LRS acquires Ditch & Associates

LRS, an independent waste diversion, recycling and portable services provider based in Rosemont, Illinois, has acquired Ditch & Associates, a fourth-generation family-owned roll-off, commercial and residential waste services provider based in Topeka, Kansas. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the acquisition is effective immediately.  

LRS began residential, commercial and roll-off services in Topeka last year with the acquisition of select Orion Waste Solutions territories. Ditch & Associates will significantly increase the LRS marketplace footprint. The acquisition is expected to add 9,000 residential and 400 commercial residents.  

Founded by the Ditch family and led by Steve Sr., Juanita and Steve Jr., Ditch has built its reputation by putting customer needs first with a high-touch family-style approach to service delivery, LRS says. Steve Sr. and all Ditch employees will remain with LRS as the company continues to invest time and resources into expanding the LRS Topeka footprint, led by Regional General Manager Frank Piecukionis.  

"The Ditch family brings a strong work ethic, passionate customer care and a relentless can-do attitude that we value and seek as we continue to grow across the Midwest," says Alan T. Handley, president and CEO of LRS. "We welcome all Ditch employees and customers and look forward to expanding services for Topeka-area residents."   

Steve Ditch Sr. says deciding to sell his family's business to LRS was not easy. When the decision was made to pursue a sale, LRS was the right partner to help carry the Ditch family legacy forward.  

"We have dedicated our lives to serving the people of Topeka's waste removal needs and couldn't be more proud of the lasting legacy we've built over 50 years," Steve Sr. says. "We found LRS' commitment to preserving our high-touch customer service while offering a deeper bench of services and strong sustainability mission to be particularly attractive."