Staff photo / Bob Coupland
Warren City Council and city officials Wednesday recognize Stericycle, 1901 Pine Ave., for its recent expansion and infrastructure investments that helped in addressing flooding issues on a section of the road. From left are George Brown, public affairs manager, Terry Wyne, facility manager, Rachel Ruffer, public sector manager and Mayor Doug Franklin. In back is John Brown, Warren city council president.

Mayor Doug Franklin presented a plaque to Stericycle officials during Wednesday’s council meeting, thanking the company for investing more than $80,000 in a public-private partnership to modernize the flood-prone drainage system along Pine Avenue, which abuts their property.

Officials have said that following heavy rains a section of Pine Avenue was often closed due to flooding. Franklin said the goal was to rectify the issue.

Franklin said Stericycle, which is part of Waste Management Healthcare Solutions, made a multimillion dollar investment in the city helping to address critical infrastructure needs.

“They have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public health and environmental stewardship. We appreciate their investment in our community,” he said.

Franklin said Stericycle’s help to alleviate flooding on Pine Avenue has benefited many local businesses and residents, and Stericycle’s involvement likely played a role in Kimberly-Clark’s decision to bring operations to Warren.

Company officials said the expansion and improving water infrastructure along Pine Avenue were to help in protecting public health and the environment.

“The company is a great corporate neighbor,” Franklin said.

Stericycle focuses on safely disposing of medical and pharmaceutical waste and expired medications from across the region. Stericycle employs more than 60 people in Warren and recently completed a significant expansion of its operations on Pine Avenue SE, including the addition of 35,000 square feet of warehouse and office space.

Facility Manager Terry Wyne said he was pleased for Stericycle to receive the recognition from the city. He said they look forward to a continued partnership and growth in the community as the company processes and continues to grow the medical waste processing and destruction functions.

Franklin said Stericycle is committed to environmental sustainability and has included a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, planting 45,000 trees across the nation.