General Motors launches recycling partnership

United States – General Motors (GM) intends to boost the automotive recycling infrastructure in the south-eastern United States through its new Suppliers’ Partnership for the Environment Southern Network. The company aims to increase its number of non-landfill facilities from 104 to 125 by 2020, through sharing best practice in recycling and reuse.

The project went live on 19 February, when GM invited a group of carmakers, suppliers, recycling partners and government officials to discuss waste reduction challenges and recycling opportunities at its complex in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

′Compared to other regions where GM has plants, the south-east has opportunity to build up its recycling economy,′ said John Bradburn, GM’s Manager of Waste Reduction Efforts. He claimed that by connecting local recyclers with influential companies in the area, ′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′. He added: ′No one entity can solve this challenge; it will take many people to help transform how businesses manage their waste.′

GM says all its by-products are useful and marketable, currently generating revenues of around US$ 1 billion each year. Mr Bradburn said collaboration with the Suppliers′ Partnership network had already produced tangible benefits, such as the idea of converting oil-soaked booms into parts for the Chevrolet Volt electric car.

′Companies are increasingly integrating sustainability into their businesses,′ noted Jamie Stitt, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Business Development at the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development. ′With economic growth, it′s important to simultaneously develop the infrastructure that supports environmental initiatives.′

For more information, visit: www.gm.com