Raleigh, North Carolina, names director of Solid Waste Services

The city of Raleigh, North Carolina, has named Shikha Gupta director of its Solid Waste Services Department. Gupta will lead the department, which collects and disposes of Raleigh’s garbage, recycling and yard waste, effective Jan. 5.

“I’m excited to welcome Shikha to the city of Raleigh to lead our Solid Waste Services Department,” City Manager Marchell Adams-David says. “Solid Waste delivers critical services to the community, and her deep industry knowledge will be a tremendous asset to the department and the community.”

Across a 19-year career, Gupta has overseen citywide operations in Arizona and California, including residential, commercial and municipal garbage and recycling collection; processing and landfill operations; and the advancement of zero-waste and resource-recovery initiatives. Most recently, Gupta served as the Solid Waste Programs Division manager for the city of Sunnyvale, California.

She holds dual master’s degrees, is a Certified Public Manager and was a Project Management Professional and Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian. She is an active member of the Solid Waste Association of North America, International City/County Management Association and California Resource Recovery Association. Gupta also has held leadership roles within the environmental health community.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of Solid Waste Services director for the city of Raleigh,” Gupta says. “I look forward to supporting Raleigh’s growth with efficient, transparent and community-focused services—while advancing sustainability, zero-waste efforts and innovative strategies that reinforce Raleigh’s position as a leader in responsible and resilient solid waste management.”