Recology Doesn’t Live Up to Hype - Manager Recology Employee Review

2.0
25 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

401K matching, lots of good people at the rank and file level, Artist in Residence program in San Francisco.

Cons

Management clearly doesn’t take the company motto Waste Zero seriously. Although the company positions itself as more than a waste hauler, in reality, it differs very little from its competitors. Management overpromises to public agencies to win contracts, putting employees in impossible situations. While this may not be unique, given the competitive nature of the business, the delta between what is promised and what can actually be delivered is particularly striking in Recology‘s case. The company is technologically backward, at least in some geographical areas, which makes it impossible to work efficiently. Mental health is not valued or prioritized. (Yes, there is a mental health benefit, but it is very limited and quantitative-based.) The companies’s DEI efforts are shallow at best. Top management still fits the stereotypical profile. Anyone non-white and non-male is literally called “diverse”! As to the company being employee-owned, beware. Employee ownership is great when the company is doing well and employees are made a part of the decision-making process. Not so great when the company is paying out millions in penalties, and your stock price and bonuses suffer. In Recology’s case, past scandals—and yes, crimes—have cost the employee-owners dearly, in tangible as well as intangible ways. Do your homework and Google past news stories for more!

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Recology Response
4mo
Thank you for sharing your perspective as a former employee. We regularly review these areas with local and senior leadership to help ensure our practices remain aligned with our operational standards and long‑term commitments, including resource recovery and our employee-owned culture. Your comments have been shared with the appropriate teams for internal awareness and follow‑up.

Explore other reviews about Recology

5.0
16 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

ESOP and commitment to a collaborative culture; excellent benefits. Management treats you with respect. Encourage growth and provide opportunities for advancement or lateral moves within the company.

Cons

Workload can be overwhelming at times

3.0
15 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Supportive coworkers, good employee owned company with opportunities to be promoted from within. Just have to put in your time and provide solid work results via leadership qualities and strong KPI performance.

Cons

Tough Union environment to work in, and management structure is a little chaotic and inconsistent. Need to be very flexible, because policy changes happen quickly and often.

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