Raytheon Facility Earns First True Platinum Zero Waste Certification in Texas

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Raytheon Company earned the first TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification in Texas for its advanced manufacturing center in McKinney. The site earned the designation for its innovations in resource management and waste reduction.

TRUE, or Total Resource Use and Efficiency, is a designation from Green Business Certification Inc., the organization behind the LEED and EDGE sustainability certification programs. Its Platinum Zero Waste designation is the highest level of solid waste management certification in the industry.

"The TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification is a reflection of our values and our commitment to doing business the right way," said Jeff Place, SAS vice president of Supply Chain and Operations. "Sustainable manufacturing is good for our communities, our customers and our business."

The McKinney site earned the designation, in part, by reusing packaging and office furniture—leading to a 91% reduction in the amount solid sent to local landfills. Additionally, construction debris, old IT equipment, paper and scrap metal are all recycled. The site also partners with local vendors to compost food waste from its employee cafeteria, which is then sold to Raytheon's landscaping contractor to maintain flower beds and pots on the McKinney campus. And used gloves are recycled and turned into raw materials to create products like outdoor furniture and bulk plastics.

University of North Texas researchers found Raytheon's North Texas operations generate $4.8 billion in annual economic impact for the state. Raytheon employs more than 8,400 workers throughout Texas, and supports an additional 10,000 jobs through its supply chain and employee spending. In 2019, the company began construction on a new building at the McKinney facility and announced plans to add 500 jobs at the site.