Republic Services Material Recovery Facility (MRF)

In the 1980s, in the heart of Seattle’s SODO neighborhood, Republic Services converted an old U.S. Steel factory to a recycling facility and launched what became a revolutionary way to conserve resources. Then known as Rabanco, Republic started with four employees and a few pieces of equipment. Today, it is the largest, most advanced recycling facility in the Pacific Northwest — one of several in the company that continue to break recycling records worldwide.

Born of industry innovation and community initiative, this 12 acre property known as “Lander” for its location at 3rd and Lander, is a model of safety and efficiency. Over the course of one year, more than 100 employees and 60,000 square feet of state of the art equipment recycle enough material to equal the weight of nearly 500 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes.

Lander’s system is comprised of highly skilled, experienced employees and equipment that sorts material down to the molecular level. In 2013, when Lander celebrated its 25th anniversary, it had processed enough newspaper to save the equivalent of nine million trees.

Lander’s legacy is sustainability, turning what could have been waste into a resource. The milestones we have achieved in recycling are a testament to our innovation, the strength of Republic’s municipal partnerships and a sign of great things to come.