Vermont-based Casella Waste Systems was founded in 1977 by Doug and John Casella. With one truck, the pair hauled trash for ski resorts throughout the state. They took over a nearby trash business the following year and started a small recycling operation.

Growth

• From 2002-05, the company took over 29 solid-waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling operations.

• Since 2005, it has taken over 12 solid-waste hauling operations.

Today

• Operates in 16 states, from Maine and New Hampshire in the Northeast, to Georgia and Florida in the South and Michigan and Wisconsin in the Midwest

Operations include:

• 10 general landfills

• 2 construction and demolition material landfills

• 40 collection operations

• 36 transfer stations

• 39 recycling facilities

• 1 waste-to-energy incineration facility

• Part ownership in plant that makes, markets and sells cellulose insulation derived from recycled fiber

Earnings

• $481 million in 2005

• $400 million so far this fiscal year, ending in April