Garbage (waste management) companies are typically valued using a multiple of EBITDA, often 6 to 10 times, depending on size, contracts, and market position.
Key value drivers include recurring revenue from long-term municipal or commercial contracts, route density, fleet condition, landfill ownership or access, and permits, since landfill rights are hard to replicate and boost value significantly.
Recycling facilities and transfer stations add further worth.
Small local haulers may sell for $500,000 to a few million dollars, while regional companies can reach tens of millions, and large national players are valued in the billions.
Buyers also weigh customer retention, regulatory compliance, and growth potential in adjacent services like recycling or hazardous waste handling.
What is a Landfill and Transfer Station Business Worth?
Value is typically based on a multiple of EBITDA:
- Landfills: 6x–10x EBITDA, sometimes higher
- Transfer stations: usually lower multiples (no scarce disposal capacity)
Key value drivers:
- Remaining permitted airspace (landfills)
- Permit renewal risk
- Host community agreements
- Environmental liabilities
- Captive waste streams vs. third-party volume
- Location and municipal contracts (especially for transfer stations near urban markets)
Bottom line:
Landfills generally trade higher because permitted capacity is scarce and hard to replace. Transfer stations can still command strong value with good location and contracts.
A proper valuation needs a review of financials, permits, remaining site life, and compliance history. An industry-specific M&A advisor can help with this.