Casella Waste Eyes $500M Deals, AI, Labor Fixes

Casella Waste Systems executives outlined a $500 million acquisition pipeline focused entirely within their existing Northeast and Mid-Atlantic footprint, with deals typically targeting companies in the $50 to $100 million revenue range. Leverage sits between 2.5x and 3x following the recent Star Waste acquisition, with management preferring debt over equity to fund growth. On labor, Casella's CDL school has graduated around 400 drivers, and turnover has stabilized in the mid-20s. The company is shifting to automated side-load trucks and recruiting from high schools and trade schools. Leadership transition plans place founder John Casella in an executive chairman role focused on culture rather than daily operations.