GFL Environmental Inc. has purchased the waste firm The Garbage Company Inc., giving GFL its first solid waste operation in western Canada.

The purchase of The Garbage Company, based in Calgary, Alberta, will create a strong base for GFL to increase its business in that region, the Vaughan, Ontario-based firm said in a news release.

The Garbage Company employs 55. Warren Graumann, founder of the company, will stay on as GFL regional manager, solid waste, western Canada.

With the acquisition GFL now serves more than 16,000 commercial, industrial and institutional customers and more than 875,000 households across Canada, and it employs more than 1,300. The company has more than 50 facilities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.

"By joining forces with The Garbage Company and its experienced and committed workforce, GFL can offer our customers more services in more locations than ever before," said Patrick Dovigi, GFL president and CEO.