How Bill Gates-backed Republic Services profits from trash | Forbes

Discover how Republic Services is revolutionizing the waste industry by transforming trash into valuable resources.

Republic Services, under the dynamic leadership of CEO John Vander Ark, is redefining the way we view and handle waste. Once considered a straightforward business of hauling trash to landfills, Republic Services has embarked on an ambitious journey to make waste management a highly complex, sustainable, and profitable venture.

At the core of their operations is the Apex Landfill, one of the nation’s largest landfills, which has processed 70 million tons of trash from Las Vegas. This includes waste from bustling casinos and resorts, demonstrating the massive scale of their operations. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Adjacent to the landfill is a farm with 1,200 pigs fed with remains from Las Vegas’s casino buffets, showcasing Republic Services’ commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. Even the odorous landfill gas is captured and repurposed, with plans to sell it for its negative carbon features, illustrating the innovative approach Republic takes towards renewable energy.

John Vander Ark’s leadership has brought a fresh perspective to the industry, emphasizing the intricate complexities of recycling and waste management. From leveraging advanced technology at recycling centers to the engineered design of landfills for optimizing leachate and gas capture, Republic Services stands at the forefront of environmental responsibility.

This commitment extends to their financial success, generating $1.3 billion in EBITDA from $10 billion in revenue, with ambitious plans for growth, including a $2.2 billion acquisition of US Ecology, a leader in hazardous waste management.

Republic Services is not just about managing waste; it’s about fostering a sustainable, eco-friendly future. Through high standards of environmental responsibility and aiming to lead in the ESG and sustainability movement, Republic Services is paving the way for reducing energy emissions and advocating for cleaner energy alternatives, like landfill gas, to replace traditional natural gas.

The transformation of Republic Services from a simple trash collection business to a key player in promoting environmental sustainability and circular economy practices highlights the innovative paths companies can take. Through strategic leadership and a commitment to sustainability, Republic Services is proving that even the trash industry can contribute significantly to a cleaner, greener planet.

For more insights into how Republic Services is turning trash into treasure and leading the sustainability charge, follow our ongoing coverage at Forbes. Stay connected and informed with the latest in entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, and lifestyle, and see how today’s leaders are making a difference for tomorrow.

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