Oakleaf forms Zero Waste Team

Oakleaf has announced the formation of the Zero Waste Team, the nation’s first organization focused on creating national strategies to help industries build workable zero waste-to-landfill solutions. Led by Stephen Caruso, senior vice president of vendor relations and procurement at Oakleaf, the Zero Waste Team will work with businesses to create a solution that is right for their company and their industry.

Oakleaf recognizes that all waste stream solutions must be operationally and economically feasible, and the Zero Waste Team will design programs over existing and emerging infrastructure with a goal of zero waste to landfill. The confluence of Oakleaf waste, recycling and sustainability expertise with vendors providing services including recycling, composting, and even food donation provides the critical mass needed to realize zero waste goals.

Oakleaf has brought together experts in diversion, recycling and science from its leadership in East Hartford, Connecticut with subsidiaries IEM and WasteLess Environmental Services to provide the appropriate mix of experience and service needed by their clients. The Zero Waste Team operates nationwide under the leadership of Caruso, who brings 25 years of experience in waste recycling and related industries. Team members include Peter Klaich, vice president of sustainability and waste reduction, IEM; David Servies, director of resource management at Oakleaf; Dave Roberts, business development manager for WasteLess Environmental Services; and Steven Fass, director of resource management at Oakleaf. Klaich brings to the group exceptional expertise and leadership in organic diversion and the commercialization of biodegradable products. He is currently a board member of the U.S. Composting Council. Servies is a sustainability expert who developed novel organic waste processes to divert grocery organic waste from landfills for one of the world’s largest retailers. Roberts has worked in many aspects of organic recovery initiatives, grass roots development and all facets of collection and compost processing. Fass has more than 20 years experience in multidisciplinary environmental management programs.