Posted on April 03, 2025
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From managing waste and recycling sustainably to environmental education and renewable energy initiatives, we’re constantly working to protect our planet. Here’s a few ways we make Earth Day an everyday commitment and how you can join us in being an environmental steward!
Educating for a Greener Future
A big part of making every day Earth Day is sharing knowledge. That’s why we’re passionate about environmental education! Whether you’re a student, educator, or just eager to learn, we offer engaging programs, virtual tours, and hands-on experiences to help people make more sustainable choices. Visit our education webpage to discover ways to expand your environmental knowledge.
Turning Yard Waste into Your Garden’s Best Friend
Nature has its own way of recycling, and we’re happy to help it along! Last year, we collected over 430,170 tons of yard waste at our Metro Compost Center. Not only did we keep those leaves, sticks, and grass clippings out of the landfill but we gave it a second life as Grow Gold Compost. Thanks to hardworking decomposers and our dedicated staff, that organic material is transformed into nutrient-rich compost that helps gardens, farms, and landscapes flourish. Want to give your plants a boost while keeping waste out of landfills? Find out how you can use Grow Gold Compost on our compost webpage.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Our administrative office in the East Village is equipped with 300 solar panels on its roof, helping us harness clean, renewable energy. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we’re doing our part to cut emissions and create a more sustainable future. Last year, nearly 21% of energy consumed at our Central Office was offset with solar. Since installation, the solar panels have saved more than 80,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, comparable to planting 580 trees!
Keeping Hazardous Materials Out of the Environment
Some materials need extra care when it comes to disposal. Items like batteries, paint, and household chemicals can be harmful if not handled properly. We provide multiple safe and responsible disposal options. By keeping hazardous waste out of landfills and waterways, we help prevent pollution and protect our communities. Find out ways to safely dispose of hazardous materials on our hazardous waste webpage!
The Power of Recycling
Did you know that aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable? That means they can be turned into new cans over and over without losing quality. In fact, whether you recycle a beverage can in your cart at home or at one of our Metro Redemption Centers, it can be back on store shelves with a new drink in just 60 days! By recycling, you help conserve resources, reduce waste, and keep valuable materials in use.
Protecting Our Waterways
Stormwater runoff generated from rain and snowmelt is full of pollutants from things like fertilizers, litter, and pet waste. Stormwater runoff ponds play a critical role in filtering these pollutants before they reach our waterways. We gave the ponds at our Metro Recycling Facility and Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off some extra love by installing solar fountains to improve aeration, which helps maintain water quality. We’re also putting nature to work by adding old live Christmas trees to create underwater habitats, making these ponds a better home for aquatic life.
We believe that protecting the environment isn’t just a once-a-year effort, it’s a daily commitment. By making small, sustainable choices every day, we can all do our part to keep our planet healthy for generations to come!