Who We Are
About Southwaste Disposal
Our Mission
Saving Water. Protecting the Environment.
Every drop counts. Every action is a step toward a greener tomorrow. At Southwaste Disposal, our mission is not a tagline on a wall — it is the operating system behind every truck we dispatch, every gallon we process, and every client relationship we build.
We exist to solve commercial liquid waste challenges in the most environmentally responsible way possible. From grease trap pumping at a single restaurant to multi-state waste management programs for national chains, our mission drives every decision: keep water clean, keep businesses compliant, and keep waste out of watersheds and landfills.
Environmental Stewardship
Compliance First
People Over Everything
Relentless Improvement
The WRM Way
Water. Reliability. Management.
Our operational philosophy — the framework behind every decision we make.
The WRM Way is not a marketing slogan. It is the operating philosophy that guides how we hire, how we train, how we schedule service, how we handle emergencies, and how we measure success. Every Southwaste employee learns it on day one. Every client experiences it on every service visit.
Water Stewardship
Every gallon matters.
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100% of collected liquid waste is processed for beneficial reuse
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Zero landfill disposal for any waste stream we handle
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State-of-the-art dewatering and filtration at our Houston processing facility
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Full chain-of-custody documentation from pump-out to final disposition
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Annual environmental impact reporting available to all clients
Reliability
Show up. Do it right. Document everything.
In our industry, reliability is not a nice-to-have — it is the entire product. A missed pump-out means a failed health inspection. A late emergency response means a kitchen shutdown. We built Southwaste’s distributed hub model specifically to eliminate the reliability gaps that plague this industry. We have 15 hubs and service coverage across 12 states. Local technicians who live in the communities they serve. No subcontractors, no call centers, no routing your emergency to a dispatcher three states away who has never seen your kitchen. When you call, a real person in your region answers. When a truck rolls, it is a Southwaste truck operated by a Southwaste technician. Every service visit includes complete, inspector-ready documentation — because showing up is only half the job.
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15 hubs, service coverage across 12 states — no subcontractors, ever
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Digital service reports with before/after photos, volumes, and disposal manifests
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Proactive scheduling based on your trap size, volume, and accumulation rate
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24/7 dispatch with real human operators — no chatbots, no voicemail trees
Management Excellence
Own the outcome, not just the task.
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Master Plumber License M-43508 — pumping AND repair under one roof
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Customized service plans based on your specific facility type, volume, and jurisdiction
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Compliance tracking across local, state, and federal regulations
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Multi-location coordination for regional and national chains
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Hurricane season preparedness plans included with all Florida and Gulf Coast service agreements
275M+
Gallons Recycled (2025)
12
States Covered
15
Regional Hubs
100+
Cities Covered
70+
Years In Business
Leadership
The People Behind Southwaste Disposal
Southwaste is led by a team of industry veterans who have spent their careers in commercial liquid waste, environmental compliance, and operational logistics. We are not MBAs who bought a waste company — we are operators who built one from the ground up.
Ryan Wurgler
Chief Executive Officer
Ryan Wurgler joined WRM as President & Chief Operating Officer in February of 2021 and became the Chief Operating Officer on July 1st, 2021. Prior to joining WRM, Ryan served as Vice President of Operations for Stericycle Environmental, Senior Vice President of Operations for Clean Harbors, Divisional Vice President for Waste Connections and Division Manager for Waste Management.
In his 30-year career, Ryan has led organizations with up to $700MM in revenue, over $150MM in EBITDA and more than 2,100 employees. Ryan has a demonstrated record of delivering strong stakeholder returns while focusing on hands-on leadership, team member development, operations management, organic growth strategy, M&A integration and superior sales & marketing performance.
Ryan holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the North Dakota State University, with a double major in Accounting and Economics.
Michael Costello
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Costello is the most recent acquisition to WRM’s senior leadership team, joining as the Chief Operating Officer in April of 2022. Prior to WRM, Michael was the Chief Executive Officer of Otto Environmental Systems, a $97m manufacturing company where he was responsible for streamlining executive leadership and developing lean processes to improve profitability.
Michael has over 20 years of experience in profit and loss management and excels at building cohesive, cost-efficient organizations ranging from $19m to $160m. During that time, Michael acquired industry expertise in manufacturing, environmental, industrial services, transportation, distribution, and more. Michael has a degree in Heavy Equipment Management from the American Training Institute in Newark, NJ.
Ed Hickman
Chief Financial Officer
Ed Hickman has served as Chief Financial Officer for WRM since 2016. Ed previously worked as the company’s Director of M&A.
Prior to joining WRM, Ed was the Senior Vice President of Relativity Capital, a private equity firm investing in aerospace & defense, transportation, and industrial businesses.
Ed has a Master of Business Administration degree from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Brent Hollenbaugh
Vice President OF Human Resources
Brent is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience leading human resources functions across private, public, and private equity-backed organizations. Brent has successfully overseen HR teams across diverse industries, including manufacturing, oil & gas, transportation, and logistics, with companies generating revenues exceeding $5 billion.
Recognized for his expertise in driving cultural transformation and enhancing organizational effectiveness, Brent excels in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, leadership development, and succession planning. These strengths directly align with and support company growth objectives.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brent served 13 years in various leadership roles, gaining invaluable experience in high-responsibility environments. He is a Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management, both earned from Liberty University.
Brent Karrington
Vice President Mergers and Acquisitions
Brent Karrington is the Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions, focused on leading our strategic growth through key acquisitions and mergers. With a robust background in finance and accounting, Brent specializes in corporate development, M&A, and strategic planning. His experience spans various sectors, including FinTech, real estate, and automotive, supported by work with top private equity groups like Blackstone and Carlyle.
Before joining our team, Brent was crucial in business transformation and strategy implementation across multiple industries. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from Southern Methodist University, where he was a full-scholarship athlete and an MBA from The University of Oklahoma.
In his role, Brent leverages his deep industry insight and strategic acumen to drive our organization’s growth and competitive advantage.
Brian Kelleher
Vice President Of Sales and Marketing
Brian joins us with an extensive operational background and is a proven Sales Executive. Brian is a driven and passionate revenue leader with an entrepreneurial mindset who consistently delivers more than expected. He has 19+ years of extensive experience developing and driving robust growth strategies, operations, and initiatives in diverse and rapidly evolving water, wastewater, recycling, composting, and grease markets. Brian’s career highlights include securing multimillion-dollar contracts, leading large-scale projects, and transforming underperforming teams into thriving regions.
Alon Najer
Vice President of Operations
Alon Najer is the Vice President of Operations at Waste Resource Management. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to excellence, promising to propel our operations team to heights.
Alon’s professional journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of improvement and a hands-on approach to leadership. Starting his career in the logistics industry, Alon quickly developed a knack for identifying efficiencies and spearheading operational advancements. This early experience laid a solid foundation for his subsequent transition into the civil groundwater management and treatment sector—a field to which he has dedicated over 14 years of his career.
Alon holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Houston, CL.
John Palmero
Vice President of Environmental, Health, and Safety
John Palermo is an accomplished EHS executive leader with over 20 years of experience orchestrating environmental, safety, and health initiatives across large and Fortune 500 companies. John has expertly led EHS strategies in diverse markets, including upstream, mid-stream, and downstream sectors, fostering world-class standards in workplace safety and environmental management.
Recognized for his skill in driving substantial cultural change and developing enduring EHS management systems, John excels in aligning these initiatives with broader business objectives to enhance operational excellence. His leadership has been pivotal in creating and successfully implementing the “Injury Free” Environment initiative, significantly mitigating injuries and illness in the workplace.
A veteran in the EHS field, John holds a master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). His educational background and professional certification underpin his profound understanding of occupational health and safety standards, risk management, and compliance regulations.
Keithtrik Knighten
Vice President, Project Management
Keithtrik is a certified Project Management Professional with over 25 years of experience across industries including pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, chemicals, pulp & paper, and automated warehousing. At Kinder Morgan, he managed over $200 million in expansion and maintenance projects, established new engineering departments, and served as Director of Project Controls for Major Projects. As Global Director of Capital Projects at Stolthaven Terminals, he led engineering strategy across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Most recently, he was a Senior Project Manager at Hargrove Controls and Automation, where he led project execution and supported business development.
He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an Executive MBA in Global Leadership, both from the University of Houston. Outside of work, Keithtrik enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife and kids—especially cruising and cross-country road trips.
Steven Charo
Director of Operations
Steve Charo has served as Market Manager of WRM since 2017. He was promoted from Market Manager, a role he held since 2012.
Prior to coming to WRM, Steve was the District Manager for Waste Management, a Houston, TX waste management company.
Previously, Steve was Director of Operations for U.S. Liquids, a liquid waste management services company where he was responsible for operations in multiple states.
When he isn’t working, you’ll find Steve working on something at home or playing with the grandkids.
Our Sales Team
Helping you achieve more through custom solutions that address your individual needs.
Richard Hernandez
Richard has served as Senior Vice President of Plumbing Solutions for WRM since 2019. He has been with WRM since 2009 and has taken on multiple roles, including Director of Sales and Marketing.
Prior to WRM, Richard worked with Waste Management for 8 years up until 2009. He served as a Major Account Manager, Sales Manager, and Market Sales Manager for North Texas.
Previously, Richard worked for and retired from the United Parcel Services after 25 years with the company. He worked as a Package Car Driver, Operations Manager, District Sales Manager, and Director of Sales and Marketing for Latin America.
Richard has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.
(817) 791-5180
rhernandez@southwaste.com
Edgar Villareal
Customer Experience / Major Accounts
Edgar is a native Texan and is the manager of Customer Experience. Edgar has worked in the waste industry for over 8 years and previously held a position as Client Manager Supervisor.
Edgar is married with two children: a 3-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl. Edgar loves spending time with family and is a big Texans fan.
(713) 927-1539
evillarreal@southwaste.com
Rayan Trikkadeeri
Dallas
Rayan moved to Dallas from New York in 2006. Rayan joined the Southwaste team in 2020. Rayan comes with 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Before joining Southwaste, Rayan was the Regional Manager for I-Hop Restaurants. Prior to that, he has had experience with various other national brands and owned and managed restaurants in the Dallas metroplex.
When he is not at work Rayan loves spending time with his family. He is a nature lover and has a passion for cooking and is an innovative chef.
Rayan holds a Bachelor’s in Hotel & Restaurant Management and an Associates in Medical Billing & Accounting.
(682) 772-2726
rtrikkadeeri@southwaste.com
Simon Solorzano
Customer Experience Specialist
Simon is proud to be a first generation American and a native Texan. Before transitioning into the role of Customer Experience Specialist, Simon served as Receivables Analyst where he was instrumental in growing revenue by engaging customers to foster mutually agreeable resolutions. Prior to joining Southwaste in 2019, Simon spent 10+ years in the Energy Sector as an Analyst. Simon has the ability to nurture professional relationships which leads to long-term solutions and success. Simon offers clients an absolute promise to provide professional, timely and attentive customer service.
When Simon is not engaged in work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, grilling while watching the Houston Astros, Rockets and Texans.
(832) 674-5711
ssolorzano@southwaste.com
Ready to Partner With Us?
Let’s Talk About Your Facility
Whether you need scheduled grease trap pumping, emergency response, or a complete liquid waste management program across multiple locations, our team is ready. Same-day quotes, 24/7 availability, 15 hubs serving 12 states.