Casella Targets 26% EBITDA Margin, Abandons Granite State Landfill

Casella Waste Systems launches its "300 in 3" profitability program and drops a proposed New Hampshire landfill project as third-quarter revenue rises 15.2%.

MONTREAL (RecyclingMonster): Casella Waste Systems has introduced a three-year profitability improvement program targeting an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 26% by the end of 2029. The company also confirmed that it is abandoning its proposed Granite State Landfill project in Dalton, New Hampshire.

Named "300 in 3," the initiative aims to improve margins by at least 300 basis points through operational efficiencies, pricing adjustments, administrative savings and business optimization, according to CEO Ned Coletta.

Casella Targets $15 Million in Administrative Savings

The company plans to generate $15 million in general and administrative savings through organizational restructuring, artificial intelligence, process automation and other efficiency measures.

Recent actions include workforce reductions, revised fuel surcharges, standardized service charges and a review of underperforming business units.

Casella's target follows pressure from activist investor Jana Partners, which previously called for a 27% adjusted EBITDA margin by 2029.

Granite State Landfill Project Abandoned

Casella discontinued its proposed Dalton landfill following unsuccessful permitting litigation, legislative changes and local political opposition.

The decision resulted in a $13.6 million write-off of project development costs. The company also expects its North Country landfill in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, to stop accepting waste on December 31, 2026.

Q3 Revenue Rises 15.2%, Despite Net Loss

Casella reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $559.2 million, up 15.2% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.4% to $133.5 million.

However, the company posted a $7 million net loss, compared with net income of $10 million a year earlier, partly reflecting the landfill project write-off and other expenses.

Casella raised its full-year revenue forecast to $2.10 billion–$2.11 billion, while revising its earnings outlook to a projected net loss of $4 million–$10 million.