GM Seeks to Boost Recycling Infrastructure in Southeast

General Motors credits its waste-reduction leadership in part to its strong network of partners and suppliers.  Building on our nearly $1 billion annual revenue  from byproduct recycling and reuse and increasing our  landfill-free facilities from 104 to 125 by 2020, we’re focusing our efforts regionally.

First on the docket is the Southeast United States.

Knowing that a project of this scope hinges on a group effort, we’ve initiated he first Suppliers’ Partnership for the Environment Southern Network forum to discuss waste-reduction challenges, recycling opportunities and capabilities with fellow automakers, their suppliers, recycling partners and government officials.

“By connecting local recyclers – and those with potential – with area companies, we can start to address the gaps and build a more robust infrastructure that will help the auto industry and beyond to leave a smaller footprint,” said GM Waste Reduction Manager, John Bradburn.

“No one entity can solve this challenge; it will take many people to help transform how businesses manage their waste.”

According to Bradburn, the Southeast has opportunity to build up its recycling economy compared to other regions where GM has plants.

“Sustainability is important to our facility, and we’re always looking around corners for ways to reduce waste and become more efficient,” said Patrick Van Ryckeghem, senior environmental engineer, GM Spring Hill Manufacturing. “We’ve initiated practices that help us to lessen our environmental impact, and see this forum as an entry-point to working with recycling partners on some of our more challenging waste streams.”