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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