Modern Disposal Services Celebrates Golden Anniversary with Open House

In 1964, Steve Washuta incorporated Modern Disposal Services as a way to expand his seasonal paving company into a business that could provide a steady source of income for his family.

Modern Disposal Services will hold an Open House on Saturday (Sept. 20) welcoming the community to learn more about their landfill, recycling and greenhouse operations.

Festivities will be held at H2Gro Greenhouses at 1430 Pletcher Rd.,, Youngstown, from 11 a. m. -3 p. m. Those attending can look forward to interactive displays, lunch and giveaways.

Modern is celebrating 50 years of successfully serving customer needs in the waste and recycling industry.

Steve Washuta incorporated Modern in 1964 in Lewiston, expanding his seasonal paving company to meet the waste collection needs of his customers.

As the region’s industrial base grew, Washuta’s dedication and work ethic helped his new business develop from a two-truck operation to today employing over 500 people in Western New York.

Looking back on the past 50 years, Chief Operating Officer Gary Smith reflects at how far Modern has come. “Through the hard work of our employees our company has become a leader in the waste & recycling industry. We are still a family-run business, with an eye on safety and the environment, incorporating the latest disposal and recycling innovations. As we celebrate this milestone, Modern is thankful to the community for their support.

We are proud to show our commitment by giving back through local charities & events.”

TIMELINE OF MODERN’S HISTORY

1964 Modern Founded

In 1964 Modern was incorporated by Steve Washuta. What started as a humble two-truck operation now has over 500 dedicated employees..

1983 - Modern Landfill-US opened in Model City, NY.

1996 - Added a Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Operation at the landfill.

1998 - Partnered with Innovative Energy Systems to open a 5.6 MW gas-to electricity generation station, which was later expanded to 12 MW.

1990 - Modern Recycling opens Materials Recovery Facility & begins recycling pickup in Niagara County.

1991 - Tire Recycling

Modern opens its Tire Recycling Operation

2003 H2Gro Greenhouse Opened

A 12.5--acre hydroponic greenhouse that grows 5 million pounds of tomatoes a year. Power for the greenhouse comes from a 12 megawatt landfill gas-to-electricity generating station. Modern won a SWANA Gold Landfill Gas Utilization Excellence Award and a New York State Environmental Excellence Award in 2005 as part of this project.

2009 - Buffalo Recycling Enterprises Opens: a Single Stream Recycling Center that processes up to 400 tons of recyclables daily.

2011- Cart Based Recycling

Modern begins curbside recycling service in carts in Lockport. This innovative program becomes the standard for other municipalities to follow.

2012 - CNG Trucks Introduced

Starting in 2012 Modern added Compressed Natural Gas collection trucks to its fleet. They have the environmental benefits of reduced emissions. Modern also constructed a CNG fueling facility for its fleet.

2013- Landfill Construction

Modern constructed its 77th acre of double composite liner. Modern was the first landfillin New York State to construct such a liner starting in 1990.

2014 - Today Modern is committed to the most innovative and responsible methods of materials management, to provide a greener future for generations to come.