DANE COUNTY, Wis. (July 14, 2026) — Pellitteri Waste Systems, Inc. — a leading independent, family-owned and operated waste and recycling service provider — was named the 2025 Family Business of the Year by In Business Madison Magazine.
“We want to thank our customers and vendors for this award, but ultimately, we want to thank our employees. We have a great team of employees striving to grow this company and serve our customers,” said Company President David Pellitteri, when accepting the award at the Monona Terrace.
In Business Madison Magazine judges rated finalists based on experience, services/products, accomplishments and charitable initiatives. The judges said the company’s timeless set of values and customer-tailored solutions were among the reasons judges chose Pellitteri out of 14 finalists nominated for the award.
The company’s impressive growth was another selling point for judges. Pellitteri Waste Systems currently serves 46 communities, more than 85,000 households, and thousands of commercial accounts.
“Running a family business is a blessing. Our family and team of 200 employees believe that success isn’t only defined by the bottom line but by making a real, positive impact on the people and communities we serve every day,” said Vice President Danielle Pellitteri.
Pellitteri Waste Systems was founded in 1979 by Tom and Michele Pellitteri, but its tradition of service began more than 85 years ago, when Tom’s father, Tony, and his uncles used a borrowed truck to deliver coal and haul away garbage for merchants on Madison’s Capitol Square. Today, Tom and Michele own and operate the business with their three children.
This award follows on the heels of numerous others Pellitteri has won for its ongoing efforts to recycle more and be good stewards of the environment:
- Recycling Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,
- Outstanding Achievement in Education Award from the Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin, and the
- Business Friend of the Environment Award from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the statewide chamber of commerce.
Learn more at pellitteri.com/news.
- Read the full award article.
- See what happens to your recycling.
About Pellitteri Waste Systems
Pellitteri Waste Systems is a Madison-based, third-generation family-owned and operated waste disposal and recycling company focused on providing needs-based solutions and outstanding customer service. Pellitteri has a proud tradition of service and community involvement. Pellitteri demonstrates environmental leadership, stewardship, and innovation through its ongoing efforts to recycle more items at its local recycling facility. In 2025, Pellitteri collected and processed 205 million pounds of recyclable materials at its facilities. Learn more at www.pellitteri.com/news.
