SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Tyson Foods Inc. announced that six of its plants achieved Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) gold level validation. UL validated these efforts to UL 2799 Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for ZWTL.

The company was recognized for reducing the production of all by-products like animal fats, hides and inedible proteins and reusing or recycling the remaining by-products to support conservation and efficiency. 

Six plants have earned gold status, meaning that 95%-99% of their waste has been diverted from landfills. The facilities are located in Newbern, Tenn., Obion County, Tenn., Nashville, Ark., Hope, Ark., Albany, Ky. and Camilla, Ga.

“We’re proud of our team members and the work they are doing to reduce waste to landfills,” said Katherine Pickus, vice president of sustainability and global impact at Tyson Foods. “These validations reflect Tyson Foods’ dedication to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and operate.”

Tyson said it designed an integrated waste management system to ensure resources are reused and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the reduction of energy use needed to create new materials. 

“Tyson Foods’ participation in this voluntary third-party validation marks their leadership in the pursuit of waste reduction and recycling,” said Doug Lockard, vice president and general manager of UL’s retail and consumer products group. “We look forward to validating more Tyson Foods’ facilities and continuing to support their circular economy journey, which provides a clear way for the company to measure and track progress to meet sustainability goals.”

To achieve ZWTL goals, each location identifies methods for handling waste in ways to avoid disposal at landfills. The ZWTL approach provides criteria for how to dispose of materials such as packaging, compost, liquids and food.