Republic Services reports gains for Q3

Republic Services Inc. reported increased revenue for both the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30.

The Phoenix-based firm reported third-quarter revenue of $4.21 billion, up from $4.07 billion in the same period of 2024. For the year to date, Republic Services reported revenue of $12.4 billion, up from $11.9 billion in the same period in 2024.

Both operating and net income decreased slightly in the third quarter to $836 million and $550 million, respectively, compared with $846 million and $566 million in 2024. However, for the nine months, both figures increased to $2.5 billion and $1.59 billion, respectively, compared with $2.39 billion and $1.53 billion in the same period from 2024.

“We delivered strong third quarter results which highlight the consistency of our business model, disciplined operational execution and power of our portfolio,” CEO John Vander Ark said during the company’s earnings call Oct. 30. “Even with persistent headwinds in construction and manufacturing and markets, we generate solid earnings growth and margin expansion. Continued investment in our differentiated capabilities positions us well to drive sustainable growth and enhance long-term shareholder value.”

Vander Ark added that the firm’s customer retention rate was 94 percent and it saw continued improvement in its net promoter score. Organic revenue growth was driven by strong pricing across the business during the third quarter.

The company also has invested more than $1 billion in strategic acquisitions and will continue to pursue small and midsized deals into the fourth quarter and 2026. Republic Services recently acquired Tri-County Disposal and landfill Sept. 1, which serves the Jefferson, Broadwater and Lewis & Clark counties in Montana.

“Our acquisition pipeline remains supportive of continued activity in both the recycling and waste and waste and environmental solutions businesses,” Vander Ark said.

Republic Services began commercial production at its Indianapolis polymer center in July. Vander Ark said the operation is colocated with a Blue Polymers production facility and the firm expects commercial production to begin late in the fourth quarter. The firm also is advancing renewable natural gas (RNG) projects with its partners with one new project coming online in the third quarter, bringing the total to six RNG projects for the year.

Vander Ark added that the firm continues to electrify its fleet with 137 electric collection vehicles in operation at the end of the third quarter. The firm expects to have more than 150 electric vehicles (EV) in its fleet by the end of the year and currently has 32 facilities with commercial-scale EV charging infrastructure.

“This infrastructure investment will support continued growth of this differentiated service offering,” Vander Ark said. “As part of our approach to sustainability, we strive to be the employer where the best people want to work. We continue to have high employee engagement scores, and our turnover rate continues to trend lower compared to the prior year.”