For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 19, 2012
GM Reaches Century Mark in Landfill-Free Facilities
Automaker recycled or reused 2.6 million metric tons at its plants worldwide in 2011
LANSING, Mich. – A single plastic bag of household garbage represents more trash going to a
landfill than 100 General Motors facilities combined.
GM recently added its 100th landfill-free facility – a parts distribution center in Lansing, Mich. It is
a milestone in the company’s ongoing waste-reduction efforts. No other automaker has as many
facilities contributing zero waste to landfill.
GM first reduces waste and then focuses on recycling and reuse. In 2011, it recycled or reused
2.6 million metric tons at its facilities worldwide. That is equivalent to more than 38 million trash
bags. Or, more than a month’s worth of trash for every resident in New York City. GM recycles
more waste from its worldwide facilities than any other automaker.
“Our landfill-free program continues to strengthen our business by creating efficiencies,
generating revenue and inspiring innovation with products made from recycled content,” said
Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Sustainability and Global regulatory affairs. “It’s a mission
that’s integrated within our business processes. Everyone here plays a role in its success.”
GM began tracking its waste 15 years ago, and, armed with this insight, improves its recycling
each year. All of its worldwide facilities combined – including landfill-free plants and all others –
recycle or reuse more than 90 percent of the waste they generate.
“One of GM’s secrets to success is its cultivation of a strong network of suppliers committed to
recycling materials and keeping them in use,” said Steve Hellem, executive director of Suppliers
Partnership for the Environment, a forum for automakers, suppliers and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. “Their team regularly facilitates conversations, connects companies and
even showcases creative recycling examples for others.”
In conjunction with its suppliers, GM recycles scrap cardboard from various plants into a sound
absorber on the Buick Lacrosse and Verano interior roof. Air deflectors on the Chevrolet
Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks are made with used tires from the automaker’s proving
ground. GM regularly shares its recycling best practices with companies of all sizes and
industries.
In its first sustainability report as a new company, GM committed to achieve 25 more landfill-free
sites and reduce total waste by another 10 percent by 2020. Since 1997, the company has
reduced total waste by at least 43 percent.
In 2011, GM reduced total waste generated per vehicle by 5 percent at its global manufacturing
facilities. Its recycling and reuse efforts last year avoided 10 million metric tons of CO2equivalent emissions. GM’s landfill-free roster includes more than half of its global
manufacturing facilities.
Independent sustainability agency Two Tomorrows audited GM’s landfill-free and recycling
leadership. For more information on GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability
report and environmental blog.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the
company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s
brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel,
Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global
leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
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Editor’s Note: GM will host a conference call for media with remarks from Mike Robinson at 1 p.m. EDT.
 Domestic: (877) 318-8197
 International: (716) 247-6229
 Conference ID # 90360302