Overview
The US solid waste and recycling market is diversified across collection and hauling, transfer, recycling/MRF, organics (compost/AD), landfill operations, hazardous/industrial services and waste‑to‑energy (WTE). A handful of national operators compete with strong regional independents and municipal providers. Contracts often mix franchise/exclusive, open market zones and municipal delivery. This guide highlights representative companies and trends—lists are indicative, not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: Company lists and segment notes are provided for orientation only; verify coverage and service lines on official sites.
Segments
Major Players (National / Multi‑Region)
Representative Operators and Specialties
Indicative segments; always confirm locally
| Company | Core segments | Notes | Careers |
|---|---|---|---|
| WM (Waste Management) | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Landfill, Organics | Largest US solid waste operator | Careers |
| Republic Services | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Landfill; Environmental Solutions | National footprint incl. industrial services | Careers |
| Waste Connections | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Landfill (US & Canada) | Decentralized regional model | Careers |
| GFL Environmental (USA) | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Landfill, Organics | US & Canada operations | Careers |
| Casella Waste Systems | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Landfill (Northeast) | Strong MRF presence | Careers |
| Recology | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Organics (West Coast) | Employee‑owned; municipal franchises | Careers |
| Rumpke | Collection, Recycling/MRF, Landfill (Midwest) | Regional independent | Careers |
| FCC Environmental Services (US) | Collection, Recycling (Sunbelt & select cities) | Municipal contracts focus | Careers |
| Covanta | Waste‑to‑Energy (WTE) | Energy‑from‑waste facilities | Careers |
| Clean Harbors | Hazardous/Industrial waste | Field services, TSDF network | Careers |
| Stericycle | Medical waste, secure information | Healthcare focus | Careers |
| Veolia North America | Water, waste, energy services | Industrial & municipal services | Careers |
| Heritage Environmental | Hazardous waste & sustainability | Industrial services | Careers |
| Denali Water Solutions | Organics, biosolids | Land application, recycling | Careers |
Regional Independents (Examples)
West & Southwest
- • Athens Services (Southern California)
- • Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) (Texas)
- • Republic of regional players in AZ/NV/CO
- Note: Examples; coverage varies by city/county
Midwest & Northeast
- • LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems)
- • Winters Bros. (NY/CT markets)
- • Casella (Northeast multi‑state)
- Note: Not exhaustive; market is dynamic
Public Sector & Contracting Models
- • Municipal providers (e.g., NYC DSNY, LA Sanitation) deliver collection and operate transfer/recycling in many cities.
- • Exclusive franchise zones, subscription/open markets, and hybrids are common; contract terms define service, rates and contamination standards.
- • State/local rules (organics, EPR pilots, landfill gas) shape services, materials and technology adoption.
Trends for 2025
Consolidation & M&A
Ongoing roll‑ups in collection and specialty niches; regional independents remain active.
Organics & Methane
Organics mandates and landfill gas controls drive compost/AD and LFG system investments.
Automation & Quality
MRF robotics, camera analytics and route telematics improve contamination control and safety.
Explore Waste & Recycling Jobs in the USA
Browse live roles in collection, MRF, landfill, organics and hazardous services
US Waste Companies: FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about this topic