas are shaped by:
- Market Realities: They prioritize materials with consistent end markets
- Operational Efficiency: They focus on items that can be efficiently sorted and processed
- Contamination Reduction: They emphasize clean recycling streams
- Regional Infrastructure: Different facilities have different capabilities
Specific Policies on Pharmaceutical Containers
When it comes specifically to pill bottles, Waste Management’s policies typically fall into one of these categories:
1. Acceptance Based on Material Type
Some Waste Management facilities focus primarily on the resin type, accepting all #5 plastics regardless of form, which would include most prescription bottles.
2. Size-Based Restrictions
Other facilities explicitly exclude items smaller than a certain size (often 2-3 inches in diameter) due to sorting limitations, which would exclude many pill bottles.
3. Industry-Specific Exclusions
Some Waste Management contracts and facilities specifically exclude pharmaceutical containers due to contamination concerns, regardless of their material composition.
4. Case-by-Case Evaluation
In many regions, Waste Management works with local municipalities to determine specific acceptance criteria based on local processing capabilities and markets.
Recent Policy Changes
Waste Management, like many recyclers, has adjusted policies in recent years in response to:
- China’s National Sword policy restricting recycling imports
- Increased focus on recycling stream cleanliness
- Technological advances in sorting equipment
- Growing consumer interest in pharmaceutical container recycling
These changes mean that even if Waste Management didn’t recycle pill bottles in your area previously, their policies may have evolved—another reason to check current guidelines before disposal.
How to Prepare Pill Bottles for Recycling
If your local Waste Management facility does accept pill bottles for recycling, proper preparation is essential to ensure they actually get recycled rather than contaminating the recycling stream or being diverted to landfill.
Step-by-Step Preparation Process
Follow these steps to maximize the chances of your pill bottles being successfully recycled by Waste Management:
- Empty the Bottle Completely
- Remove all pills or medications (dispose of medications properly according to FDA guidelines)
- Tap the bottle to ensure no pills remain stuck inside
- Remove and Dispose of Non-Recyclable Components
- Separate cotton fillers
- Remove any foil seals
- Take out desiccant packets
- Remove any moisture-absorbing materials
- Clean the Container
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Ensure no medication residue remains
- Allow to dry completely
- Handle Patient Information Labels
- Remove patient information labels if possible
- If labels cannot be removed, consider blacking out personal information
- Be aware that adhesives from labels can complicate recycling
- Check the Plastic Type
- Look for the recycling symbol on the bottom
- Confirm this plastic type is accepted by your local Waste Management facility
- Address Size Concerns
- If very small, consider collecting multiple bottles in a larger clear container
- Some recyclers recommend placing small items inside a paper bag labeled “recyclable plastics”
- Check Caps Separately
- Some facilities require caps to be removed
- Others want caps attached to prevent them from falling through sorting equipment
- Follow your local guidelines
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Problematic | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Not removing medication | Can contaminate water systems and recycling stream | Properly dispose of medications at take-back events or mix with coffee grounds and place in trash |
| Leaving labels intact | Personal information risk and adhesive contamination | Remove labels where possible or black out information |
| Not cleaning thoroughly | Residue can contaminate entire batches | Clean with soap and water if necessary |
| Mixing with regular recycling when too small | Small items often fall through sorting machinery | Collect multiple bottles or use specialized recycling programs |
| Assuming all plastic bottles are treated equally | Different plastics have different processing requirements | Check the specific recycling number and local guidelines |
By taking these preparation steps, you significantly increase the likelihood that Waste Management will successfully recycle your pill bottles rather than diverting them to landfill due to contamination or sorting issues.
Alternative Recycling Programs
When Waste Management doesn’t accept pill bottles in your area, several alternative programs specifically target these hard-to-recycle items.
Specialized Pharmaceutical Recycling Programs
1. TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box
- Dedicated pill bottle recycling solution
- Fee-based service (boxes start around $43)
- Accepts virtually all types of pill bottles
- Provides prepaid shipping labels
- Transforms collected plastic into new products
2. Matthew 25: Ministries
- Accepts clean, label-free prescription bottles
- Repurposes bottles for developing nations
- Focuses on humanitarian reuse rather than recycling
- Requires shipping to their Ohio headquarters
- Accepts prescription and over-the-counter bottles
3. Pharmacy Take-Back Programs
- Some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have specialized recycling
- Often combined with medication take-back programs
- Varies widely by location and pharmacy chain
- May have specific requirements for accepted containers
4. G.R.A.S.P. (Giving Recycling A Special Purpose)
- Non-profit organization collecting pill bottles
- Distributes to medical missions and clinics in developing countries
- Accepts standard amber prescription bottles
- Requires thorough cleaning and label removal
Local Community Options
Beyond national programs, many communities have developed local solutions:
- Municipal Hazardous Waste Facilities: Some cities have specialized recycling for pharmaceutical containers separate from regular curbside pickup
- Community Health Centers: May collect containers for reuse in community healthcare initiatives
- Veterinary Clinics: Sometimes accept clean pill bottles for medication dispensing
- Schools and Art Programs: May use containers for supply storage and art projects
- Local Environmental Organizations: Often organize collection drives for hard-to-recycle items
Mail-In Recycling Programs
For those without local options, mail-in programs provide alternatives:
| Program | Cost | What They Accept | End Result |
| TerraCycle | $43+ per box | All pill bottles | Recycled into new plastic products |
| Matthew 25: Ministries | Shipping cost only | Clean prescription bottles | Reused in developing countries |
| G.R.A.S.P. | Shipping cost only | Standard amber bottles | Reused in medical missions |
| GreenSneakers RX | Variable | Various medical containers | Recycled into new materials |
| Preserve Gimme 5 | Shipping cost only | #5 plastics including pill bottles | Recycled into new consumer products |
Recycling Program Comparison Chart
When deciding between alternative recycling programs, consider these factors:
| Program Feature | Waste Management | TerraCycle | Matthew 25 | Pharmacy Programs |
| Cost | Included in recycling service | $43+ per box | Shipping only | Usually free |
| Convenience | Curbside pickup | Mail-in | Mail-in | Drop-off required |
| Preparation Required | Thorough cleaning | Basic cleaning | Complete label removal | Varies by pharmacy |
| Environmental Impact | Conventional recycling | Innovative recycling | Reuse (lower impact) | Varies |
| Acceptance Rate | Varies by location | Nearly 100% | Selective | Varies by program |
| End Use | New plastic products | New consumer goods | Humanitarian aid | Varies by program |
These alternative programs ensure that even when Waste Management doesn’t recycle pill bottles in your area, you still have options to keep these plastic containers out of landfills.
Creative Reuse Options for Pill Bottles
Before considering recycling through Waste Management or alternative programs, reusing pill bottles extends their useful life and reduces overall environmental impact. Here are practical and creative ways to repurpose these containers:
Household Organization
- Small Parts Storage
- Store buttons, pins, paperclips, thumbtacks
- Organize sewing supplies like needles and thread
- Keep small craft supplies contained
- Store small electronic components like memory cards
- Travel Containers
- Pack small amounts of lotions or creams
- Store jewelry while traveling
- Carry small amounts of laundry detergent
- Create mini first-aid kits for purses or cars
- Kitchen Applications
- Store spices, especially for camping or picnics
- Pack salad dressing for lunch
- Store seeds for gardening
- Organize small baking supplies like sprinkles
Creative and Hobby Uses
- Craft Projects
- Mini terrariums for small plants
- Holiday ornaments (painted or decorated)
- Seed starters for gardens
- Waterproof geocache containers
- Educational Uses
- Science experiment containers
- Sort and store small learning manipulatives
- Create discovery bottles for children
- Store homemade slime or putty
- Outdoor Uses
- Waterproof match containers for camping
- Fishing tackle organization
- Portable bug collection containers
- Seed storage for gardeners
Practical Everyday Solutions
| Original Problem | Pill Bottle Solution |
| Loose change scattered | Small change holder for car or desk |
| Earbuds tangled | Cord storage container |
| Bobby pins lost | Hair accessory organization |
| Emergency supplies scattered | Mini survival kit container |
| Quarter shortage for laundry/parking | Dedicated quarter holder |
| Wet toothbrush while traveling | Travel toothbrush case |
| Battery identification/storage | Battery organizer by type |
| Small items lost in purse/backpack | Organized mini-containers |
Community Donation Options
When personal reuse isn’t needed, consider these donation possibilities:
- Schools and Teachers
- Art teachers can use them for paint storage
- Science classrooms need containers for specimens
- Elementary teachers use them for classroom management
- Animal Shelters and Veterinarians
- Used to dispense animal medications
- Store small pet supplies
- Organize animal treatments
- Community Gardens
- Seed storage and organization
- Seedling protection
- Pest trap containers
- Local Theaters
- Store small costume items like buttons
- Organize makeup supplies
- Keep small prop items contained
By reusing pill bottles creatively, you extend their useful life before recycling becomes necessary, creating a more sustainable approach than immediately attempting to recycle through Waste Management or alternative programs.
Environmental Impact of Pharmaceutical Waste
Understanding the environmental consequences of improper pill bottle disposal helps emphasize why finding appropriate recycling or reuse options—whether through Waste Management or alternatives—is so important.
The Scale of the Problem
The pharmaceutical industry generates enormous amounts of plastic waste:
- 4+ billion prescriptions filled annually in the US alone
- Over 194 million prescriptions dispensed monthly
- Each prescription typically comes in a plastic container
- Most bottles weigh between 5-15 grams
- Resulting in approximately 20-60 million pounds of plastic annually just from prescription bottles
Landfill Consequences
When pill bottles aren’t recycled by Waste Management or other programs, they typically end up in landfills where:
- Decomposition Time: Plastic pill bottles can take 450+ years to break down
- Microplastic Generation: As they slowly degrade, they create microplastics
- Leachate Concerns: Pharmaceutical residues may leach into groundwater
- Space Consumption: They contribute to rapidly filling landfills
- Resource Loss: Valuable and recyclable plastics are permanently lost
Water System Impacts
Improper disposal affects water systems:
- Medication residue in bottles can enter water supplies
- Plastic fragments contribute to waterway pollution
- Marine life can mistake small plastic pieces for food
- Treatment systems aren’t designed to remove all pharmaceutical compounds
Carbon Footprint Considerations
The environmental impact extends beyond waste:
| Scenario | Carbon Impact |
| Virgin plastic production for new bottles | Highest carbon footprint |
| Landfilling used bottles | Moderate carbon footprint |
| Recycling through Waste Management | Lower carbon footprint |
| Reusing bottles | Lowest carbon footprint |
Environmental Benefit Analysis
| Recycling/Reuse Action | Environmental Benefit |
| Recycling 100 pill bottles through Waste Management | ~1-3 pounds of plastic diverted from landfills |
| Reusing 100 pill bottles | ~1-3 pounds of plastic + manufacturing energy saved |
| Participating in specialized recycling programs | Supports development of recycling infrastructure |
| Community education about proper disposal | Multiplier effect through awareness |
These environmental considerations demonstrate why finding proper recycling channels—whether through Waste Management or specialized programs—is worth the effort despite the small size of individual pill bottles.
The Future of Pharmaceutical Packaging
As environmental concerns grow, both Waste Management and the pharmaceutical industry are evolving their approaches to pill bottle recycling and sustainable packaging.
Emerging Sustainable Packaging Trends
The pharmaceutical industry is exploring alternatives that may eventually reduce reliance on traditional plastic pill bottles:
- Bioplastic Containers
- Made from plant-based materials like corn or sugarcane
- Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions
- Reducing fossil fuel dependence
- Some already appearing in over-the-counter medications
- Compostable Packaging
- Designed to break down completely in commercial composting facilities
- Emerging as an option for some supplements and non-prescription products
- May eventually expand to prescription medications with proper safety protocols
- Refillable Systems
- Pharmacy-based refill stations
- Durable, reusable containers that patients bring back
- Being piloted in several European countries
- Reduces single-use container waste
- Material Innovations
- Light-blocking additives in recyclable materials
- Child-resistant features in more easily recycled plastics
- Mono-material designs that eliminate mixed materials
- Labels and adhesives designed for recycling compatibility
Waste Management’s Evolving Capabilities
Waste Management and other recyclers are adapting their infrastructure:
- Advanced Optical Sorting: Newer technology can better identify and sort small plastic items
- Artificial Intelligence: AI-powered sorting is improving material recovery rates
- Specialized Collection Programs: Some facilities are developing pharmaceutical waste streams
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to improve packaging recyclability
- Consumer Education: Increased focus on proper preparation of materials
Policy and Regulatory Changes
Several policy developments may impact pill bottle recycling:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Shifts recycling costs to manufacturers
- Creates incentives for more recyclable packaging
- Growing movement in multiple states
- Recycled Content Requirements
- Mandates for minimum recycled content in packaging
- Creates stronger markets for recovered plastics
- California, Maine, and Oregon have implemented versions of these policies
- Standardized Labeling
- Clearer recycling instructions on packaging
- Industry-wide standards for pharmaceutical containers
- How2Recycle and similar programs gaining traction
- Take-Back Regulations
- Requirements for pharmacies to accept empty containers
- Already implemented in some European countries
- Being considered in several US states
Future Outlook for Pill Bottle Recycling
Looking ahead, experts predict:
- Increased Acceptance: More Waste Management facilities will likely accept pill bottles as sorting technology improves
- Design Changes: Pharmaceutical packaging will evolve to be more recyclable by default
- Closed-Loop Systems: Recycled pill bottles becoming new pharmaceutical containers
- Consumer Awareness: Growing demand for sustainable packaging options
- Material Standardization: Movement toward fewer plastic types for easier recycling
These developments suggest that while recycling pill bottles through Waste Management may be challenging in some regions today, the situation is likely to improve as both the waste management and pharmaceutical industries adapt to sustainability pressures.
FAQs About Pill Bottle Recycling
Here are answers to common questions about recycling pill bottles through Waste Management and alternative channels:
General Recycling Questions
Q: Does Waste Management recycle pill bottles nationally? A: No, Waste Management’s acceptance of pill bottles varies by location. Some facilities accept them, while others exclude them due to size, material composition, or contamination concerns. Check your local guidelines.
Q: What plastics are most pill bottles made from? A: Most prescription bottles are made from #5 plastic (polypropylene), while some over-the-counter containers use #1 PET or #2 HDPE plastics.
Q: Do I need to remove the labels before recycling through Waste Management? A: While removing labels is ideal, many modern Waste Management facilities can process containers with labels. However, removing personal information is recommended for privacy reasons.
Q: Can the caps be recycled along with the bottles? A: Policies vary by location. Some Waste Management facilities prefer caps to be attached to prevent them from falling through sorting equipment, while others request they be separated. Check local guidelines.
Q: Are amber-colored pill bottles less recyclable than clear ones? A: Colored plastics may have slightly lower recycling value, but most Waste Management facilities that accept #5 plastic will take amber prescription bottles. The color rarely prevents recycling altogether.
Preparation Questions
Q: How clean do pill bottles need to be for Waste Management recycling? A: Bottles should be completely empty of medication and rinsed clean. Any medication residue can contaminate recycling streams and potentially harm water systems.
Q: What should I do with the medications before recycling the bottles? A: Never flush medications. Use DEA-approved take-back programs, community collection events, or mix with undesirable substances (coffee grounds, cat litter) and place in sealed containers in the trash.
Q: Can I recycle bottles that contained controlled substances? A: Yes, once properly emptied and cleaned. However, the medication itself should be disposed of according to DEA guidelines, not placed in recycling.
Q: Do childproof caps need special handling? A: Some childproof caps contain metal springs that ideally should be removed before recycling. However, many modern Materials Recovery Facilities can separate these components.
Alternative Options
Q: What if Waste Management doesn’t accept pill bottles in my area? A: Consider specialized programs like TerraCycle, Matthew 25: Ministries, local pharmacy take-back programs, or creative reuse options.
Q: Are there any national pharmacy chains that recycle pill bottles? A: Some CVS and Walgreens locations offer medication take-back programs that may include container recycling. Programs vary by location, so check with your local pharmacy.
Q: Can pill bottles be recycled in curbside programs other than Waste Management? A: Some municipal recycling programs accept pill bottles. Check your local program’s guidelines or contact your waste hauler directly.
Q: Are there mail-in programs for pill bottle recycling? A: Yes, TerraCycle offers a Zero Waste Box specifically for pill bottles, and organizations like Matthew 25: Ministries accept clean bottles by mail for humanitarian reuse.
Environmental Impact Questions
Q: How many pill bottles end up in landfills annually? A: Estimates suggest billions of pill bottles are disposed of annually in the US alone, with the majority ending up in landfills rather than being recycled through Waste Management or other programs.
Q: How long does it take for a pill bottle to decompose in a landfill? A: Plastic pill bottles can take 450+ years to break down in landfill conditions, during which time they may fragment into microplastics.
Q: Is reusing pill bottles better than recycling them through Waste Management? A: From an environmental hierarchy perspective, yes. Reuse requires no additional processing energy, while recycling, though much better than landfilling, does require energy for collection, transportation, and reprocessing.
Q: What’s the environmental benefit of recycling pill bottles? A: Recycling pill bottles conserves petroleum resources, reduces landfill waste, decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with new plastic production, and prevents potential water contamination.
These FAQs should help clarify the often confusing landscape of pill bottle recycling through Waste Management and beyond, empowering you to make environmentally responsible choices with your pharmaceutical containers.
Conclusion
The question “Does Waste Management recycle pill bottles?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer—it depends on your location, the specific material of your bottles, and your local Waste Management facility’s capabilities. This variability can be frustrating for environmentally conscious consumers looking for straightforward recycling solutions.
However, understanding the complexity behind pill bottle recycling empowers you to make better disposal decisions:
- Check Local Guidelines: Always verify your specific Waste Management facility’s policies before assuming pill bottles are accepted or rejected.
- Prepare Properly: If your local facility does accept pill bottles, thorough cleaning and proper preparation dramatically increase the likelihood of successful recycling.
- Consider Alternatives: When Waste Management isn’t an option, specialized recycling programs, creative reuse, or community donation opportunities provide environmentally preferable alternatives to landfill disposal.
- Stay Informed: As recycling technology advances and public pressure increases, Waste Management and other recyclers continue to expand their capabilities—what wasn’t recyclable yesterday may be recyclable tomorrow.
By taking a proactive approach to prescription bottle disposal, you contribute to reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and moving toward a more circular economy. Even these small plastic items, when properly managed, represent an opportunity to make environmentally responsible choices in your daily life.
The next time you finish a prescription, remember that the plastic bottle in your hand represents a choice—and with the information in this guide, you’re now equipped to make the most environmentally sound decision for your specific situation, whether that involves Waste Management recycling, specialized programs, or creative reuse.