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.
As our nation continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the men and women at companies like these are on the front lines, continuing to drive their daily routes and keeping our communities safe and clean. Their work is the linchpin to safeguarding the public health and we thank them, now more than ever, for providing this essential service to our society.
Western Elite, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, provides waste and recycling collection services across Southern Nevada’s communities including Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. A first-generation hauler, the company boasts a fleet of approximately 100 trucks and almost 300 employees. They have been working with Rubicon since 2015.
Western Elite’s Vice President, Scott Seastrand, 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 Western Elite’s own company mission?
Western Elite: Finding positive solutions for Southern Nevada’s waste disposal needs is what Western Elite is all about. Waste materials removed using Western Elite’s services are taken to one of our two sites that have materials recovery facilities (MRFs) to divert the recyclable material from the total collected waste, significantly decreasing the volume of waste that ends up at the solid waste landfill. Western Elite is also the largest construction and demolition (C&D) recycler in the state, diverting more than 165,000 tons of C&D material from landfills in 2019.
Also, in 2019 Western Elite partnered with the City of Las Vegas to launch the recycling of biosolid materials, as a first for the city. In recycling biosolid materials and creating organic compost for agricultural and landscaping purposes, Western Elite is eliminating and diverting landfill waste while simultaneously creating a resource to help build environmental sustainability. Western Elite uses food waste for composting and even has a program to use recycled food scraps to raise pigs.
How does Western Elite distinguish itself from the competition?
Western Elite: Our company prides itself on having great customer service—we call it the “Blue Box Guarantee.” This includes the company’s promise of not only exceptional service, but also that equipment will be clean and well-maintained upon arrival. Western Elite is also the only dumpster rental service in Southern Nevada that provides a four-hour guarantee for service.
What is the view of Western Elite when it comes to participating in the circular economy and helping build a more sustainable future?
Western Elite: Recycling is incredibly important to us and our company is doing its part to divert recyclable material from ending up in landfills. Western Elite’s innovative approach (from the biosolids program and the amount of C&D materials being diverted from the waste stream to taking food scraps and feeding animals) shows our dedication to making an impact in our community. We believe that the right thing to do is support green initiatives, educate the importance of sustainability, and help the community do its part to keep our planet green.
In addition, in late October and early November, we are planning to educate younger generations about the importance of recycling and protecting our environment. We are holding a “Recyclable Art Contest” with Las Vegas-based JT McWilliams Elementary School fourth-graders, with the winning class receiving a $500 classroom grant, and gift cards going to the top three artists. They will use home recyclable materials to create art, and we will be virtually speaking to each class about the importance of recycling
What do you love most about the community in which you work, and the customers you serve?
Western Elite: Southern Nevada is a large and sprawling area, but it doesn’t feel like it. Las Vegas and all the surrounding cities have a strong community presence and that is something Western Elite is proud to be a part of. We really strive to go above and beyond for our customers to show how appreciative we are to have their business. In addition, we like to “give back” to the community through our annual, free Christmas Express event at our landfill site and grounds in Lincoln County. This event has attracted thousands each year, and we have held special nights for Veterans and first responders. The event involved a train ride with Santa, free food, and other holiday festivities. Our company has been holding this event for 10 years, and our volunteers love to give back to local families this way.
Where does Western Elite see itself five years from now?
Western Elite: In five years Western Elite will have opened a new facility in the city of Henderson, bringing our total number of facilities to three. We also look forward to being able to continue working with the city of Las Vegas to expand our biosolids waste recycling program. Western Elite plans to extend our reach with sustainability initiatives and doing our part to support Southern Nevada’s communities.
Chris Watts is Sr. Director of Innovation and Hauler Relations 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.
