As recycling rates in the United States keep declining, Walmart and Sam’s Club have joined forces with soft-drink giant PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) on a new pilot program to boost recycling awareness and participation in Tulsa, Okla. 

Currently, Oklahoma has just one mixed recycling facility for the state’s nearly 4 million residents. According to PBNA, providing on-site recycling at these stores will be the first step in building out a decentralized recycling network, which will make recycling more accessible for all Oklahoma residents.  

The collection of recyclable materials and plastic bottles become part of a “closed loop,” maximizing recycling convenience and increasing access to clean rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). This will ultimately support a circular economy and help further the shared mission of PepsiCo, Sam’s Club and Walmart to achieve 100% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.

The participating locations are Sam’s Club Tulsa Hills (7757 S. Olympia), Store No. 4839; Sam’s Club Sheridan (4420 South Sheridan), Store No. 8263; Walmart 71st & Memorial (6625 S. Memorial Drive), Store No: 894; and Walmart 111th & Memorial (10938 South Memorial Drive); Store No. 1597.

Walmart and Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo have also recently teamed on Every Day Heroes, a joint recognition effort to engage customers in celebrating exemplary Walmart associates who serve their communities, their customers and their teams. 

Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart operates more than 10,500 stores under 48 banners in 24 countries, and e-commerce websites, employing 2.2 million-plus associates worldwide. Walmart U.S. is No. 1 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2021 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America, while Walmart-owned Sam’s Club ranks No. 9 on the list.