Atlas Organics

Established in 2014 by co-founders Joseph McVay and Gary Nihart, Atlas Organics has carved out a significant niche in the organic waste management sector. The company originated from McVay’s initial venture into residential and commercial food waste collection in the Greenville, South Carolina area. His background, combining a degree in environmental and natural resources with practical experience at his family's nursery, provided the foundational knowledge for transforming waste into valuable agricultural products. A pivotal moment in the company's trajectory was its acquisition in 2022 by Generate Capital, a sustainable infrastructure investment firm, leading to its current designation as Atlas Organics, a Generate Upcycle company.

Atlas Organics specializes in processing organic waste, including food scraps and yard trimmings, for a diverse clientele that encompasses municipalities, corporations, and residential customers across the United States. The firm's business model revolves around diverting this waste from landfills and converting it into high-quality compost, soil blends, and mulch. These finished products are then sold for use in various applications, such as agriculture, landscaping, gardening, and large-scale site development projects, creating a circular revenue stream. The company operates several composting facilities, including a notable one in West Haven, Connecticut, which processes food scraps for the city and surrounding areas, and a major facility at the Granco Clark Industrial Park in Michigan.

The core service offered by Atlas Organics is the management and operation of composting facilities, often through public-private partnerships. For instance, its collaboration with the City of West Haven involves taking over the city’s compost facility to manage food scraps and yard waste. This service helps municipalities reduce landfill costs and meet environmental goals. The resulting products—compost, soil, and mulch—are distinguished by their quality and are marketed for their ability to improve soil health, enhance plant growth, and support sustainable landscaping and agricultural practices. By providing a comprehensive solution that spans waste collection, processing, and the sale of finished goods, Atlas Organics addresses the entire organic waste lifecycle. Keywords: organic waste management, composting solutions, soil amendments, mulch production, public-private partnerships, food waste recycling, sustainable agriculture, waste-to-product, environmental services, circular economy