Welcome to the Haul of Fame, a weekly series from Rubicon in which we sit down with a hauler partner to talk about their company, their community, and how they’re collaborating with Rubicon in our mission to end waste.
Atlas Organics, Inc., based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been hauling organic waste and converting it into compost since 2015. With more than 20 employees and six hauling vehicles, Atlas Organics has grown to serve areas of South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Atlas Organics was formed with the foundational values of promoting sustainable agriculture and landscaping through smarter waste management of food, and keeping food waste out of landfills. Since 2017, Atlas Organics has been collaborating with Rubicon as a sustainable solutions hauler partner for commercial and residential customers interested in composting solutions.
Joseph McMillin, CEO of Atlas Organics, Inc., sat down with Rubicon to talk about his company and mission for the Haul of Fame.
How does Rubicon’s mission to end waste match-up to Atlas Organics’ own company mission?
Atlas Organics: Through our own research and data, we know that approximately 34 percent of the waste stream today is food waste. That’s a lot of waste, and something that we as a society can be much better about keeping out of landfills. We must act now if we want to leave the planet in better condition for our children and our children’s children. Our philosophy mirrors exactly what Rubicon is trying to do, and we could not be more proud to partner with Rubicon.
How does Atlas Organics distinguish itself from the competition?
Atlas Organics: We offer instant cart swap so there is no loss of service at all, we provide impact reporting back to the customer, we clean and service all the bins, and then we have in-house composting. So we are an end-to-end solution, and we think that is a big difference maker for us.
What is the view of Atlas Organics when it comes to participating in the circular economy and helping build a more sustainable future?
Atlas Organics: Atlas Organics is all about a circular economy train of thought, about how what we grow and use can be recycled back into the earth, and in essence trying to end waste. It’s where we think we can make the biggest impact.
What do you love most about the community in which you work, and the customers you serve?
Atlas Organics: It is really no surprise that our founders and employees are all based in the Spartanburg area, so we have a passion for this area of the country. As we have started to service other states and parts of the country, we are seeing companies and customers get excited about composting. With more and more education, this movement is going to continue to grow.
What is one of the oddest items that Atlas Organics has composted?
Atlas Organics: We would not say odd in our line of work, because food is food after all—but that said, just last week, we composted 30 tons of egg shells. Try to imagine what 30 tons of eggshells looks like? We composted it all.
Where does Atlas Organics see itself five years from now?
Atlas Organics: Five years from now, I think Atlas Organics is working in even more markets and communities and building out a sustainable structure to promote the great impact we can have on our community, on our business, and on the planet overall. We see ourselves in partnerships across our industry and into other spheres of influence which we think will be vital for creating true change. Yes, we are a for-profit business—but that’s secondary to why we get up in the morning. Our collective work as a company, and with our great customers, is helping the planet, and that is a huge reward for us every single day.
Lori Sullivan is Vice President of Hauler Operations at Rubicon. To stay ahead of Rubicon’s announcements of new partnerships and collaborations around the world, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or contact us today.
