Littlejohn & Co.-Backed Interstate Waste Services Forms Platform via Merger of Action Environmental and Apex Environmental

Littlejohn & Co. and Ares Recapitalize Interstate Waste Services

October 25, 2023

Industrial Services

Littlejohn & Co. and funds managed by Ares have completed a recapitalization of Interstate Waste Services (IWS), with Ares acquiring a significant equity stake and IWS completing a debt recapitalization led by a JP Morgan arranger group. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, IWS operates ~650 collection vehicles and nearly 30 facilities with more than 1,900 employees; the transaction positions the company to accelerate organic and inorganic growth across the greater New York City and New Jersey markets.

Interstate Waste Services Acquires Oak Ridge Waste & Recycling

February 12, 2024

Environmental Services

Interstate Waste Services, a PE-backed waste-by-rail operator, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Oak Ridge Waste & Recycling, expanding IWS's collection, transfer and recycling footprint into Southwestern Connecticut and suburban New York. The deal (expected to close by end of Q1 2024) follows an equity recapitalization of IWS led by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management and Littlejohn & Co., and will add Oak Ridge's transfer, MRF and rail-served disposal capabilities and ~27,000 customer locations to IWS's platform.

Action Carting / Interstate Waste Services Acquires Multiple NYC Waste Operators

November 13, 2025

Environmental Services

Action Carting Environmental Services, a subsidiary of Interstate Waste Services, announced the acquisition and asset purchases of several New York City waste and recycling operators — Diverse Recycling Solutions, Full Circle Recycling Services, and select assets of Evergreen Waste Corp. and City Waste Services — to strengthen its capabilities ahead of the city’s Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) rollout. All acquired operations will be integrated under the Action brand to expand service capacity and preserve long-standing neighborhood operators.

Interstate Waste Services Acquires North Atlantic Waste & Recycling

September 22, 2025

Environmental Services

Interstate Waste Services, Inc. (IWS) has acquired North Atlantic Waste & Recycling (formerly Country Disposal), a family-owned waste and recycling hauler serving central and southern Connecticut. The deal expands IWS's footprint in Connecticut and adds North Atlantic's team, fleet and service contracts to IWS's regional operations.

Interstate Waste Services Acquires Kohler Waste Services

June 15, 2021

Environmental Services

Interstate Waste Services, Inc. has acquired Kohler Waste Services, Inc., a Berkeley Heights, New Jersey-based solid waste collection company serving residential and commercial customers in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. The Kohlers will remain involved post-closing; the acquisition expands IWS's collection footprint in central New Jersey and drives additional volume to its rail-served BRI transfer station.

Interstate Waste Services Acquires Seaside Waste Services

August 6, 2025

Environmental Services

Interstate Waste Services, Inc. (IWS) has acquired Seaside Waste Services, adding Seaside’s collection and municipal services, its employees, and a fleet of more than 40 vehicles. The deal expands IWS’s presence across central and southern New Jersey and strengthens its regional service capabilities.