EC Waste expands Puerto Rico footprint with acquisition of ARB services
EC Waste, a solid-waste services provider in Puerto Rico backed by 3i Group PLC, has acquired ARB Inc., a local firm specializing in customized waste collection and environmental management services.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Officials said the deal marks a “significant milestone” in EC Waste’s growth strategy, improving its technical capabilities and geographic footprint while accelerating digital and sustainability efforts.
“This integration strengthens our operational capacity, expands our coverage and allows EC Waste the opportunity to offer more efficient and technological services to all of Puerto Rico,” said Mark Johnson, chief executive of EC Waste. “Our commitment to the island, to innovation and to environmental stewardship remains at the heart of our strategy.”
ARB’s operations span residential, commercial and industrial nonhazardous waste services. The integration will allow the combined business to expand in traditionally underserved areas using real-time monitoring, intelligent-routing systems and digital platforms to improve service delivery.
“We’re very pleased to continue to invest in the environmental-services sector in Puerto Rico,” said Rob Collins, managing partner and head of North American Infrastructure at 3i. “We believe this acquisition will continue EC Waste’s excellent performance in serving both businesses on the island and the public.”
EC Waste said its disposal network will support the expanded operations, offering small and midsize enterprises more cost-effective solutions while improving compliance and public health outcomes.
“We have found in EC Waste an ally with vision. Together, we can scale our solutions and impact more communities, faster,” said Siria Reyes, chief executive of ARB.
This marks EC Waste’s third acquisition since 3i’s 2021 investment, following its purchase of AA Waste in 2022 and Ecosystems in 2023. The company is the largest owner and operator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-permitted waste disposal sites in Puerto Rico.
