Lakeshore Recycling Systems acquires sixth Chicago-area collection company

Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), Morton Grove, Illinois, has acquired DC Trash of Illinois (DCT), an independent waste and recycling collection provider serving 30,000 customers in Chicago's western suburbs headquartered in Cortland, Illinois. DCT represents LRS' sixth acquisition of a Chicago-area independent waste and recycling company over the last four years.

DCT, founded by Dan Christensen, brings to LRS waste and recycling collection and roll-off dumpster rental capabilities. Because of the acquisition, LRS says it will add six new residential municipal contracts, a large customer subscriber base, an expansive roll-off service area and commercial waste and recycling services. LRS also will add 40 DCT employees and 30 vehicles to its growing fleet.

In less than five years, LRS has grown annual sales to more than $170 million and now counts more than 760 employees across greater Chicagoland. LRS continues to seek acquisitions in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and Southwest Michigan.

"Dan and his team have done an outstanding job building DCT into a company recognized for quality and dependable service. We welcome DCT customers to the larger LRS family and look forward to working with DCT as they continue to provide exceptional residential and business waste disposal and recycling services," Alan Handley, LRS CEO, says. "The companies we acquire share our values, celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and, in turn, we impart those values into the quality and care our customers expect."

Handley says DCT will continue to operate as a standalone entity serving the western suburbs of Chicago.

Financial terms were not disclosed and the acquisition is effective immediately.

"I am thrilled to join forces with Lakeshore, an independent powerhouse who understands the waste, recycling and sustainability industry better than the larger landfill-centric public companies," Christensen, who will take over as regional vice president at LRS, says. "I'm excited to introduce to our customers an organization like LRS that shares our passion for great service. Our customers and prospective customers stand to profit from a menu of services previously not available, and as always, they'll be delivered by the same employees who live in and care for our communities."