APM Terminals Los Angeles - Pier 400

APM Terminals Los Angeles at Pier 400, one of the United State's largest container terminals, implemented a comprehensive zero waste program across its four administrative and operations buildings, achieving a 97.4% diversion rate. Through improvements in sorting infrastructure, right‑sized service levels, expanded reuse systems, and detailed Waste Registry tracking, the facility now diverts more than 20,000 tons of material annually.

Employee‑driven initiatives—including centralized waste stations, organics collection, a Reuse Room, reusable drinkware, and a successful Bevi hydration pilot—have reduced single‑use items and strengthened engagement. Annual waste and recycling audits, contamination controls, and EPA WARM climate‑impact reporting ensure performance remains transparent and data‑driven.

APM Terminals Los Angeles also extends its zero‑waste commitment into the community through efforts such as participation in Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day. The program has created a replicable model for waste reduction within the port complex and demonstrates how large‑scale terminal operations can meaningfully reduce environmental impacts.

Pier 400’s certification reflects improvements across how waste is measured and tracked, how materials are handled on site in alignment with a “Lean” and continuous improvement philosophy, and how purchasing decisions reduce waste upstream. Together, these efforts create clearer visibility into waste streams and support ongoing performance improvements that ultimately benefit our customers. 

“We are proud to achieve a certification that holds Pier 400 to the highest standards in waste management with a focus on recycling and the positive impacts on our environment,” said Jon Poelma, Managing Director, APM Terminals Los Angeles. 

 Learn more in APM Terminal's press release and LinkedIn announcement.