IWS and Action mark 25 years of partnership with record acquisition year

Interstate Waste Services (IWS) and its New York City affiliate, Action Environmental Services (Action), marked their 25th anniversary year with acquisitions that solidified their position as a vertically integrated provider of solid waste and recycling services. The recent acquisitions position the company to deliver safer, more sustainable, and efficient service for customers and communities across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, says the company.

"2024 has been a transformative year for IWS and Action as we expanded our operations across the region while maintaining the family-first ethos that has set us apart for the past 25 years," says Michael DiBella, CEO of Interstate Waste Services. "This milestone is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team, whose commitment to safety, service, and innovation drives everything we do."

Action leading New York City's CWZ transition

In 2024, Action expanded its presence in New York City with the acquisitions of JORO Carting and Viking Sanitation, increasing its operational density in Brooklyn and positioning the company to meet the demands of the city's landmark Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) initiative. The CWZ program aims to make waste and recycling collection safer, more sustainable, and more efficient by streamlining routes, cutting commercial waste truck traffic in half, and enhancing safety standards. Earlier this year, Action was awarded 14 Commercial Waste Zones — the highest number of any hauler — reflecting its responsible leadership in the city's commercial waste management industry.

"Our goal is to consistently deliver excellent customer service safely through our continued investment in people, equipment, and technology with a focus on sustainability and efficiency as CWZ launches," says DiBella. "With the integration of JORO and Viking into the IWS family, we're intently focused on ensuring that customers, employees, and communities are prepared for a seamless transition into this next chapter of New York City waste management."

Action says it is preparing for CWZ implementation by aligning its acquisitions with industry-leading safety protocols. This includes providing new employees with safety training on collision avoidance, hazardous material handling and emergency response, and upgrading acquired vehicles with AI-enabled cameras, side guards, auxiliary lighting, and compliance with NYC's emissions standards.

To guide businesses through CWZ implementation, Action launched actioncarting.com, a hub for zoning resources, tailored waste solutions, and expert support.

"Our focus is preparing customers and employees for the biggest shift in NYC waste management in a generation," said Josh Haraf, market vice president of New York for Interstate Waste Services. "As a leader in this transformation, we're investing in safety, technology, and customer service to make sure that the CWZ implementation delivers a safer, more sustainable system for everyone."

Strategic growth beyond New York City

In addition to Action's NYC-focused growth, IWS expanded its presence across the region with the acquisitions of Oak Ridge Waste & Recycling, a waste disposal provider in Southwestern Connecticut and Suburban New York, and Marangi Disposal, the largest independent hauler in Orange and Rockland Counties, New York.