Waste & Recycling Workers Week Wall of Honor: John Jennings
In a field where grit meets green, John Jennings stands as a true leader—respectful, innovative, and deeply passionate.
SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): In the often-overlooked world of waste and recycling, where the hum of trucks at dawn signals the start of another day’s quiet heroism, few names resonate with as much quiet authority as John Jennings. As the founder of Waste Pro USA, Jennings didn’t just build a company—he nurtured an industry, one respectful handshake and eco-conscious decision at a time. His journey from a second-generation garbage man to a visionary leader embodies the heart of what makes the waste sector more than a job: it’s a calling, a community, and a commitment to the planet. Today, we celebrate his induction into the Wall of Honor during Waste and Recycle Workers Week, not as a grand accolade, but as a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy is built on humility, hard work, and an unwavering love for the “garbage business.”
John Jennings’ story begins with roots as sturdy as the trucks he cherishes. Born to Michael Jennings, an Irish immigrant who toiled as a garbage collector on Long Island, John grew up immersed in the rhythms of the industry. His father arrived in America at 17, hopping on a 1928 GMC flatbed to haul waste through New York’s bustling streets—an identical vehicle now holds pride of place in John’s personal collection. By 1973, John had launched his first waste collection company in Florida, armed with little more than determination and a belief that customers, not bosses, pay the wages.
Fast-forward to 2001, and Waste Pro USA was born under his guidance. What started as a modest operation has grown into the largest private, family-owned waste and recycling company in the U.S., serving over two million residential and 100,000 commercial and industrial customers across 12 states. But Jennings’ success isn’t measured in fleet size or revenue; it’s in the lives he’s touched and the environment he’s protected.
At the core of Jennings’ leadership is a profound respect for his employees, whom he views not as workers, but as the backbone of Waste Pro. This isn’t lip service—it’s embedded in the company’s DNA. Since 2004, Waste Pro has awarded $10,000 bonuses to drivers and $5,000 bonuses to helpers for every three years of safe, dedicated service. More than 30 employees have won multiple awards, including one driver who is currently working on his seventh $10k safety bonus. As part of this company priority placed on safety, Waste Pro has distributed more than $10 million to date for accident-free performance.
Health benefits are another pillar: Waste Pro self-insures its medical plans, sharing premiums with employees and continually refining programs to promote wellness and curb costs, ensuring families stay healthy without breaking the bank. Jennings fosters a “hands-on, decentralized” culture where executives stay connected to the field, and initiatives like an offender employment program with the Florida Department of Corrections give second chances to those reentering society, embodying his belief in redemption and opportunity.
Waste Pro’s employee-centered culture allows its dedicated personnel to build life-long careers. The company actively invests in career advancement, running a DOT-certified, in-house CDL school in Central Florida that has allowed more than 500 employees to advance their careers with the company as certified drivers—without the prohibitive costs typically associated with obtaining a CDL. Waste Pro has recently started a similar academy for technician certifications. Jennings’ focus on employees bears fruit: in 2023 and 2024, 17 long-term staff received bonuses for 20 years of service, and before the end of 2025, another 18 employees will reach the 20-year milestone. These “givings,” as they’re often called in industry news, extend to community events, where Waste Pro teams volunteer and sponsor local causes, reinforcing that employees are family.
This respect spills over into Jennings’ deep commitment to communities and non-profits. Waste Pro isn’t just a service provider—it’s a partner in progress. The company has donated generously to organizations like the Fisher House Foundation, supporting military families with housing during medical crises, including personal contributions from Jennings himself. In South Florida, Waste Pro’s sustainability efforts earned honors from the Hispanic Chamber for community green initiatives, such as recycling programs that divert waste from landfills. Across its footprint, Waste Pro backs local events, environmental education, and charities, from youth programs to disaster relief. Jennings’ philosophy has always been to serve the towns that sustain you. Whether through sponsoring community cleanups or partnering with municipalities on eco-friendly projects, his company embodies “caring for our communities,” a motto that’s more than words—it’s action.
Jennings’ love for the industry shines brightest in how he’s built Waste Pro as a force for environmental good. Under his vision, the company has pioneered recycling simplicity for residents, making “reduce, reuse, recycle” accessible with curbside programs that process everything from paper to plastics. Innovations like compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations, solar-powered facilities, and landfill diversion strategies have reduced emissions and conserved resources, aligning with green initiatives in the communities they serve. Waste Pro’s push for clean air and energy efficiency isn’t just business—it’s a passion project, turning waste into opportunity and proving that profitability and planet care can coexist.
Perhaps the most whimsical testament to Jennings’ devotion is the Waste Pro Garbage Truck Museum in Sanford, Florida—the first and only of its kind in America. Housing over 40 historic vehicles, from a tribute to his father’s 1928 GMC to Hollywood artifacts like a truck from a famous film, the museum preserves the industry’s heritage. Jennings personally curated it, turning a lifelong fascination with trucks into an educational hub and non-profit that honors the evolution of waste collection, inspiring future generations through its preservation and restoration efforts. It’s a quirky, heartfelt nod to an industry often taken for granted.
Yet, amid all this, Jennings remains a devoted family man. His son, Sean Jennings, now President and CEO of Waste Pro, represents the third generation in the business. Growing up amid the roar of engines, Sean earned his finance degree from the University of Alabama before joining the family fold, eventually taking the helm in 2020 while John transitioned to Executive Board Chairman. This father-son duo symbolizes continuity, with Sean building on John’s foundation, ensuring the “Waste Pro Way” endures.
John Arwood, a fellow industry veteran, captures Jennings’ essence perfectly: “When I met John Jennings in person several years ago at his Longwood, Florida headquarters, he was a down-to-earth person. We talked about how the waste industry has changed over the years. After we met, he showed me the office he works at every day; it’s obvious that John is a dedicated hard worker. I know a lot of people in the industry, and all have nothing but great things to share.”
In a field where grit meets green, John Jennings stands as a true leader—respectful, innovative, and deeply passionate. Waste and Recycle Workers Week is honored to induct him into the Wall of Honor, celebrating not just his achievements, but the humble spirit that inspires us all to see beauty in the bins.
Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com