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WASTE AGE 100
June 1, 2002
14 Min Read
Despite a flagging economy, the 2002 Waste Age 100 listing shows that 2001 was a growth year for many private waste firms.
For example, Folsom, Calif.-based Waste Connections jumped from its ninth place spot last year to No. 7 in this year's listing by adding more than $70 million to its reported 2001 revenues. And the upward trend seems to be continuing, as the company's first quarter 2002 revenues increased 24 percent to $105.7 million vs. $85.1 million during the same period last year. Crediting some growth to “having closed or signed acquisitions with $55 million of annualized revenues in the first quarter,” Waste Connections' Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Mittelstaedt says his company still has “a strong backlog of acquisition opportunities.”
Focusing on its three-year turnaround plan, Houston-based Waste Management finished 2001 with a strong fourth quarter. “In 2002, we are focused on cost and operational efficiencies in all parts of our business and on improving our sales effectiveness,” says CEO Maury Myers. The company is aiming at between $11.4 billion to $11.5 billion this year, which would be an increase from 2001's reported revenues of $11.3 billion. To do this, Myers says the economy would have to rebound during the second half of the year.
Improving operational efficiencies also seems to be No. 2 Allied Waste's mantra, citing its vertical integration strategy as the “key element of [its] operating philosophy.” The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company also reported a high internalization rate of 67 percent at the end of 2001, up two percentage points. Allied is increasing the number of operating areas from two to four in 2002 (Eastern, Southern, Central and Western), and is further dividing those areas into 12 regions.
With about 70 percent of its revenue from the Sunbelt states, Republic Services, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., continued to increase its income in every quarter of 2001. The company claims to have made only strategic acquisitions in 2001, including Richmond, Calif.-based Richmond Sanitary Service, and focused on organizational changes. Republic also says it standardized operations in many areas to take advantage of its size.
Republic's Q1 revenue in 2002 kept the momentum going; It recorded a 3.1 percent increase to $551.9 million from $535.4 million for the first quarter of 2001. CEO James E. O'Connor says the company is “beginning to realize the positive effects of the initiatives started in 2001, especially in the areas of increasing route productivity and reducing maintenance costs.”
Successful integration of its various parts also has led No. 4, Onyx North America, to increase its 2001 revenues over 2000 from $1.16 billion to $1.3 billion.
Once you move past the top 10 companies, however, the changes in the rest of the field show a different kind of horserace. While several names disappeared from last year's listings, many, if not most of them, held their own or grew their business. Even the smallest company on the list approached $10 million in size, compared to slightly more than $6 million last year.
Now, with the economy showing a rebound, the big question is, can the industry sustain it?
Waste Management Inc.1
Houston, TX • A. Maurice MyersLast Yrs' Rank: 1 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 55,0002001 Rev.: $11.3 bil. CO, IN, LF, HZ, RS, TF
Allied Waste Industries Inc.1
Scottsdale, AZ • Thomas Van WeeldenLast Yrs' Rank: 2 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 29,0002001 Rev.: $5.57 bil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $5.6 bil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Republic Services Inc.4
Fort Lauderdale, FL • James O'ConnorLast Yrs' Rank: 3 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 12,7002001 Rev.: $2.26 bil. CO, LF, HZ, RS, TF
Onyx N.A.1
(includes Superior Waste Svcs., Onyx Waste Svcs., Montenay Int'l, Onyx Enviro. Svcs., Onyx Industrial Svcs. Holdings)Last Yrs' Rank: 4 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 8,6282001 Rev.: $1.3 bil. CO, IN, LF, HZ, RS, TF
Safety Kleen Corp.3
Deer Park, TX • Ronald A. RittenmeyerLast Yrs' Rank: 5 Public Com./Ind.Employees: 9,6182001 Rev.: $533.7 mil. CO, IN, LF, HZ
Casella Waste Systems Inc.3
Rutland, VT • John W. CasellaLast Yrs' Rank: 6 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 3,2002001 Rev.: $431.1 mil. CO, HZ, IN, LF, RS, TF
Waste Connections Inc.4
Folsom, CA • Ronald MittelstaedtLast Yrs' Rank: 9 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2,4002001 Rev.: $377.5 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Norcal Waste Systems Inc.1
San Francisco, CA • Michael J. SangiacomoLast Yrs' Rank: 7 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2,0002001 Rev.: $355 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Stericycle Inc.4
Lake Forest, IL • Mark C. MillerLast Yrs' Rank: 8 Public Com./Ind.Employees: 2,5832001 Rev.: $334.3 mil. (U.S. revenues only) CO
Rumpke Consolidated Cos. Inc.2
Cincinnati, OH • William J. & Thomas RumpkeLast Year: 10 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2,5002001 Rev.: $293 mil. CO, IN, LF, RS, TF
PSC Environmental Services Group1
Houston, TX • Brian J. RecattsLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2,3002001 Rev.: $285 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $300 mil. CO, RS, TF
Clean Harbors Environmental Services1
Braintree, MA • Alan S. McKimLast Year: 13 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1,5002001 Rev.: $250 mil. IN, HZ, RS
Waste Holdings Inc.4
Raleigh, NC • Lonnie C. Poole Jr.Last Year: 12 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1,7002001 Rev.: $249.3 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
US Liquids Inc.4
Houston, TX • Michael P. LawlorLast Year: 11 Public Com./Ind.Employees: 1,2002001 Rev.: $230.3 mil. CO, LF, HZ, RS
Duratek Inc.2
Columbia, MD • Robert E. PrinceLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1,2002001 Rev.: $177.2 mil. HZ
IESI Corp.2
Haltom City, TX • Charles FloodLast Year: 15 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1,0002001 Rev.: $110 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Envirocare of Utah Inc.2
Salt Lake City, UT • Ken AlkmaLast Year: 17 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 3502001 Rev.: $100 mil. LF, HZ
Capital Environmental Resource Inc.3
Burlington, Ontario, CN • David Sutherland-YoestLast Year: 16 Public Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 8872001 Rev.: $96.3 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Industrial Services of America1
Louisville, KY • Harry KletterLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1302001 Rev.: $96 mil. RS
Schupan & Sons Inc.1
Kalamazoo, MI • Marc A. SchupanLast Year: 21 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2002001 Rev.: $89.8 mil. RS
Waste Corporation of America1
Houston, TX • Tom FatjoLast Year: 24 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 5102001 Rev.: $80 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $85 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Garbage Disposal Service Inc.2
Conover, NC • Drew IsenhourLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1,0002001 Rev.: $70 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Harold LeMay Enterprises Inc.1
Tacoma, WA • Doug LeMayLast Year: 29 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 4172001 Rev.: $68 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $73 mil. CO, RS, TF
Edco Disposal Corp.2
Lemon Grove, CA • Edward BurrLast Year: 59 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 5002001 Rev.: $60 mil. RS
Terrace-ENSCO2
Dallas, TX • Xavier DenneryLast Year: 20 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 6002001 Rev.: $54.8 mil. CO, IN, LF, HZ, RS, TF
Horizon Waste Services Inc.1
Mesa, AZLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2702001 Rev.: $51.7 mil. CO, RS
Resource Recovery Corp. RI2
Johnston, RI • A. A. FerlandLast Year: 30 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1202001 Rev.: $50.7 mil. LF, RS, TF
CalMet Inc.1
Montebello, CA • Thomas K. BlackmanLast Year: 40 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2502001 Rev.: $45 mil. RS, TF
Watts Trucking Service Inc.1
Rock Island, IL • Jim WattsLast Year: 33 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 5002001 Rev.: $45 mil. RS, TF
BLT Enterprises1
Oxnard, CA • Bernard HubermanLast Year: 34 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1752001 Rev.: $43 mil. RS, TF
Advanced Recycling2
Concord, NH • Ron BeaulieuLast Year: 35 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 522001 Rev.: $42 mil. RS
Solid Waste Transfer & Recycle2
Newark, NJ • Harold Martin Sr.Last Year: 39 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 352001 Rev.: $40 mil. TF
Burrtec Waste Industries Inc.2
Fontana, CA • Cole BurrLast Year: 42 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 3812001 Rev.: $38.1 mil. CO, TF
World Resources Co.2
McLean, VA • Peter HalpinLast Year: 46 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1402001 Rev.: $37.7 mil. HZ, RS
Contain-A-Way Inc.2
Corona, CA • Jackie O'RourkeLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 202001 Rev.: $35 mil. RS, TF
EL Harvey & Sons Inc.1
Westborough, MA • James HarveyLast Year: 48 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1752001 Rev.: $35 mil. CO, RS, TF
Texas Molecular2
(formerly GNI Group) Deer Park, TX • Carl V. Rush Jr.Last Year: 43 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 952001 Rev.: $35 mil. HZ
Crown Disposal Co. Inc.1
Sun Valley, CA • Thomas Fry Sr.Last Year: 72 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 2502001 Rev.: $32.5 mil. CO, RS, TF
Texas Disposal Systems Inc.2
Austin, TX • Bob GregoryLast Year: 62 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 3002001 Rev.: $32 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Morris Recycling Inc.2
New Albany, MS • Phil MorrisLast Year: 53 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1122001 Rev.: $28 mil. RS
Marin Sanitary Service1
San Rafael, CA • Joseph J. GarbarinoLast Year: 55 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2402001 Rev.: $27.8 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $29 mil. CO, HZ, RS, TF
JRM Hauling Recycling Service1
Newbury, MA • James R. MotzkinLast Year: 56 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $25 mil. CO, RS
LWD Inc.2
Calvert City, KY • Amos H. Shelton Jr.Last Year: 73 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1252001 Rev.: $25 mil. IN, LF
New England Ecological Development2
Johnston, RI • Louis Vinagro Jr.Last Year: 60 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1502001 Rev.: $25 mil. RS, TF
Ross Consolidated Corp.1
Grafton, OH • Maureen CromlingLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 2102001 Rev.: $25 mil. IN, HZ, RS
Santek Environmental1
Cleveland, TN • Kenneth HigginsLast Year: 65 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2502001 Rev.: $24 mil. CO, LF, RS
Better Management Corp. of Ohio BMC1
Youngstown, OH • Jerry StoneburnerLast Year: 76 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 252001 Rev.: $23.8 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $30 mil. LF, HZ
Regional Waste Systems Inc.2
Portland, ME • Chuck FoshayLast Year: 63 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 642001 Rev.: $22.6 mil. RS
American Waste Industries1
Sun Valley, CA • Mego GodjamanianLast Year: 68 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1652001 Rev.: $22 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $20 mil. CO, RS
Classic Sanitation of Saddle Brook NJ1
Jersey City, NJ • Michael GranatellLast Year: 64 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1402001 Rev.: $22 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $20 mil. CO, RS
Cycle Systems Inc.2
Roanoke, VA • Bruce BrennerLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 702001 Rev.: $20.8 mil. RS
Marborg Industries Inc.1
Santa Barbara, CA • Mario A. BorgatelloLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1452001 Rev.: $20.6 mil. RS
Gilton Solid Waste Management1
Modesto, CA • Richard GiltonLast Year: 70 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1602001 Rev.: $19 mil. RS, TF
American 3CI2
Shreveport, LA • Otley SmithLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1212001 Rev.: $18.8 mil. HZ
Robbie D. Wood Inc.2
Dolomite, AL • Robbie D. Wood, Jr.Last Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1032001 Rev.: $18.5 mil. HZ, TF
Rainbow Disposal Co. Inc.2
Huntington Beach, CA • Stan TkaczyckLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 5002001 Rev.: $18.1 mil. HZ, RS, TF
Randy's Sanitation Inc.1
Delano, MN • Randy RoskowiakLast Year: 79 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1302001 Rev.: $17 mil. CO, RS
J&J Refuse Inc.1
Dover, OH • Keith KimbleLast Year: 78 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 892001 Rev.: $16.6 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $19 mil. CO, RS, TF
Waste Control Specialists LLC2
Andrews, TX • Eric PeusLast Year: 71 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 772001 Rev.: $16.5 mil. LF, HZ
Jet-A-Way Inc.1
Boston, MA • Darlene JeterLast Year: 83 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 762001 Rev.: $16 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $16.5 mil. CO, TF
Mass Environmental1
Chelmsford, MA • Patrick HannonLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 302001 Rev.: $16 mil. LF, HZ
Interstate Waste2
Sloatsburg, NY • Vincent PaolinoLast Year: 80 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $15.9 mil. CO, IN, LF, HZ, RS, TF
Energy Answers Corp.2
Albany, NY • Patrick F. MahoneyLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1402001 Rev.: $15.4 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Bluebonnet Waste Control Inc.2
Dallas, TX • Miguel GonzalesLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $15 mil. RS
Natures Choice Corp.1
Union, NJ • Stephen ReiterLast Year: 87 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 952001 Rev.: $15 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $18 mil. RS
Rubatino Refuse Removal Inc.2
Everett, WA • Ed RubatinoLast Year: 81 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 492001 Rev.: $15 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $15 mil. CO, RS
Wayne Disposal Canton Inc.2
Canton, MI • Brad GreenLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 302001 Rev.: $15 mil. LF
Michigan Waste Energy Inc.2
Detroit, MI • Dave GloerLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1502001 Rev.: $14.7 mil. IN
SWDI LLC1
Houma, LA • Peter CallaisLast Year: 82 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1502001 Rev.: $14.7 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $15.5 mil. CO, RS
Aspen Waste Systems Inc.1
Saint Paul, MN • Robert E. KircherLast Year: 88 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 802001 Rev.: $14.5 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $16 mil. CO, RS
Sanitary Service Co. Inc.1
Bellingham, WA • Paul RazoreLast Year: 84 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 722001 Rev.: $13.8 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $14.2 mil. CO, RS
Balcones Recycling Inc.2
Austin, TX • Kerry R. GetterLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $13.6 mil. RS
Friedman Recycling Co.1
Phoenix, AZ • A. FriedmanLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 702001 Rev.: $13.5 mil. RS
Ace Solid Waste Inc.1
Ramsey, MN • Andy SchweizerLast Year: 89 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 782001 Rev.: $13 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $14.5 mil. CO
California Waste Solutions1
Oakland, CA • David DuongLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.2001 Rev.: $13 mil. CO, RS
Triumvirate Environmental Inc.1
Somerville, MA • John McQuillanLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $12.9 mil. HZ, RS, TF
Central Ohio Contractors Inc.2
Grove City, OH • Ralph D. LoewendickLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $12.8 mil. LF
American Transfer Co. Inc.2
Hicksville, NY • John PersichilliLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2002001 Rev.: $12.3 mil. RS, TF
WTE Recycling Corp.2
Bedford, MA • David B. SpencerLast Year: 47 Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1502001 Rev.: $12.1 mil. RS
Advanced Waste Services Inc.1
Milwaukee, WI • Michael T. MalatestaLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 452001 Rev.: $12 mil. RS, TF
Cycle-Chem Inc.1
Elizabeth, NJ • Michael PersicoLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1502001 Rev.: $12 mil. HZ, RS, TF
Si-Nor Inc.1
Rialto, CA • Silas UgorjiLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 2002001 Rev.: $12 mil. CO, RS, TF
Nortech Waste LLC1
Roseville, CA • Donald M. MorielLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $11.6 mil. LF, HZ, RS
Vogel Disposal Service Inc.2
Mars, PA • Edward L. VogelLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1502001 Rev.: $11.6 mil. LF, RS, TF
Automated Waste Disposal Inc.2
Danbury, CT • James E. GalanteLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 5002001 Rev.: $11.2 mil. LF, RS, TF
Zanker Road Resource Management2
San Jose, CA • Rich ChristinaLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1202001 Rev.: $11.1 mil. CO, LF, RS, TF
Ocoee Environmental Services1
Cleveland, TN • Steve McKenzieLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $10.9 mil. (Purchased by Waste Connections) CO, TF
Aerccom Inc.2
Allentown, PA • Robert M. BlanchfieldLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $10.5 mil. RS
Alpco Environmental Group Inc.2
Rochester, NY • Ethan HershmanLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 242001 Rev.: $10 mil. RS, TF
Max Cohen & Sons Inc./Advanced Rec.1
Concord, NH • Steven CohenLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 522001 Rev.: $10 mil. RS
Mill Valley Refuse Service1
San Rafael, CA • Dave BiggioLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 602001 Rev.: $10 mil. CO, RS
Uhel Polly Hauling Inc.1
Pompano Beach, FL • Uhel Polly IIILast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 912001 Rev.: $10 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $13 mil. CO, RS, TF
Universal Environmental Inc.1
Benicia, CA • Wayne R. TurnageLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $10 mil.Proj. 2002 Rev.: $19 mil. HZ
Roy Strom Refuse Removal Service1
Maywood, IL • George StromLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 502001 Rev.: $9.9 mil. TF
Active Recycling Co.1
Los Angeles, CA • Errol SegalLast Year: 44 PrivateEmployees: 882001 Rev.: $9.7 mil. CO, RS
ABC Disposal Service Inc.1
New Bedford, MA • Laurinda CamaraLast Year: 93 Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 652001 Rev.: $9.4 mil. RS, TF
Health Care Waste Services
Bronx, NY • Joseph OrlandoLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 452001 Rev.: $9.4 mil. HZ
A&J Disposal Inc.2
Park Forest, IL • Tom YonkerLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 1002001 Rev.: $9.3 mil. RS, TF
WSI Inc. New England2
Waterbury, VT • Tom BadowskiLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind., Res.Employees: 602001 Rev.: $9.3 mil. LF, RS, TF
American Recycling Holdings2
Atlanta, GA • John LupasLast Year: NR Private Com./Ind.Employees: 302001 Rev.: $9.3 mil. RS
KEY 1: Company verified. 2: Company provided all information except revenues, which are from Dun & Bradstreet. 3: Estimated from annual report. 4: Annual report. NR: Not Ranked. Com./Ind.: Commercial/Industrial. Res.: Residential. CO: Collection. IN: Incineration. LF: Landfill. HZ: Hazardous waste. RS: Recycling Services. TF: Transfer
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