The McCauley Community Orchard in Edmonton, Alberta, has received a new lease on life thanks to the support of GFL’s Full Circle Project (FCP), which partnered with Sustainable Food Edmonton to revitalize this important community space. Through a collaborative effort led by GFL’s Edmonton team, the orchard has been transformed into a welcoming environment where neighbors can come together, grow their own food, and reconnect with nature. GFL Integration Manager Derek Peacock expressed gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of community gardens in fostering environmental awareness and strengthening neighborhood bonds. As part of the restoration effort, GFL employees volunteered their time to clean up the park and install new garden boxes, helping to create a functional and inviting space for local residents. Sustainable Food Edmonton, a charity that champions urban agriculture and community-building initiatives, played a key role in the project’s success. GFL also contributed a $5,000 donation to fund critical repairs, including the replacement of deteriorated plant beds. These enhancements not only rejuvenated the orchard but also ensured its sustainability for future generations. The revitalized garden now stands as a symbol of community spirit and environmental stewardship—made possible by the dedication of all who contributed to the project.
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Full Circle Project: GFL Edmonton Revitalizes Orchard Community Garden
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Two GFL Drivers Earn Top Honors at NWRA Awards
GFL drivers Chris Girard and Neil Hansen were recently recognized at the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) 2025 Driver and Operator of the Year awards, held at WasteExpo in Las Vegas. Girard, a commercial front-load driver based in Peoria, Illinois, was named National Commercial Driver of the Year. With 35 years in the waste industry, Girard began his driving career in the U.S. Army, where he earned licenses to operate a wide range of military vehicles. After obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), he transitioned into the civilian workforce, ultimately joining the waste industry. Over the years, he has driven every type of vehicle within the company, which was eventually acquired by GFL. He currently services Peoria and nearby communities. Outside of work, Girard is a longtime volunteer EMT with the local fire department and enjoys racing demolition derby cars with his son.
Neil Hansen, from Menomonie, Wisconsin, was the inaugural recipient of NWRA’s new National Safety Sensitive Driver of the Year award. This category recognizes drivers working in sectors such as industrial, hazardous, and medical waste. Hansen brings 14 years of industry experience and currently handles various logistics for GFL, including delivering and picking up waste containers and parts. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Hansen spent five years conducting heavy weather search and rescue on the Great Lakes, honing his skills in navigation and resourcefulness. He attributes his strong safety record to defensive driving and careful adjustment to weather conditions. In his free time, he enjoys water skiing with his grandkids during the summer.
Both Girard and Hansen exemplify professionalism, safety, and dedication in the waste management industry. Congratulations to them, and also to the other GFL drivers and operators who received honorable mentions at the NWRA awards.
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Stephanie Sidler Named to 40 Under 40 List
Stephanie Sidler, Senior Director of Municipal Services at GFL, was thrilled to discover she had been named a winner of the 2025 Waste360 40 Under 40 Awards—especially since she didn’t even know she had been nominated. These prestigious awards celebrate young professionals under 40 who have made significant contributions to the waste, recycling, and organics industries. Sidler, who will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 6 during WasteExpo in Las Vegas, is also invited to speak on the “Rising Leaders Talk Trash” panel, a highlight for winners. A regular attendee of WasteExpo and active member of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Sidler currently serves as Treasurer of its Women’s Council.
Sidler’s career in waste management began unexpectedly. While in high school, she was unsure of her path until she discovered environmental studies—a field that sparked her passion. She started in the public sector with a temporary role overseeing post-closure landfill care, which led to managing daily operations at a material recovery facility (MRF). Her career continued to progress as she took on the role of solid waste manager for the City of Vaughan, Ontario, where she honed her skills in public administration and political navigation.
In 2019, when GFL acquired the company Sidler was working for, she transitioned into a new role focused on municipal relations, contract management, and business development in recycling. Her responsibilities included negotiating agreements, procuring contracts, and acting as a liaison between municipalities and GFL. By September 2023, she was promoted to her current role, where she now oversees the standardization and centralization of GFL’s municipal services.
Sidler takes great pride in the people she has mentored throughout her career, helping them understand the opportunities within the waste industry. Another standout accomplishment is her involvement in the Winnipeg MRF project, where she played a key role from the initial bid to the facility’s launch—an achievement she emphasizes was a team effort. Outside of work, Sidler enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing (a hobby she picked up during the pandemic), and traveling for business while exploring new places.
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Veolia and Net Zero Engagement Initiative Collaborate on Climate Plan
Investor signatories of the Net Zero Engagement Initiative (NZEI) have been working with Veolia Environment S.A to strengthen its climate action plan, which was later approved in July 2024 by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and rated “Advanced” by Moody’s.
The engagement group of seven investors worked closely with Veolia in support of a shared goal: a climate action plan aligned to the growth objectives of Veolia’s “Green Up” strategic program, with the potential of contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions while also improving risk adjusted returns for investors. The group was led by Francois Humbert, Engagement Lead Manager at Generali Asset Management, and included ERAFP, Allianz Global Investors, EOS at Federated Hermes Limited, Phoenix Group, and the Pension Protection Fund.
The scale of NZEI, which has grown from 93 to 115 signatories since its launch in 2023, further highlighted the importance of climate risks and opportunities to investors.
NZEI signatories met with senior leaders at Veolia in a series of meetings and workshops, sharing resources to outline investor expectations of a company transition plan, including:
- A pedagogical explanation and breakdown for each business
- Emissions trajectory and contributing levers
- Disclosures on coal in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and China
- Related climate governance
This interaction added value for the company, which had already been formulating the plan before it received a letter from NZEI signatories in February 2023.
The plan, published in February 2024, includes targets for a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 and a 30% reduction in scope 3 emissions by the same year, compared to 2021 levels, signalling an important step towards Veolia’s 2050 net zero commitment.The climate action plan also includes details on the organisation’s governance practices, risk management policy, and performance indicators, meeting requirements from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Veolia invested €650 million in its climate strategy between 2018 and 2024 and has pledged a further €950 million by 2030.
Sophie Duval-Huwart, Veolia Head of Strategy, and Guillaume Darmouni, Veolia previous Head of Climate, led the engagement from the company side.Starting from March 2025, following new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements, Veolia will report operational emissions which are not under its financial control under scope 3 (initially scope 1&2), in line with its financial reporting and as approved by auditors. Veolia has therefore updated its climate plan accordingly on 31 March 2025. Veolia’s targets remained unchanged. Veolia has resubmitted its targets to SBTi for a formal re-approval.
Together, Veolia and NZEI signatories agree to continue the dialogue and encourage progress on the role of avoided emissions, or scope 4; the European coal exit plan and decarbonisation of coal assets in China; improvements in methane capture; and how different parts of the transition are reflected in Veolia’s investments.
Francois Humbert, Engagement Lead Manager at Generali Insurance Asset Management, as lead of the engagement group said: We would like to congratulate Veolia for the very significant work performed to publish the Veolia Climate Report, issued in February 2024 and the subsequent SBTi approval in July 2024 along with the “Advanced / NZ-2” transition plan rating from Moody’s. We believe that this is one of the most comprehensive climate reports we have seen in recent years, including a pedagogical explanation and breakdown for each business, emissions trajectory and contributing levers, disclosures on coal in CEE/China and related climate governance. Following the CSRD implementation, we take note of the scope changes, we welcome the clarification which was expected, and we look forward to the SBTi re-validation. We will continue to work with the company on avoided emissions, coal in China, methane, the various business models of the transition, and related improvements in reporting.
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Republic Services to Construct Advanced Recycling Facility in St. Louis Area
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a leader in the environmental services industry, today announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art recycling center in Bridgeton, Mo., to serve Greater St. Louis and the region. Republic Services expects the facility, anticipated to open in mid-2027, will have higher capacity and more advanced technology than current facilities in the area, helping to improve recycling rates.The 105,000-square-foot recycling center is estimated to manage recyclables from approximately 3 million people throughout Greater St. Louis and surrounding communities. The high-capacity facility will process up to 45 tons, or nine truckloads, of single-stream recyclables per hour, including paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum and metal food and beverage cans, and glass bottles and jars.
Our investment in this new recycling center reinforces Republic Services’ commitment to circularity, sustainability and the St. Louis community,” said Republic Services Area President Andrew Wempe. “It will meet growing demand for recycling throughout Greater St. Louis and help our customers achieve their sustainability goals.
The facility will be designed with cutting-edge recycling technology, including a minimum of 10 optical sorters that use digital recognition to identify and separate paper or plastic in milliseconds, screening technology to sort recycling material by size and remove unrecyclable material from the stream, and artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce contamination. AI system data also will enable real-time adjustments to maximize the volume of materials recycled.Groundbreaking, contingent on the permitting process, is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2026. The project is expected to create up to 200 full-time construction jobs, and 60 full-time employees will work at the facility once completed.Republic Services has a large presence in Greater St. Louis. The company employs nearly 1,000 people in the area and operates 12 facilities, including hauling locations, transfer stations, recycling centers and disposal sites.
The company also actively supports Greater St. Louis through community investment and volunteer initiatives. Over the last seven years, support from Republic Services and the Republic Services Charitable Foundation to area nonprofits has positively impacted more than 360,000 people in Greater St. Louis and more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri. As one of the nation’s largest recyclers, Republic Services processes 5 million tons of recyclable materials annually through 75 facilities across the country.
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains certain forward-looking information about us that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “guidance,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “can,” “could,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are based upon our current expectations, which we believe to be reasonable, but cannot assure you will prove to be correct. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements are our ability to realize the expected benefits of our recycling center, our expectations regarding the impact of the center, the volume of materials it can process, and the jobs and other benefits it will create. More information on factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated is included from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Republic Services Residential Driver Honored as Industry’s Top Performer
Republic Services Driver Antonio Carranza Named NWRA 2025 National Residential Driver of the Year
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) announced that Antonio “Tony” Carranza has been named the 2025 National Residential Driver of the Year by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA). Carranza was honored for his outstanding dedication to safety and customer service at the NWRA Awards Breakfast during the 2025 Waste Expo in Las Vegas.A veteran of over 42 years with Republic Services, Carranza serves the community of Chula Vista, California. Following the award ceremony, Chief Operating Officer Gregg Brummer presented him with a brand-new, personalized collection truck to commemorate the occasion.
Safety is the foundation of everything we do at Republic Services, and Tony exemplifies this commitment every day,” said Jon Vander Ark, President and CEO of Republic Services. “Tony is one of the industry’s finest, and we are proud to recognize his excellence and dedication.Carranza is well-known not only for his impeccable safety record and professionalism but also for the strong bonds he has built with customers and colleagues alike. Rick Rojas, General Manager of Republic Services in Chula Vista, praised Carranza’s leadership, calling him a role model and highlighting the many compliments received from community members about his service.
Beyond his professional excellence, Carranza is beloved by the neighborhoods he serves. A favorite part of his route includes surprising local children with Republic Services-branded gifts like coloring books and reusable totes.The NWRA Driver of the Year Awards honor drivers who demonstrate exemplary safety practices, exceptional performance, and a strong contribution to the reputation of the recycling and waste industry. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process that includes independent judging, review of safety records, route difficulty, and letters of recommendation.
Republic Services drivers have consistently earned top honors from the NWRA since 2006, reinforcing the company’s enduring commitment to safety and service.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. -
Republic Services Announces Q1 2025 Financial Results
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, posting a net income of $495 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, compared to $454 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, in the same period of 2024. On an adjusted basis, which excludes certain expenses and items, net income was $496 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, up from $458 million, or $1.45 per share, a year earlier. President and CEO Jon Vander Ark noted that despite economic volatility, weak cyclical volumes, and challenging winter weather, the company delivered high single-digit EBITDA growth and expanded its adjusted EBITDA margin by 140 basis points. He credited this performance to effective pricing strategies, disciplined cost control, and Republic’s resilient business model.
During the quarter, Republic achieved total revenue growth of 3.8%, which included 2.9% organic growth and 0.9% growth from acquisitions. A calendar difference of one less workday impacted revenue by 50 basis points. Core pricing contributed 6.1% growth to total revenue, with related business core price increasing revenue by 7.3%—driven by a 9.0% rise in the open market and 4.6% in the restricted segment. Average yield increased total revenue by 4.5%, while volume declines reduced it by 1.2%. In related business, yield added 5.4% and volume fell 1.5%. Net income margin stood at 12.3%, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $1.27 billion, with a margin of 31.6%, up 140 basis points year-over-year.
Republic invested $826 million in acquisitions and returned $226 million to shareholders through $45 million in share repurchases and $181 million in dividends. The average recycled commodity price was $155 per ton, a $2 increase from the prior year. Additionally, the company launched a renewable natural gas project during the quarter. Republic Services also received several accolades, being named to Barron’s 2025 100 Most Sustainable Companies list, Ethisphere’s 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® list, and Fortune’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies list.
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.
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Republic Services Promotes Plastic Bottle Recycling for Earth Month Challenge
Republic Services Urges Consumers to Recycle Plastic Water Bottles This Earth Month
This Earth Month, Republic Services is encouraging consumers to take a simple yet impactful action: recycle their plastic water bottles. With the recycling rate for single-use water bottles at just 33%, nearly 7 out of 10 bottles are still ending up in the trash instead of being reused.
There’s a big misconception that plastic can’t be recycled,” said Pete Keller, Vice President of Recycling and Sustainability at Republic Services. “In fact, we recycle over 300 million pounds of plastic each year. These materials are in high demand for making new bottles and jugs. Recycling water bottles is easy—and every bottle counts.
Republic Services operates one of the largest networks of plastics recycling facilities in the country, designed to turn used bottles and jugs collected from curbside bins into new plastic containers. The company plans to invest $500 million in expanding these recycling capabilities over the next few years. In 2024 alone, Republic Services recycled more than 2.5 billion plastic water bottles.
Key Facts About Plastic Bottle Recycling:
Only 3 in 10 water bottles are currently recycled.
7 in 10 bottles are discarded, despite being recyclable.
A plastic bottle can be recycled an estimated six times.
Bottles should be empty, clean, and dry before recycling.
Keep the cap on the bottle when placing it in the recycling bin.
To promote awareness and transparency, Republic Services is partnering with the Association of Plastic Recyclers this May for a nationwide open house. These events will give the public a behind-the-scenes look at how recyclables are sorted and processed into valuable raw materials.
Every bottle recycled helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a circular economy. This Earth Month, Republic Services challenges everyone to make a difference—one bottle at a time.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. -
Republic Services Foundation Reveals 2025 Neighborhood Promise® Grant Winners
Republic Services Awards $3 Million in 2025 Neighborhood Promise® Grants to 14 Nonprofits
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) and the Republic Services Charitable Foundation have announced the 14 nonprofit organizations selected to receive 2025 grants through the Foundation’s National Neighborhood Promise® (NNP) Program. The initiative supports community revitalization through volunteer-driven projects, donations, and in-kind services, all aimed at enhancing quality of life.
We’re committed to investing in the communities we serve,” said Elena Goodhall, director of Community Investment at Republic Services. “Our local teams partner closely with nonprofits to deliver impactful projects that build sustainable neighborhoods.In 2025, the NNP program will provide nearly $3 million in grants, positively impacting over 2.1 million people. Each grant addresses specific community needs—from infrastructure upgrades to green space creation and improved accessibility.
Sandy Martin, CEO of Community Table in Denver, one of this year’s grantees, noted, “This generous support is a game-changer as we remodel our facility to better serve our neighbors.
2025 Grant Recipients and Projects:
- Anchorage, AK – Alaska Trails: Restoring trails and improving accessibility at North Bicentennial Park through workforce and volunteer programs.
- Decatur, AL – Community Action Partnership of North Alabama: Building a 1,272-sq-ft homeowner empowerment center offering bilingual workshops and training.
- Phoenix, AZ – UMOM New Day Centers: Renovating shelter courtyards to create safer, more engaging spaces for families and children.
- Los Angeles, CA – St. Francis Center: Expanding food rescue capabilities with freezer upgrades and facility improvements.
- Arvada, CO – Arvada Community Food Bank: Upgrading its new location with eco-friendly features, expanded storage, and a community connection center.
- Greeley, CO – Trust for Public Land: Converting a long-vacant lot into a vibrant pocket park with a garden and outdoor classroom.
- Chicago, IL – Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago: Enhancing facilities at a longstanding housing shelter and support center.
- Detroit, MI – Detroit Horse Power: Outfitting the nation’s largest urban equestrian center to support youth programming and summer camps.
- Ypsilanti, MI – Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley: Revamping West Willow Park with ADA-accessible amenities and new recreational spaces.
- Missoula, MT – Montana Food Bank Network: Building a new Volunteer Repack Room to boost food distribution capacity and efficiency.
- Reading, PA – Reading Public Museum Foundation: Adding free, public Wi-Fi to expand community access to educational programming.
- Red Lion, PA – Macaluso Elementary PTO: Replacing the playground with ADA-compliant, sensory-friendly equipment and walkways.
- Corpus Christi, TX – Agape Ranch: Creating a sensory playground, labyrinth garden, and secured perimeter for a community serving foster families.
- Round Rock, TX – Play for All: Developing an inclusive play area that promotes sustainability and environmental education.
About the Republic Services Charitable Foundation:
The Republic Services Charitable Foundation helps strengthen the communities where Republic Services customers and employees live and work through volunteerism, monetary donations and in-kind services. Through its National Neighborhood Promise® Program, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, programs and projects that help promote sustainable neighborhoods. The Foundation helps support Republic Services’ 2030 Sustainability Goal to create sustainable neighborhoods through strong community partnerships for 45 million people. -
WM Appoints John Morris as President
WM (NYSE: WM) announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John J. Morris, Jr. to the position of President, reporting to Jim Fish, the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Morris also retains his existing role as Chief Operating Officer.Morris will maintain responsibility for all field operations, and the company’s Chief Officers leading Sustainability, Customer Experience and Enterprise Strategy will report to him as well.
Our People First strategy is tailored to address the dynamic needs of the changing world and workforce, with a strong emphasis on developing future leaders at WM. This intentional leadership-development focus has given us the confidence to elevate John to the position of President,” said Jim Fish, Chief Executive Officer of WM. “John’s more than 30-year tenure within the industry, coupled with his impressive track record of delivering results and enhancing shareholder value, highlights his leadership capabilities making his appointment as President exceptionally well-deserved. The Board of Directors and I expect great things from John in his new role as President, working in collaboration with me and the entire Senior Leadership Team.
I’m truly honored to take on this role and deeply grateful for the trust Jim and the Board of Directors have placed in me,” said Morris. “This opportunity is both humbling and inspiring, and I’m committed to serving our 62,000 associates as we work together to advance WM’s strategy. Our company has a strong foundation and tremendous potential to build on our leadership in environmental services. I have full confidence in our team’s ability to deliver lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities—always with a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to making WM a great place to work.
Prior to becoming COO, Morris held several positions at WM including Market Area General Manager of New York City, Area Vice President of the Greater Mid-Atlantic Area, Chief Strategy Officer, and Senior Vice President, Field Operations. He is a graduate of Rutgers University.
ABOUT WM
WM (WM.com) is North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of post-consumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants in North America. WM also has the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. WM Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe.