Republic Services, Inc. has been recognized with the Gold Class Award in the 2018 RobecoSAM's Sustainability Yearbook, a comprehensive ranking of the world's most sustainable companies. Only eight North American companies achieved this top-tier status, and Republic is the sole recycling and solid waste services provider to earn the Gold Class standing.

"We take great pride in our role as responsible stewards of the nation's recycling and waste materials," said Don Slager, president and CEO of Republic Services, in a statement. "We are honored that our efforts in this area continue to be recognized by trusted third-party leaders in sustainability. This Gold Class Award reinforces Republic's unyielding commitment to all aspects of sustainability, including environmental stewardship, social and economic impact and corporate governance."

RobecoSAM's 2018 Sustainability Yearbook showcases the sustainability performance of the companies that were assessed for the Dow Jones Sustainability Index with scores in the top 15 percent or higher in their industry, which are awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze Class medals.

The assessment for the 2018 Yearbook looked at 60 industries from 43 countries. Only 99 North American companies qualified for inclusion in this year's Yearbook, and eight of which, including Republic, received the Gold Class Award.

"I congratulate Republic Services whole-heartedly for being awarded a Gold Class medal in The Sustainability Yearbook 2018," said Aris Prepoudis, CEO of RobecoSAM, in a statement. "The companies included in the Yearbook are the world's most sustainable companies in their industry and are moving the ESG needle in ways that will help us realize the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."