GreenWaste庐, Northern California鈥檚 premier full-service collections and resource recovery company, 聽announces the appointment of Clete Elms as the company鈥檚 new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Elms brings over two decades of executive leadership experience in the waste and recycling industry, with a proven track record in operational excellence. He joined GreenWaste in 2024 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and has been serving as Interim CEO since March 2025. In both roles, Elms has driven key initiatives focused on revenue growth, operating profitability, safety, and sustainability.
After eighteen years of service, previous CEO Tracy Adams stepped down from his role earlier this year and will now serve as a member of GreenWaste鈥檚 Board of Directors. During his tenure at GreenWaste, Adams strengthened GreenWaste鈥檚 commitment to safe, customer-centric, innovative recycling in Northern California and led the stewardship of the business throughout the 2021 transition to the Macquarie portfolio.
鈥淐lete has led the GreenWaste team to achieve success across multiple business functions, including increasing revenue, improving efficiencies, and prioritizing internal culture and workforce engagement,鈥� said Manish Anandpara, GreenWaste Board Member and Senior Vice President at Macquarie Asset Management. 鈥淗e has continuously demonstrated commitment to GreenWaste employees and customers and is closely aligned with the company鈥檚 sustainability mission. On behalf of the Board, I would also thank Tracy for his unwavering commitment and service to GreenWaste for more than eighteen years,鈥� Anandpara added.
鈥淔rom investments in cutting-edge technology to world-class resource recovery operations, GreenWaste has been a leader in the waste industry for forty years. I am honored to formally step into this role and work with GreenWaste鈥檚 outstanding team and partners to deliver excellence to our customers,鈥� said Elms. 鈥淲e will continue to invest in our people, optimize our assets, and pioneer new sustainable waste management solutions.鈥�
As GreenWaste prepares for a new phase of growth and development, the Board of Directors has expressed confidence in Elms鈥� strategic leadership. 鈥淕reenWaste is now poised for even more positive impact and leadership within the recycling industry. We look forward to supporting their ambitious goals as the company enters this exciting new stage with Clete at the helm,鈥� said Anandpara.
Prior to joining GreenWaste, Elms served as CEO of Australia-based Wastech Engineering and as Head of Infrastructure at Cleanaway Waste Management. At GreenWaste, he has emphasized the importance of building a culture of accountability and transparency to empower team members and foster momentum within the company.