As sustainability becomes a greater priority across industries, more companies are implementing corporate recycling programs to reduce waste and improve environmental outcomes. In Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Signals: Corporates 2025 Report, 88% of companies view sustainability as a driver of long-term value, and more than 80% say they can measure ROI on sustainability-related initiatives.
This shift brings a new level of importance to choosing the right commercial recycling service. A dependable partner can help businesses reduce landfill impact, stay compliant, and achieve environmental targets.
However, choosing a commercial recycling partner should involve more than just picking the first option you find on Google. Consider these six key factors when evaluating providers.
6 Things to Consider When Evaluating a Corporate Recycling Service
#1. Industry Experience and Reputation
Recycling is complex and isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. From manufacturing, printing, and grocery to warehousing and distribution and real estate, each industry has unique materials, compliance requirements, and processing needs. It’s important to find a commercial recycling company with a proven track record in handling a wide range of materials — from paper, plastics, pallets, packaging waste, foam, and beyond.
Reputable providers also have credentials or certifications that speak to their integrity and trustworthiness. These could be industry-specific credentials or diversity certifications, such as Federal Recycling’s Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification.
Customer reviews, case studies, and testimonials on a company’s website, Google My Business profile, or other social or local search platforms give insight into a provider’s reputation and experience.
A final reputational consideration is financial stability. In a down market, some recyclers can’t pay for or take recyclable materials if they are waiting on sales from customers who aren’t buying due to decreased production levels and demand for raw materials. Ask yourself: Is your provider financially stable enough to weather a down market and pay on time? Will they continue to show up and handle your materials when times are tough?
#2. Compliance and Environmental Responsibility
Major manufacturers are facing increasing pressure from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation to manage the lifecycle of their products and post-consumer waste. Some recyclers or brokers sell or export materials through multiple brokers, and materials are landfilled or misused without the customer’s knowledge, which poses the risks of hefty fines or significant reputational damage.
Businesses should look for corporate recycling partners that offer product design and lifecycle consultancy services that help them:
- Quantify the end-of-life impacts of packaging and product components.
- Identify opportunities to reduce material use, improve recyclability, and increase recycled content.
- Enable closed-loop or circular systems that recover and reuse materials internally or within an industry ecosystem.
- Maintain compliance and public trust by accurately documenting how waste is sorted, processed, and either repurposed or disposed of. Look for a company, like Federal Recycling, with a National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) certification.
#3. Customization and Service Flexibility
Every business has waste, but each business generates it differently — and that’s why flexibility matters. For example, a manufacturer might have a high waste volume of various materials but also require pallet recycling solutions, whereas a national grocer may be more focused on cardboard, plastics, or mixed packaging waste.
Service flexibility and scalability are important considerations when evaluating a recycling partner and how they can change or scale services as a business grows. Whether it be pickup schedules, equipment, or materials accepted, the right recycling partner flexibly adapts to customers’ changing operational needs.
#4. Cost and Pricing Transparency
Cost is an important factor when selecting a corporate recycling service, but the lowest price doesn’t always equal the best value. Hidden fees — like contamination charges or fuel surcharges — can unexpectedly drive up costs.
When it comes to the purchase of a business’s recyclables, not all recyclable material pricing is fair or competitive, especially from companies whose sole focus isn’t recycling or that are exclusively brokerage operations.
Reputable commercial recycling companies provide transparent pricing so it’s clear what a business is paying for. They also tailor recycling solutions to a company’s waste output, which creates cost savings by reducing hauling frequency and diverting more recyclables out of the waste stream.
#5. Data and Reporting Capabilities
Modern recycling programs measure performance instead of just hauling waste. Key metrics such as diversion rates, material volumes, and greenhouse gas emissions help businesses quantify the success of their sustainability and ESG strategies.
A good recycling partner will provide sustainability insights and reporting as part of their offering. This data helps businesses optimize their commercial recycling service and demonstrate environmental responsibility to stakeholders, customers, and regulators. Federal Recycling’s customer portal provides real-time access to reporting dashboards, helping businesses monitor their impact and make informed decisions about future improvements.
#6 Safety Performance & Insurance
The recycling process involves heavy equipment, large containers, and onsite pickups, all of which create risk. If an onsite accident happens and a recycler lacks proper safety protocols or insurance, a business can be exposed to unnecessary financial and legal liability. Working with a provider who meets or exceeds OSHA safety regulations gives businesses peace of mind that recycling processes are done in a responsible manner.
Commercial recycling companies with a strong safety culture tend to deliver better service because they are organized and efficient. A company-wide safety commitment translates to well-trained people, maintained equipment, and a high degree of professionalism and accountability. Look for a partner with standardized safety programs at all facilities and an exemplary safety record, as well as a company that reinvests in ongoing training, modern equipment, and the resources needed to serve customers reliably and responsibly.
Make Recycling Work For Your Business
Choosing a commercial recycling partner is about building a more sustainable, cost-efficient, and compliant operation. From experience and compliance to customization and data, these six considerations can help businesses make an informed, future-proof decision.
When it’s time to evaluate your recycling program, find a partner who meets these criteria and is built to grow with your business.
Federal Recycling offers customized corporate recycling services for businesses of every size and sector. With more than 110 years of experience, Federal Recycling has unrivaled knowledge and expertise in the recycling market. Its secret to success has been continually evolving, innovating, and investing, including diversifying its business into foam and plastics manufacturing to reinforce its financial position.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your business build more efficient, sustainable operations.
Still deciding on if a commercial recycling program is worth it? Check out three benefits of a commercial recycling service here.
