Four Republic Services Employees Named Industry's Best at 2026 National Waste & Recycling Association's Awards Gala

Republic Services (NYSE:RSG) announced that four employees were honored as the industry's best at the 2026 National Waste & Recycling Association Awards Gala.

Rhea-AI Summary

Republic Services (NYSE:RSG) announced that four employees were honored as the industry's best at the 2026 National Waste & Recycling Association Awards Gala. They received top national awards for technician, operator and driver roles, recognizing long-term service, exceptional safety records and contributions to the waste and recycling industry.

Argus Jun 15 session

-0.87% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – RSG

In the Jun 15 session, RSG declined 0.87%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights industry recognition for four long-tenured Republic Services employees,...

Analysis

This announcement highlights industry recognition for four long-tenured Republic Services employees, emphasizing safety performance and operational excellence dating back to at least 2006. It reinforces the company’s focus on frontline execution rather than introducing new financial data. In context of recent earnings and RNG and recycling initiatives, this news adds to a narrative of steady operations. Investors may watch how such cultural and safety strengths support future efficiency, customer relationships and risk management metrics.

Key Figures

Employees honored: 4 employees Awards gala date: June 10, 2026 Ponce years of service: 31 years +5 more

Employees honored

4 employees

Recognized as industry's best at 2026 NWRA Awards Gala

Awards gala date

June 10, 2026

NWRA Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.

Ponce years of service

31 years

Roll-off driver supporting Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport operations

Carrera industry tenure

27 years

Experience in recycling and waste industry advancing to residential driver

Gallegos tenure

33 years

Heavy equipment operator supporting landfill and transfer station operations

Bombei industry experience

38 years

Supports preventative maintenance and emergency repairs in Iowa facilities

Marriage duration

37 years

Years Dave Bombei has been married, noted in personal background

Recognition history since

2006

Republic employees consistently earning NWRA recognition since this year

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jun 03

5 events

1. Jun 03

   RNG delivery milestone

   24h Move

   +1.3%

   Partner reported first ISCC-certified RNG delivery from a Republic landfill.

2. May 07

   Q1 2026 earnings

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Reported solid Q1 net income, EBITDA and shareholder returns.

3. Apr 22

   Electric fleet launch

   24h Move

   -0.1%

   Launched California's first fully electric residential collection fleet.

4. Apr 08

   Recycling center expansion

   24h Move

   -1.8%

   Opened modernized Peabody Recycling Center with higher automated capacity.

5. Apr 01

   Earnings date set

   24h Move

   +1.1%

   Announced Q1 2026 earnings release date and conference call details.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

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National Waste & Recycling Association recognized two company drivers, an operator and a technician for outstanding safety, performance and service

PHOENIX, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Four employees of Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) subsidiaries were recognized by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) as the industry's best during the NWRA's 2026 Annual Awards Gala on June 10 in Washington, D.C. They were honored for their outstanding performance records and contributions that enhanced overall safety and strengthened the image of the waste and recycling industry.

Dave Bombei of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was named the NWRA Technician of the Year; Ausencio Carrera of Houston, Texas, was named the NWRA National Safety-Sensitive Driver of the Year; Kenny Gallegos of Phoenix, Arizona, was named the NWRA Operator of the Year; and Donato "Tito" Ponce, also of Phoenix, Arizona, was named the NWRA National Roll-Off Driver of the Year.

In honor of their NWRA recognition, Republic Services leaders presented Carrera and Ponce with keys to new company trucks personalized with their names and 2026 NWRA honors displayed on the side. Bombei also received a new maintenance truck, along with customized tools recognizing his achievement. Gallegos, a heavy equipment operator who recently retired after 33 years with the company, was recognized at his local site alongside peers to mark his achievement.

"Our frontline employees bring technical expertise and a safety mindset to their work every day," said Jon Vander Ark, president and chief executive officer. "Tito, Kenny, Ausencio and Dave represent the best-of-the-best of our team, and we congratulate them on their well-deserved recognition and unwavering commitment to safety." 

The NWRA Driver and Operator of the Year awards recognize member drivers, heavy equipment operators and technicians who work safely and responsibly, maintain outstanding performance records and enhance the safety and public image of the recycling and waste industry.

Since 2006, Republic Services employees have consistently earned recognition across multiple NWRA award categories, highlighting the company's commitment to safety and operational excellence.

2026 Driver of the Year – Roll-Off: Donato "Tito" Ponce
Tito Ponce is a roll-off driver with more than 31 years of service, primarily supporting operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He has maintained an exceptional safety record with no preventable incidents or injuries in one of the most complex, high-security operating environments in the country. Ponce is a trusted resource for colleagues and is actively involved in his community.

2026 Driver of the Year – Safety-Sensitive: Ausencio Carrera
With 27 years in the recycling and waste industry, Ausencio Carrera began his career as a helper and advanced through multiple roles to become a residential driver in Houston. His dedication and reliability, combined with deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience, have earned him lasting relationships with both customers and coworkers. Carrera takes pride in his work, supports his team and enjoys time with his family outside of work.

2026 Operator of the Year: Kenny Gallegos
Kenny Gallegos dedicated 33 years to Republic Services, supporting landfill and transfer station operations across Arizona as a heavy equipment operator. Known for his reliability, he consistently supported site operations, emergency response efforts and team training. He was a trusted resource for both teammates and leadership, taking pride in maintaining safe, well-run sites and fostering a strong team culture. Since retiring in May, Kenny is enjoying more time with his family.

2026 Technician of the Year: Dave Bombei
With more than 38-years in the industry, Dave Bombei supports preventative maintenance and emergency repair operations across multiple recycling facilities in Iowa. Throughout his career, he has maintained an exceptional safety record with no preventable incidents or injuries. His commitment to safety, team development and customer support has made him a trusted resource for colleagues. Outside of work, Dave values time with his wife of 37 years, his children and grandchildren, and enjoys spending time outdoors.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic's industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. For more information, please visit RepublicServices.com.

Republic Services Media Relations
Media@RepublicServices.com
(480) 757-9770

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Which Republic Services (NYSE:RSG) employees won 2026 NWRA national awards?

Four Republic Services employees received 2026 NWRA national honors: Donato “Tito” Ponce, Ausencio Carrera, Kenny Gallegos and Dave Bombei. According to Republic Services, they were recognized as Roll-Off Driver of the Year, National Safety-Sensitive Driver, Operator of the Year and Technician of the Year.

What is the significance of the 2026 NWRA awards for Republic Services (NYSE:RSG)?

The 2026 NWRA awards highlight Republic Services employees as top performers in safety and operations nationwide. According to Republic Services, its workforce has earned NWRA recognition across multiple categories since 2006, underscoring an ongoing focus on safety, reliability and operational excellence in waste and recycling.

How was Republic Services driver Donato "Tito" Ponce recognized by NWRA in 2026?

Donato “Tito” Ponce was named 2026 NWRA Driver of the Year – Roll-Off. According to Republic Services, he has over 31 years of service, supports Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport operations and has maintained an exceptional safety record with no preventable incidents or injuries.

Why did NWRA honor Republic Services technician Dave Bombei in 2026?

Dave Bombei received the 2026 NWRA Technician of the Year award for safety and reliability. According to Republic Services, he has more than 38 years in the industry, supports preventive maintenance and emergency repairs in Iowa facilities, and has no preventable incidents or injuries.

How were the 2026 NWRA award winners from Republic Services celebrated by the company?

Republic Services marked the NWRA honors with personalized recognition for each employee. According to Republic Services, Carrera and Ponce received new trucks with custom graphics, Bombei received a new maintenance truck and tools, and Gallegos was celebrated locally following his retirement after 33 years.