In its landfill-free efforts, 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—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 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% of the waste they generate.

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% by 2020. Since 1997, the company has reduced total waste by at least 43%.

In 2011, GM reduced total waste generated per vehicle by 5% at its global manufacturing facilities. Its recycling and reuse efforts last year avoided 10 million metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions.

Independent sustainability agency Two Tomorrows audited GM’s landfill-free and recycling leadership.