Modern Disposal closes on Republic acquisition in western New York

Modern Disposal Services, Lewiston, New York, announced it closed on its acquisition of the western New York operations of Phoenix-based Republic Services on June 28.

The transaction was originally announced on March 18, although terms have not been disclosed.

Modern’s acquisition includes Republic’s local hauling and recycling operations in the counties of Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Orleans. According to Modern, the deal includes all trucks, maintenance facilities and equipment, containers, sorting machines and buildings.

The transaction does not include a Republic landfill in Niagara, New York, or a closed facility in Depew, New York, for which Republic retains ownership.

Republic’s western New York operations encompassed roughly 3,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers and nearly 100 employees. Many of these employees have been hired at Modern as it expands to handle a larger customer base.

Prior to the acquisition, Modern had more than 600 employees in western New York and southern Ontario in addition to roughly 350 trucks. With facilities in New York and Canada, the company has more than 10,000 commercial customers and 250,000 residential customers.

“This took a lot of hard work by both teams, and I want to thank everyone who was involved the last few months, under challenging circumstances, to close this acquisition,” Modern CEO Michael McInerney says. “This is a boost to western New York’s economy at a key time. That means growth in our company, continued security and service for all the customers involved, salary retention for hundreds of workers, and the continued investment in our community through the related taxes and fees paid to municipalities, many of which are hurting from COVID-19.”

“I want to reiterate my message to our employees, ongoing and new, and to all Modern and Republic customers, that the seamless continuity process begun in March will continue. Our commitments are to safety, sustainability and [to being] an employer of choice in the industry,” McInerney says. “Modern is a growing innovator, a local company with our region’s best interests in mind.”