Waste Management and Recycling

Waste is one of the most significant environmental impacts associated with our operations. Ross is committed to reducing and responsibly managing our overall waste footprint.

We operate waste diversion programs in our Stores, distribution centers, and Corporate and Buying Offices. We encourage our Associates to participate in practices that increase our recycling, minimize waste, and help conserve natural resources.

A large percentage of the operational waste generated at our Stores and distribution centers is from the packaging used to ship our merchandise. Due to our off-price business model, much of our merchandise is manufactured to meet other retailers’ specifications. Therefore, we often do not have control over how our products are packaged. As a result, we focus on developing and executing programs to reuse and recycle the packaging we receive in our Stores and distribution centers. We are also starting to evaluate the waste impacts of select merchandise products and packaging developed in-house.

Waste Diversion from Landfill

We measure the percentage of waste that we divert from landfill across our retail operations, including all Stores and Ross-controlled distribution centers and warehouses. In 2024, our estimated landfill diversion was approximately 66 percent.*

*This figure is approximate, and we are working to enhance our data accuracy and analysis processes.

Minimizing Waste in Stores

Approximately two-thirds of our operational waste is generated in our Stores, with cardboard making up a significant portion of that total.

Because cardboard boxes represent such a large share of our waste footprint, recycling cardboard plays a key role in reducing our overall waste and upholding our commitment to being a responsible retailer.

Most of our Stores participate in a cardboard recycling program that backhauls used boxes to a regional facility where they are baled and then delivered to a recycling partner. These recycling efforts add up quickly: Across participating Stores in 2024, we recycled over 40,000 tons of cardboard through this program. Ross is investigating opportunities to expand this program into more Stores.

In locations where backhauling is not feasible, we collaborate with landlords and with local waste and recycling providers to make cardboard recycling receptacles available.

Other recycling and waste reduction programs in our Stores include:

• Reusable bags: Our Stores sell branded reusable shopping bags.
• Shopping bags with recycled content: All of the plastic and paper shopping bags we provide to Customers contain recycled material.
• Reusable hangers: We avoid single-use hangers when possible and have a reuse program for Store hangers.
• Dumpster rightsizing: We continuously adjust our trash collection schedule as well as the number of trash dumpsters to help Stores optimize their recycling rates.
• Service automation: We have implemented technology that allows our trash compactors to be serviced only when full, reducing unnecessary pickups and hauling expenses.
• Digital resources: Many of our reports, trainings, policies, and other resources are made available digitally to reduce paper use.
• Other diversion programs: We have pursued other diversion efforts, such as organic waste programs and single-stream recycling, in certain geographies. We also have programs to manage regulated and electronic waste, and we recycle some of our end-of-life HVAC equipment.

Minimizing Waste in Distribution Centers

Our distribution centers receive merchandise from around the world, which is then processed and shipped to Stores across the U.S., typically in cardboard boxes.

To reduce waste and maximize efficiency, we employ a packing and shipping system that minimizes the number of boxes and trucks required to complete necessary deliveries. We also operate a recycling system to process the millions of boxes we receive each year. In 2024, we recycled over 74,000 tons of material generated in our distribution centers.

Ross continuously seeks out opportunities to reduce excess packaging used for shipping, including collaborating with our suppliers and refining processes within our facilities to cut down on the use of unnecessary materials. When feasible, we also reuse cardboard boxes rather than discard them.

We continue to test new recycling systems at our distribution centers and Stores, including efforts focused on recycling plastic film, scrap metal, and pallets. In addition, we have a program to recycle tires from our forklifts and other material-handling equipment.

These efforts not only divert waste from landfill by the ton but also help us reduce our waste disposal costs.

To further reduce landfill waste while also giving back to the communities we serve, we maintained programs in 2024 to donate unsellable merchandise from our distribution centers to nonprofit organizations.

Minimizing Waste in Offices

Small changes in how we operate our offices also have a positive impact on the planet.

Examples of initiatives we had in place in 2024:

• We continue to adapt our internal collaboration and reporting processes to utilize digital tools instead of relying on paper.
• The majority of our Associates receive electronic paychecks, which reduces paper use.
• Generally, when we do print materials on paper, we try to minimize environmental impact by: using paper that contains postconsumer content; setting printers to print double-sided; and using large-capacity, refurbished toner cartridges that minimize plastic, steel, aluminum, and rubber waste (as compared to traditional toner cartridges). We also have a program to recycle office paper.
• In the café at our Corporate Office, we provide reusable or compostable flatware and utensils. We also supply deskside recycling bins and convenient organic waste and single-stream recycling receptacles in common areas.
• An e-waste recycling program handles damaged or obsolete electronic equipment.
• At our Buying Offices, we have programs to repurpose fabric scraps and donate product samples to local charities when possible.
• We make hydration stations available to help reduce single-use plastic bottle waste.