Big compost energy: Republic Services expands organics recycling in California
The company says it processed more than 1.1 million tons of food and yard waste in 2025 to meet increasing demand for organic, nutrient-rich compost.
Phoenix-based waste management outfit Republic Services is expanding its compost production footprint with a new organics processing facility in San Bernardino County. The project is reportedly driven by increasing regulatory requirements for organic waste diversion.
According to reporting by Stefanie Valentic with Resource Recycling, the new facility is designed to help California communities comply with state organics recycling mandates while increasing the company’s ability to convert food scraps and green waste into agricultural compost products.
The facility is part of Republic Services’ broader investment strategy in organics infrastructure. The company plans to add hundreds of thousands of tons of annual organics processing capacity in 2026 and is expanding composting operations across California and Colorado. Republic officials have indicated that its growing network already produces approximately 20,000 tons of compost per month across California facilities, with additional capacity expected from new projects.
Republic currently markets compost products to agricultural operations, landscapers, municipalities, golf courses and other end users, transforming diverted food and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments that support soil health and water retention.
The expansion reflects continued growth in the organics recycling sector as states and municipalities implement policies aimed at reducing landfill disposal of organic materials and lowering methane emissions. Republic Services processed more than 1.1 million tons of food and yard waste in 2025 to meet increasing demand.