Lakeshore Recycling Systems Makes Another Buy in Chicago

Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) has acquired DC Trash of Illinois, an independent waste and recycling collection provider serving 30,000 customers in Chicago's western suburbs. DCT represents LRS' 6th acquisition of a Chicago-area independent waste and recycling company over the last 4 years, as the company expands operations and its geographic service area throughout Illinois.

Financial terms were not disclosed and the acquisition is effective immediately.

DC Trash, founded by Dan Christensen, brings to Lakeshore additional waste and recycling collection and roll-off dumpster rental capabilities. As a result of the acquisition, LRS will add six new residential municipal contracts, a customer subscriber base, an expansive roll-off service area and commercial waste and recycling services. LRS also will add 40 DCT employees and 30 vehicles to its fleet.

In less than five years, LRS has grown its annual sales to more $170 million and now counts more than 760 employees across greater Chicagoland. Since 2013, Lakeshore has grown through a combination of strong organic growth coupled with the strategic acquisition of independent waste collection companies. This growth has led to a regional presence and LRS continues to seek acquisitions in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and Southwest Michigan.

In January, Lakeshore acquired K. Hoving Companies, a full-service waste management, recycling and dumpster rental company based in West Chicago.

Earlier this month it also announced an expansion of its contract with the Village of Glencoe, Ill.

"Dan (Christensen) and his team have done an outstanding job building DCT into a company recognized for quality and dependable service,” Lakeshore CEO Alan T. Handley said in a statement. “We welcome DCT customers to the larger LRS family and look forward to working with DCT as they continue to provide exceptional residential and business waste disposal and recycling services," Handley said. "The companies we acquire share our values, celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, and in turn, we impart those values into the quality and care our customers expect."

"I am thrilled to join forces with Lakeshore, an independent powerhouse who understands the waste, recycling and sustainability industry better than the larger landfill-centric public companies," Christensen said in a statement. He will take over as regional vice president at Lakeshore. "I'm excited to introduce to our customers an organization like LRS that shares our passion for great service. Our customers and prospective customers stand to profit from a menu of services previously not available, and as always, they'll be delivered by the same employees who live in and care for our communities."

Handley said DC Trash will continue to operate as a standalone entity serving the western suburbs of Chicago.