%{{tag.tag}} {{articledata.title}} {{moment(articledata.cdate)}} @{{articledata.company.replace(" ","")}} comment Casella Waste Systems (NASDAQ: $CWST ) is an old-fashioned family-run business and small-cap stock that delivers strong returns to its shareholders. Based in Rutland, Vermont, Casella Waste Systems was founded in 1975 with a single truck. Today, it collects garbage across New England in the northeastern U.S. Brothers and co-founders John and Douglas Casella remain on the company's board of directors. John Casella just transitioned to the role of board chair from chief executive officer (CEO) on Jan. 1 of this year. Today, Casella Waste Systems has 4,000 employees and annual revenues approaching $2 billion U.S. The business isn't sexy or well-known outside of New England, but its share price has been a consistent performer over the years. In the past five years, CWST stock has risen 85%, including a 7% gain already in 2026. There's no dividend but the share price has been a steady gainer. With a market capitalization of $6.71 billion U.S. Casella Waste Systems is a small-cap stock defined as any security with a valuation below $10 billion U.S. Management continues to execute on a growth strategy it adopted in 2018. In recent years, Casella Waste Systems has acquired several other waste disposal businesses and expanded as far south as Pennsylvania. Management is also putting a greater focus on recycling as part of its solid waste collection. CWST stock has been marching higher since Edmond Coletta took over as President and CEO at the start of this year, suggesting that investors approve of the leadership transition. Colletta has been with Casella Waste Systems since 2004 and is reported to know the company inside out. As the share price rises under new management, investors might want to give CWST stock consideration.