Private-equity firm Allied Industrial Partners kicked off the year with a pair of waste sector acquisitions, as its portfolio companies move to expand their geographic reach and service capabilities.
The middle-market firm, which manages more than $1 billion in investments, has maintained a fast-paced acquisition strategy in the waste and recycling sector through consolidation.
The firm’s first 2026 transaction came through Waste Eliminator, a metro Atlanta-based hauler Allied has backed since 2021. In January, Waste Eliminator acquired Happy Haulers, a front-load and roll-off provider serving the bustling state capital. The deal adds commercial collection density in downtown markets where Happy Haulers already has established customer relationships.
“This transaction aligns with our strategy to grow our asset base and advance our mission of becoming a leading sustainable waste management provider in the Southeast,” said Kacy Cronan, Waste Eliminator CEO.
The Happy Haulers acquisition is Waste Eliminator’s ninth add-on deal under Allied. The firm has focused on building market share across Georgia and in the Southeast through tuck-in acquisitions of independent haulers.
In early February 2026, Allied-backed Liberty Waste Solutions acquired AJ Disposal, an Asheboro, North Carolina-based hauler providing residential and commercial front-load services. The deal expands Liberty’s footprint in the Asheboro and Greensboro regions.
“The addition of AJ Disposal strengthens our ability to serve customers more efficiently while expanding our service capabilities in a key market,” said Rick Prather, Liberty CEO. “This acquisition advances our growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to building a leading North Carolina waste solutions provider.”
Liberty Waste is the rebranded Wall Recycling, an Allied portfolio company since 2022. Under Allied’s ownership, Liberty has upgraded fleet equipment, implemented advanced routing and dispatch technology, and expanded waste management services. The company divested its scrap metal operations in April 2024 to focus on a vertically integrated waste and recycling strategy, pursuing regional expansion through strategic acquisitions.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Liberty as the company expands its footprint across North Carolina, reinforcing its position as a leading regional provider in the waste and recycling sector,” said Bradford Rossi and Philip Wright, Allied’s co-founders and managing partners.
Financial terms of the transactions remain undisclosed.
