Some companies talk about sustainability. Rite Environmental is out on the road doing it every day.
On Earth Day, it feels fitting to talk about a Cedar Valley business that has built its work around giving materials a second life, helping local businesses run smoothly, and proving that practical solutions can make an impact.
Owner Brian Hoyer started Rite Environmental with 15 garbage cans and an idea as a college student. What began in a garage has grown into a major regional operation serving tens of thousands of customers across Eastern Iowa and beyond.
From Garage to Growth
While attending the University of Northern Iowa, Brian noticed there was a gap in the market for curbside recycling, so he filled it.
Using his Christmas bonus, Brian bought 15 garbage cans and launched a curbside recycling service that filled up fast. As demand grew, so did the business, moving from a garage to storage units, then warehouses, and eventually into a full operation with dozens of trucks, specialized equipment, and a growing team.
That kind of story feels right at home in the Cedar Valley. See a need, put in the work, and keep building.
Today, Rite Environmental still handles traditional waste and recycling services, but its environmental work has continued to grow. Recently, the company expanded through acquisitions that added used oil recovery and recycling services, giving businesses another responsible option while keeping valuable materials in use.
The company collects used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze, absorbents, and industrial liquids, then processes those materials so they can be reused. Used motor oil is resold as fuel to companies that produce asphalt, helping power the construction of roads across Iowa, while old oil filters are crushed, drained, and sent to foundries, where the metal is turned into new parts.
Materials many people would consider trash are put back to work every day, which is a pretty great second act for something headed for the discard pile.
Why It Matters
Environmental services may not always grab headlines, but they matter in a big way. Manufacturers, warehouses, restaurants, and major employers rely on dependable waste removal and recycling systems to keep operations running. A missed pickup or overloaded container can create serious disruptions.
Rite Environmental has built a reputation on responsive service, especially for high-volume customers who need things handled quickly and correctly. That reliability supports jobs, productivity, and day-to-day business success across the Cedar Valley.
The company continues to grow by investing in people, equipment, safety systems, and technology. Operations are continually improving, and the company focuses on rewarding employees and building a workplace where people stay for the long haul.
Earth Day is a reminder that caring for the planet does not always happen in grand gestures. Sometimes it looks like recycling oil filters. Sometimes it looks like hauling cardboard. Sometimes it looks like a local company finding smarter ways to reduce waste while serving its neighbors.
For the Cedar Valley, Rite Environmental is one of those companies doing the work quietly, consistently, and right here at home. And that is worth celebrating.
To learn more, about Rite Environmental, please visit: riteenvironmental.com