Modern Disposal acquires Republic Services' WNY operations

Family-owned company grows jobs, customer base for future

Modern Disposal Services, a family-owned company founded locally in 1964, today announced its acquisition of the Western New York operations of Phoenix-based Republic Services, the nation’s second-largest waste-disposal company.

The transaction, for which terms were not announced, is expected to close in approximately three months. Modern is headquartered on Model City Road in Lewiston, and Republic’s local operation is based out of 2315 Kenmore Ave., Town of Tonawanda.

Modern’s acquisition includes Republic’s local headquarters, all its hauling, and recycling operations in Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties. That includes all trucks, maintenance facilities and equipment, containers, sorting machines and buildings.

The transaction does not include a landfill visible from the 190 expressway off Porter Road in the Town of Niagara, or a closed facility on Indian Road in Depew, for which Republic retains ownership.

Republic has about 2,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers and nearly 100 employees in Western New York. Many of those employees will have the opportunity to apply for jobs at Modern as it expands to handle a larger customer base.

“This is a good-news story for Modern’s growth, but it’s also a substantial benefit for the whole Western New York region,” said Modern CEO Michael P. McInerney. “While competition remains strong in the region among dozens of other collectors, this combination means increased local ownership, on-site management, job retention, and economic growth here.”

Modern currently has more than 600 employees in Western New York and Southern Ontario, some 350 trucks, and is a leading local recycler of mixed residential materials. Modern handles collection and recycling for municipal waste, including the City of Buffalo’s recycling program. With facilities in Model City, Blasdell and on Elk Street in Buffalo, along with operations in Niagara Falls and Smithville, Ontario, the company has more than 10,000 commercial customers and 250,000 residential customers.

Modern’s plans are to integrate the Republic customers into its current operations. Modern officials will begin contacting Republic customers to assure them of uninterrupted service by Republic until the deal closes, followed by a seamless transition to Modern.

Under state law, Republic filed a WARN notice earlier today notifying its employees of the company’s exit from the market in approximately three months.

“My message to our employees, and to all Modern and Republic customers, is that there will be seamless continuity, continued commitment to safety, and dedication to continue as an employer of choice in the industry,” McInerney said. “For now, we want people to know that in the face of unsettled news around the globe, they can count on Modern as a growing, local company with our region’s best interests in mind.”

More About Modern Corp.

In 1964, Steve Washuta incorporated Modern Disposal Services as a way to expand his seasonal paving company into a business that could provide a steady source of income for his family. As the region’s industrial base grew, Washuta’s dedication and strong work ethic helped his new business develop from a humble two-truck operation in Western New York into the 20th largest waste removal company in the U.S.

Today, Modern is still a privately owned waste removal company. It employs over 600 people in Western New York, as well as Southern Ontario. Modern is committed to the most innovative and responsible methods of materials management and recycling. Modern received the 2017 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award from The Association of Fundraising Professionals Western New York Chapter.