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.
Pete & Pete Container Service, Inc., based out of Cleveland, Ohio, has been servicing residents, contractors, institutions, and businesses in the surrounding Cuyahoga County area since 1996.
With more than 40 trucks, 4,000 dumpsters, and over 80 employees, Pete & Pete provides waste and recycling hauling services through roll-off, front load container, and dump truck options. The company prides itself on helping its customers haul away and dispose of not only general trash, but construction debris, concrete, organics, cardboard, metal, and recycling. The employees at Pete & Pete always look for the most sustainable solution and destination for each load, looking to divert as much waste as possible into the recycling stream.
Pete & Pete has been working with Rubicon since 2014 through its network of independent hauler relationships. Pete Ristagno Jr., co-owner of Pete & Pete, 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 Pete & Pete’s own company mission?
Pete & Pete: We have been thrilled to partner with Rubicon, as we know that they put sustainability and their mission to end waste at the forefront of everything they do. In business, companies want to partner with other like-minded companies, and that’s why Rubicon and Pete & Pete work so well together. We want to divert as much waste as possible away from landfills and into recycling streams. It’s all about ending waste and being as proactive as possible.
How does Pete & Pete distinguish itself from the competition?
Pete & Pete: In our business, customer service is priority number one. We offer same day service and dispatch to all of our customers, have live personnel to answer all questions at any time, offer great service for a great price, and we don’t make false promises. Our reputation is everything and we are proud of our company, our employees, and the ethics that we follow.
What is the view of Pete & Pete when it comes to participating in the circular economy and helping build a more sustainable future?
Pete & Pete: With each load that we haul away we work to see how much of it can be diverted away from landfill and into recycling streams. With help from our sister company “Boyas Recycling,” we have the capability to hand-pick, hand-sort, or use machines and plants to sort and separate recyclables. Last year we recycled more than four million pounds of cardboard, 25,000 tons of clean fill, 35,000 tons of concrete, 7,000 yards of organics, and over 20,000 yards of metal. We also have on-site concrete crushers, topsoil plants, and organics recycling so we can protect valuable products and avoid direct burial into our landfill. This helps us focus on converting waste to valuable commodities.
What do you love most about the community in which you work, and the customers you serve?
Pete & Pete: I love the city of Cleveland, we have the best sports teams, the most loyal fans, and great restaurants. I was born in Cleveland and this is where I plan to stay! I know both the struggles and the strengths of this area. To be able to build a business with my father, provide for my family, offer employment to more than 80 people in the town, and have a business that actually helps the planet—I couldn’t ask for more than that.
Has China’s temporary ban on imported plastics caused you to readjust your business in any way?
Pete & Pete: We have not altered our business plan in any way, but as far as dollars to offset expenses, we have noticed a definite decline in recycling commodities. Hopefully in the coming months they all rebound.
Where does Pete & Pete see itself five years from now?
Pete & Pete: I think the sky’s the limit when it comes to Pete & Pete. We are only 23 years in, and I think we have only scratched the surface on all the great sustainability offerings we will be able to make to our community. We of course would like to continue to grow our partnership with Rubicon and add more business services and offerings. More and more of our customers want to be socially conscious about sustainability. They know there will be trash and waste, but they are willing to associate themselves with a great company like ours because they know we are going to do the best job possible in moving as much away from landfills and into recycling streams as possible.
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.
