Company Overview
Stericycle, Inc., established in 1989, is a prominent compliance company with a focus on regulated medical waste disposal, information destruction, and compliance services. Acquired by Waste Management for $7.2 billion in November 2024, Stericycle operates as a subsidiary and is headquartered in Bannockburn, Illinois. The company employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide, with operations in the United States, Canada, and several European nations.
Key Executives
- Cindy J. Miller - President and CEO since May 2019, Cindy J. Miller has been pivotal in leading the company, particularly through its acquisition by Waste Management. She was recognized with the Gold Stevie® Award for Women in Business in 2023 and listed as one of the most influential women executives by WomenInc.
- Janet H. Zelenka - Serving as Executive Vice President, CFO, and CIO, Janet Zelenka has been key in financial oversight and technological integration, continuing to drive strategic financial and technological initiatives. She earned the 2023 Bronze Stevie for Technology Executive of the Year.
- Daniel V. Ginnetti - Formerly CFO, now Executive Vice President of International Operations, Ginnetti has overseen Stericycle’s growth outside the U.S., aligning with global strategic goals.
Business Services
Stericycle delivers a robust portfolio of services targeting the healthcare sector and other compliance-focused industries:
1. Regulated Medical Waste Management: Managing the transportation, treatment, and disposal of medical waste, ensuring compliance and risk minimization for healthcare providers.
2. Sharps Management: Providing safe and eco-friendly sharps disposal services using both reusable and disposable containers.
3. Pharmaceutical and Hazardous Waste Disposal: Specialized disposal services focusing on environmental compliance and sustainability.
4. Information Destruction Services: Through Shred-it, secure destruction of documents and hard drives to protect sensitive data.
5. Compliance Solutions: Offering training and resources to help organizations navigate OSHA and HIPAA regulations.
Strategic Initiatives and Achievements
- Sustainability: In 2023, the company diverted 101 million pounds of plastic from landfills through container reuse programs and innovative waste solutions.
- Awards and Recognitions: Named one of America's Best Midsize Companies by TIME and Statista and one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and Mental Wellbeing by Newsweek in 2024.
- Community Involvement: Active participation in the National Safety Council's opioid disposal program and implementing employee hardship funds for crisis support.
Recent Developments
In 2024, Stericycle launched a cutting-edge Medical Waste Incineration Facility in Nevada, highlighting its commitment to developing waste management technologies. It has also resolved past environmental compliance issues, settling a $9.5 million EPA case in January 2025. Focused on strategic expansion and compliance, Stericycle continues to enhance its services and increase its market presence.
Competitive Landscape
Stericycle operates in a competitive market landscape with several significant competitors in waste management and environmental services.
- Waste Management, Inc. (WM): Headquartered in Houston, Texas, WM is North America's leading provider of environmental services, specializing in waste collection, transportation, and recycling with a workforce of 61,700. CEO James C. Fish Jr. leads the company with a total compensation of USD 4.27 million.
- Republic Services, Inc. (RSG): Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Republic Services offers comprehensive waste management and employs over 42,000 people. CEO Jon Vander Ark's compensation is USD 3.97 million, and the company boasts a significant market share.
- Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN): Operating in Texas, Waste Connections provides non-hazardous waste collection and recycling services with approximately 23,854 employees. CEO Ronald J. Mittelstaedt leads with a compensation of USD 3.02 million.
- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST): Located in Rutland, Vermont, Casella offers solid waste management and employs about 5,100 individuals, led by CEO John W. Casella with compensation of USD 1.42 million.
- Cantel Medical (Part of STERIS): Specializing in infection prevention, Cantel Medical is part of STERIS and provides services in endoscopy and water purification systems, targeting similar healthcare-related markets as Stericycle.
Stericycle faces competition from companies with expansive operations in waste management. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for strategizing and positioning Stericycle’s services within the industry.
