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As we progress in our ���������ƽ�� Forward journey toward innovating to eliminate waste, we will address our complete value chain by working upstream with our suppliers and, improving our own operational waste.

We take several steps to maximize diversion of waste from landfill and leverage waste audit insights to identify the most impactful diversion opportunities. Our teams work together to improve our packaging designs using fewer components; minimize the volume of trash we produce; and reuse, donate or recycle more materials. 

By 2030, ���������ƽ�� plans to achieve zero waste to landfill in U.S. operations. The zero-waste threshold is established by the Zero Waste International Alliance to conserve resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water or air that threaten the environment or human health. The threshold to be considered “zero waste” is normally set at a minimum of 90% diversion rate. 

Foundations we've laid:

• In 2023, we diverted 85% of operational waste and 60% of construction waste from landfill. 

• ���������ƽ�� received our first official zero waste certified location designation from the TRUE Certification for our Hawaii Flow Center in 2022. 

• We achieved our goal to reduce operational food waste by 50% across our stores, supply chain facilities and headquarters from a 2017 baseline year. 

Food waste

���������ƽ�� has achieved our goal to reduce operational food waste by 50% by 2025 from a 2017 baseline year¹, maintaining an approximate 51% decrease in food waste against our 2017 baseline for two years in a row and further contributing to our larger zero waste goal. Our efforts to achieve this goal take many forms, including improved food forecasting, recycling and composting, establishing a food waste footprint and food donation programs. Organics recycling or composting programs are currently available at 1,680 of our facilities (across stores, headquarters and supply chain facilities). In FY2023, we donated 154.8 million pounds of food, which is equivalent to 113 million meals. 

Events and marketing   

We apply sustainability principles to various guest-facing events and internal team meetings through the creation of bespoke plans. Vendors must adhere to sustainability guidelines outlined in our Standards of Vendor Engagement, with ���������ƽ�� assigning resources and on-site experts to support them.   

Since 2020, we have printed display signs in-store, allowing us to create only what we need and reducing waste. We have replaced most landfill-only foam core with recycled, recyclable corrugate and are now reviewing other plastic types, reducing virgin plastic use and ensuring what we do use can be recycled in-store or in partnership with the Waste Minimization team. Until 2021, our holiday containment bins were corrugate with a plastic front. Following a 2022 redesign, these bins are now 100% corrugate, eliminating the use of more than 61,700 lbs of plastic and making them compatible with in-store recycling processes. Additionally, the switch has resulted in a 25% materials cost saving.   

Enhancements to our Rubix project management software have increased our ability to divert waste from landfill by improving the information we have on the materials we use. Signs and hardware made with non-sustainable materials can be eliminated or modified based on this information. 

Responsible waste disposal 

Additionally, ���������ƽ�� requires multiple outside, third-party certifications that provide assurances in regard to material handling, eliminating export of electronic waste and the security of data. 

We manage all potentially hazardous and nonhazardous items throughout the entire chain through ���������ƽ��’s Environmentally Sensitive Item Management (ESIM) program. ESIM is important for keeping our team, guests and communities safe. The ESIM program is designed to meet federal and state hazardous waste regulations and other environmentally sensitive materials requirements. We are making continued investments in waste audits to provide insights into where to prioritize future efforts. 

Recycling

Since 2010, we have offered front-of-store recycling kiosks that give guests an easy way to recycle cans, glass, plastic bottles, plastic bags, ink cartridges and cell phones right in their local store. The goal of the program is to extend our company recycling efforts, and so far, the program has kept thousands of tons of recycled materials out of landfills.

Car Seat Trade-In Program