In this week’s episode of Waste360’s NothingWasted! Podcast, we bring you a dynamic session from WasteExpo 2019—“CFO Insights: A Look at the Waste & Recycling Industry.”

The discussion features Dianna Cervantes, chief financial officer (CFO) for WCA Waste Corporation; Devina Rankin, senior vice president and CFO for Waste Management; Chuck Serianni, executive vice president and CFO for Republic Services; Mary Anne Whitney, CFO for Waste Connections; and Ned Coletta, CFO for Casella Waste Systems.

Here’s a sneak peek into the discussion:

Devina Rankin: This is the best financial health the waste industry has been in, in my career. We often say, “garbage is good”—but really “garbage is great,” and it’s a great time to be in the business. I think the main things I’ve observed as contributing to the strength we’re enjoying today are a focus on people; a focus on process; and thinking about our role as environmental stewards, providing essential services in our communities. Early on, finance was viewed as a compliance function; we’ve come a really long way and are now integral members of our organizations.

Chuck Serianni: If you think about the next generation, what do they want in a career? One where they can make good money. We offer that. There’s a career path, too. You can start off driving a truck and end up one day as the CEO. People say, “That will never happen,” but that’s what happened in our company. Also, the younger generation wants a purpose. What better purpose than to protect Mother Earth.

Listen to the full episode here.