Waste Connections has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company's progress towards its long-term sustainability targets. Achievements include a 14 percent year-over-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a doubling of the company's targeted improvement. In addition, the company reaffirmed its commitment to invest approximately $200 million in renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities expected online by 2026.
"At Waste Connections, our approach to sustainability is aligned with value creation," said Ronald J. Mittelstaedt, president and chief executive officer. "Simply put, our 2022 results demonstrate that we can achieve significant progress towards sustainability-related objectives, including emissions reductions, while also delivering outsized growth.
"Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our sustainability-related efforts and, to that end, have doubled our targeted reduction in emissions to 30 percent. We also formally committed to setting an emissions reduction target in line with the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and we look forward to providing additional details as we work through the process of harmonizing targets to achieve a formal approval. Moreover, we look forward to growth from continued increases in operational offsets, including from over a dozen RNG facilities under development that remain on track to commence operations by 2026."
Highlights of the sustainability report
- Reduced emissions and increased targeted reductions: Waste Connections reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 14 percent in 2022 and achieved a 27 percent reduction in emissions intensity on 2022 revenue growth; expanded emissions reduction commitment to 30 percent and initiated process for alignment of emissions reduction targets with SBTi.
- Expanded resources recovered: Waste Connections increased recycled tons processed by 19 percent in 2022 and positioned for further increases from additional capacity expected by 2024.
- Reiterated RNG project pipeline: Waste Connections' near-term project pipeline remains on track with incremental annual EBITDA contribution of approximately $200 million by 2026 on commensurate capital outlays.
- Addressing PFAS: Waste Connections deployed foam fractionation technology at multiple landfills to advance PFAS treatment efforts.
Those who wish to read Waste Connections' full report can find it here.
