DTG Recycle - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

DTG Recycle is a leading vertically integrated recycling company in the Pacific Northwest, established in 1999. Its core mission is environmental stewardship and community improvement, aiming for a zero-waste future by diverting construction, demolition, industrial, and manufacturing waste from landfills. The company specializes in the collection, processing, and manufacturing of these waste streams into new products. DTG Recycle is significant for its comprehensive approach to waste management, operating numerous materials recovery facilities and a landfill, and for its commitment to innovation in material recovery and sustainable practices.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The main business objectives of DTG Recycle revolve around environmental stewardship and operational excellence. The company aims to provide integrated environmental services with a "Customer Focused, Planet Obsessed" approach. Key short-term and long-term goals include expanding its regional footprint, enhancing material recovery rates, and developing innovative end products from recovered materials, all while reducing air and water pollution and saving energy.

Specialization Areas

DTG Recycle specializes in the comprehensive collection, processing, and recycling of a diverse range of waste streams, including construction and demolition (C&D) debris, industrial waste, manufacturing waste, organics, and electronics. Its unique value propositions include:

Operating 12 materials recovery facilities (MRFs) across the Puget Sound region, providing 24/7 material receiving services.

Offering diverse services such as roll-off containers, commercial and industrial recycling programs, alternative energy fuels, certified destruction, and portable sanitation.

Implementing advanced material recovery techniques at its facilities, including at landfills.

Providing material diversion reporting for green building certifications like LEED, BREEAM, or Green Star.

Target Markets

DTG Recycle primarily targets businesses and organizations generating construction, demolition, industrial, and manufacturing waste in the Pacific Northwest. Its market positioning strategy emphasizes being the largest and most comprehensive recycler of these specific waste streams in the region, offering integrated solutions designed to meet stringent environmental and sustainability goals.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

DTG Recycle has demonstrated significant financial growth and strategic investments. The company raised an early financing of $32 million on January 20, 2020. This amount represents the total funds raised to date.

A pivotal financial event was the acquisition of DTG Recycle in December 2022 by a fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management (MAM). This acquisition aimed to accelerate DTG's growth trajectory and solidify its leadership position as Washington State's largest privately held vertically integrated non-MSW recycling business. Clairvest is a notable institutional investor.

DTG Recycle's estimated annual revenue is currently $34.8 million, with a peak revenue of $51.0 million recorded in 2024. The company's revenue per employee is estimated at $225,750.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

DTG Recycle provides a variety of services across the waste management and recycling spectrum:

Roll-off Container Services:

Description: Provision of various sizes of roll-off containers for waste collection.

Development Stage: Fully operational and widely deployed.

Target Market/Condition: Construction sites, industrial facilities, commercial enterprises, and residential projects generating bulk waste.

Key Features and Benefits: Flexibility in waste collection, efficient transportation, and direct waste stream channeling for recycling.

Commercial & Industrial Recycling Programs:

Description: Tailored recycling solutions for businesses and industrial operations.

Development Stage: Fully operational.

Target Market/Condition: Commercial and industrial clients seeking to manage and recycle various waste streams effectively.

Key Features and Benefits: Comprehensive waste audits, customized recycling plans, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs):

Description: A network of 12 facilities primarily located in the Puget Sound region that sort and recover recyclable materials from mixed waste streams.

Development Stage: Fully operational and continually optimizing processes.

Target Market/Condition: All customers contributing to waste streams, particularly C&D, industrial, and manufacturing waste.

Key Features and Benefits: High diversion rates from landfills, recovery of valuable materials like wood, metal, plastic, and cardboard, reducing environmental impact.

Landfill Operations (Anderson Rock and Demolition Pit):

Description: A landfill in Yakima, Washington, integrated with an on-site MRF to sort and recover materials before final disposal.

Development Stage: Acquired in November 2019; experienced operational challenges in 2023 leading to a temporary shutdown. Received air permit approval in March 2024 and aims to reopen by Q3 2024.

Target Market/Condition: For the disposal of non-recyclable C&D, industrial, and manufacturing waste that remains after processing for recovery.

Key Features and Benefits: Vertical integration allows for maximum material recovery even from waste designated for disposal, reducing overall environmental footprint.

Alternative Energy Fuels Production:

Description: Processing recovered materials into alternative energy sources.

Development Stage: Operational.

Target Market/Condition: Industrial energy users and other sectors seeking sustainable fuel alternatives.

Key Features and Benefits: Converts waste into usable energy, contributing to circular economy principles.

Electronic Recycling:

Description: Specialized services for the responsible recycling of electronic waste.

Development Stage: Operational.

Target Market/Condition: Businesses and individuals needing to dispose of electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner.

Key Features and Benefits: Proper handling and recycling of hazardous components, data destruction services.

Organics Processing:

Description: Processing organic waste streams, likely for composting or other beneficial uses.

Development Stage: Operational.

Target Market/Condition: Commercial and industrial entities generating significant organic waste.

Key Features and Benefits: Diverts organics from landfills, reducing methane emissions, and potentially producing soil amendments.

Mattress Recycling Program:

Description: A comprehensive program dedicated to recycling mattresses.

Development Stage: Operational.

Target Market/Condition: Residential and commercial entities needing to ethically dispose of mattresses.

Key Features and Benefits: High recovery rates for components like steel, foam, and wood, preventing bulky items from entering landfills.

Heavy Hauling Services:

Description: Transportation of heavy loads and materials.

Development Stage: Fully operational.

Target Market/Condition: Construction, industrial, and demolition sectors requiring specialized transport for large or heavy items.

Key Features and Benefits: Efficient logistics support for large-scale projects.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

DTG Recycle utilizes a modern technology stack to enhance its operations and achieve sustainability goals. This includes adopting cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure for critical infrastructure and data management. The company also employs digital marketing tools to expand its reach and engage with customers. This indicates a commitment to digital transformation across its business.

Proprietary Developments

A significant proprietary development is the first-of-its-kind Material Recovery Facility (MRF) co-located at its Anderson Landfill in Yakima. This innovation allows for the recovery of tens of thousands of tons of valuable materials annually, including wood, metal, cardboard, drywall, plastic, concrete, asphaltic materials, and carpet, even from waste destined for the landfill.

Scientific Methodologies

DTG Recycle applies advanced sorting and processing methodologies within its MRFs to maximize material recovery. This includes identifying and separating various waste streams efficiently to convert them into new products or alternative energy fuels. The company also employs data-driven approaches exemplified by its driver scoring program to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

Technical Capabilities

DTG Recycle possesses robust technical capabilities, including:

Comprehensive fleet management: Operating over 1,000 roll-off and recycling containers and more than 270 vehicles for diversified collection and transportation.

Advanced sorting technologies: Enabling the separation and recovery of a wide array of materials from mixed waste.

Sustainability reporting: Providing detailed material diversion reports for green building certifications.

Data analytics for safety: Implementing a driver scoring program that has significantly improved driver safety and reduced accidents.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

DTG Recycle's leadership team is pivotal to its strategic direction:

Daniel Guimont:

Position: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Professional Background: Founder of DTG Recycle in 1999.

Notable Achievements: Built DTG Recycle from a single truck operation into a prominent force in the Pacific Northwest waste management industry. Retained an ownership stake after the Macquarie acquisition in 2022.

Key Contributions: Drives strategic growth and market expansion, leveraging extensive industry experience.

Seth Kaulfuss:

Position: Chief Operations Officer (COO) and currently interim CEO (as of December 2025).

Professional Background: Extensive experience in operations management.

Key Contributions: Oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and strategic execution. Plays a critical role in guiding the company during leadership transitions.

Vita Williams:

Position: Vice President of Safety

Key Contributions: Instrumental in developing and implementing safety protocols and programs, such as the driver scoring program, which has enhanced operational safety significantly.

Joe Ellwood:

Position: Operations Supervisor

Key Contributions: Manages operational teams and workflows to ensure smooth and efficient processes at collection and processing facilities.

Kristina Joseph:

Position: Senior Director of Business Development

Key Contributions: Leads initiatives for market expansion and strategic partnerships, identifying new business opportunities and client relationships.

Nicholas Thorgerson:

Position: Sr. Manager of Transportation

Key Contributions: Manages DTG Recycle's vast fleet and logistics, ensuring efficient and timely collection and transportation of materials.

Recent Leadership Changes

DTG Recycle has experienced several significant leadership changes:

In August 2023, Tom Vaughn stepped down as CEO.

Jordan Reber succeeded Vaughn as CEO in May 2024. Reber brought experience from leadership roles in heavy equipment and machinery leasing and strategic acquisitions. He departed the role after approximately one and a half years.

Seth Kaulfuss, previously the COO, was appointed interim CEO in December 2025 following Reber's departure.

DTG founder Dan Guimont temporarily served as Chief Operating Officer after Vaughn's departure before exiting the COO role earlier in 2024.

These changes reflect a dynamic period for leadership, aiming to ensure the company's strategic vision and operational continuity.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

DTG Recycle is a growing company committed to expanding its workforce in the environmental services sector. At the time of the Macquarie acquisition in December 2022, the company employed over 500 individuals. Other estimates indicate an employee count of 154 with 17% growth in the past year, or 375 employees with a revenue per employee of $136,000. The company actively recruits for essential operational roles such as:

Sorter

Laborer

Heavy Equipment Operator

Various Driver positions (Hook Truck, Chain Truck Driver)

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

Several indicators point to DTG Recycle's strong growth trajectory:

Strategic acquisitions: The acquisitions of Clayton-Ward Co., KT Recycling & Container, and United Recycling demonstrate an aggressive growth strategy and expansion of market share.

Infrastructure expansion: The operation of 12 MRFs and the acquisition and planned reopening of the Anderson Landfill underscore significant investment in operational capacity.

Financial backing: The acquisition by Macquarie Asset Management provides substantial capital for accelerated growth and expansion into new geographies.

Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights

The company emphasizes a strong work ethic, prioritizing safety and sustainability. DTG Recycle offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, including:

Competitive wages

Employer-paid medical plans

Dental/vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Opportunities for career advancement

These benefits suggest a commitment to employee well-being and fostering a culture that supports long-term career development within the company.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

DTG Recycle maintains an active social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Brand Messaging and Positioning

The company's messaging consistently highlights its dedication to environmental sustainability, community improvement, and providing first-class recycling and waste management services. This reinforces its "Customer Focused, Planet Obsessed" approach.

Community Engagement Strategies

DTG Recycle actively engages with the community through strategic partnerships. A notable example is its role as the proud recycling partner for Lumen Field. In this capacity, the company handles recycling and compost for the venue and collaborates on fan education initiatives with Sustainability Ambassadors.

Thought Leadership Initiatives

While specific thought leadership campaigns are not detailed, DTG Recycle's active participation in industry recognition, such as receiving the "Recycler of the Year" award, and its focus on developing innovative waste management solutions, positions it as a leader in sustainable practices.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

DTG Recycle has received significant industry recognition, highlighting its leadership and commitment to excellence in the recycling sector:

2020 Recycler of the Year: Awarded by the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA). This accolade recognized DTG Recycle for its outstanding achievements in:

Advancing business operations.

Developing innovative marketing methods.

Improving employer-employee relations.

Ensuring safer operations.

Protecting the environment.

Developing industry standards.

This award underscores DTG Recycle's comprehensive excellence across various facets of its business.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

DTG Recycle operates in a competitive waste management and recycling landscape. Key rivals include companies with diverse offerings and regional strengths:

JJ's Waste & Recycling: An international company with a broad range of waste management services.

Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS): A prominent waste diversion, recycling, and portable services company, particularly strong in the Midwest.

Putman: Another player in regional waste management services.

Oxford Recycling: Specializes in recycling and waste solutions, often focusing on specific material types or regions.

Other identified competitors include Concrete Pumping Holdings, Revolution Recovery, Sun Services, Lautenbach, Greener Disposal, and Waste Control Recycling. While large entities like Waste Management also operate C&D waste transfer facilities in Washington, DTG Recycle distinguishes itself by holding a significant position as the largest C&D commercial recycler in the Pacific Northwest, with a specific focus on construction, demolition, industrial, and manufacturing waste.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The market for waste management and recycling is substantial, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. The U.S. generated approximately 600 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) debris in 2018, a figure twice the amount of municipal solid waste, indicating a vast addressable market for DTG Recycle's core services.

Growth Potential

The growth potential in this market is significant, fueled by:

Increasing emphasis on sustainability: Businesses and governments are prioritizing waste diversion and recycling initiatives.

Reduced landfill reliance: A societal desire to decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Green building certifications: The growing trend towards certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Green Star drives demand for services like material diversion reporting, which DTG Recycle provides.

Key Market Trends

Vertical integration: Companies like DTG Recycle are integrating collection, processing, and manufacturing to control the entire waste lifecycle.

Advanced material recovery: Continuous innovation in sorting and processing technologies to extract more value from waste streams.

Circular economy principles: A shift towards designing waste out of the system and keeping materials in use for longer.

Data-driven waste management: Utilization of technology for efficient logistics, tracking, and reporting.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

Regulatory complexities: Navigating diverse and evolving environmental regulations across different jurisdictions.

Commodity price volatility: Fluctuations in the value of recovered materials can impact profitability.

Competition: Operating in a market with established players and new entrants.

Opportunities:

Technological advancements: Further integration of AI, automation, and IoT for enhanced sorting and operational efficiency.

Expansion into new geographies: Leveraging existing expertise to enter adjacent markets.

Development of new end products: Innovating to create higher-value products from recycled materials, opening new revenue streams.

Strategic acquisitions: Consolidating market share and expanding capabilities through targeted acquisitions.

11. Strategic Partnerships

DTG Recycle has formed significant strategic partnerships that enhance its market position and service offerings:

Macquarie Asset Management (MAM):

Nature of Partnership: In December 2022, a fund managed by MAM acquired DTG Recycle.

Strategic Benefits: This acquisition provides DTG Recycle with substantial capital and strategic support to accelerate its growth trajectory, expand its operations, and potentially move into new geographies. It solidifies DTG's leadership as Washington State's largest privately held vertically integrated non-MSW recycling business.

Collaborative Achievements: The partnership is set to fuel DTG Recycle's continued expansion and innovation in sustainable waste management.

Lumen Field:

Nature of Partnership: DTG Recycle serves as the official recycling partner for Lumen Field.

Strategic Benefits: This partnership showcases DTG Recycle's commitment to large-scale event sustainability and community engagement. It enhances the company's brand visibility and demonstrates its capability to manage complex waste streams for high-profile venues.

Collaborative Achievements: DTG Recycle manages traditional recycling and compost for Lumen Field and collaborates with Sustainability Ambassadors on fan education and other sustainability