Summerfest Business Alliance Member Spotlight
1.) Tell Us Your Story!
With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics, and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions. The company, previously known as Waste Management, was founded over sixty years ago and became the world’s largest waste disposal company in 1982. Now WM is embarking on an ambitious next chapter, focused on reinventing what’s possible for communities, companies, and society to be more sustainable. The company is setting a bold sustainable vision for the future: one where material is repurposed, energy is renewable, and communities are thriving.
2.) Tell us about your organization’s accomplishments and what you’re most proud of as an employer in Wisconsin.
As one of the state’s largest providers of comprehensive waste management services, we are proud to provide collection, recycling, and disposal services to more than 750,000 customers in Wisconsin. WM has become North America’s most trusted post-consumer recycling leader and the largest residential recycling service provider in Wisconsin, with six recycling facilities in the state.
Last year, WM also made its largest investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks and fueling infrastructure to transform our fleet in Wisconsin. We transitioned 40+ trucks from diesel to renewable natural gas (RNG)-powered vehicles – more than doubling the number of CNG trucks serving communities across the state and reducing emissions.
3.) What does the future hold for your organization?
For decades WM has played an integral role in keeping communities clean, safe, and functioning. And now, through our bold sustainability vision, we’re amplifying what’s possible for recycling and decarbonization in communities across the county. We’re also investing in environmental justice, education, and stewardship, and striving to co-create a more sustainable tomorrow.
To achieve these ambitions: We’re evolving waste and recycling solutions to expand the reuse of materials, giving new life to things we no longer use, and lessening our collective footprint. We’re making landmark investments in innovative technologies that turn waste into new forms of energy, which can be used to power our trucks and your homes. And we’re empowering the communities where we live and work with knowledge and resources so they can thrive within clean, resilient environments.
4.) Why is it important to your organization to support Summerfest through the Summerfest Business Alliance and what are some of the unique ways in which you distribute/use your Summerfest tickets?
Summerfest is a cornerstone of Milwaukee celebrations and the event that has long brought people together for an unforgettable music experience. WM is proud to support the festival through the Summerfest Business Alliance by providing waste management and sustainability solutions that help ensure attendees can enjoy the event in a clean and safe environment.
5.) What else would you like to share about your experience with Summerfest and the Summerfest Business Alliance?
WM is excited to continue to be a part of the Summerfest Business Alliance and contribute to what is a fantastic annual event that positively impacts the community! As North America’s largest provider of sustainability and environmental solutions, WM has enabled sustainability progress for businesses and cities across the country for decades. Learn more at: sustainability.wm.com.