X-Waste Disposal of Pekin, the final locally owned garbage service operating in Delavan, has officially been acquired by GFL Environmental, marking a significant turning point in the town’s waste management landscape. With the transition, all remaining garbage services serving Delavan are now operated by publicly traded corporations—GFL Environmental (headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario), Republic Services (Phoenix, Arizona), and Waste Management (Houston, Texas).

For years, X-Waste Disposal offered more than just curbside pickup. As a family-run business rooted in central Illinois, it provided personalized service shaped by local knowledge and community ties. Its crews were familiar faces, and its responsiveness reflected a deep understanding of Delavan’s rhythms and needs.

The acquisition by GFL Environmental, finalized earlier this month, brings Delavan into a broader network of waste services spanning North America. GFL’s operations include solid waste collection, recycling, and environmental remediation, supported by advanced infrastructure and corporate resources. The company has indicated that it will retain local staff and maintain service continuity, though the shift marks a clear departure from the town’s tradition of locally managed waste services.

This change mirrors a national trend: small, regional providers are increasingly absorbed by large corporations, driven by regulatory pressures, rising operational costs, and the demand for scalable environmental solutions. For Delavan, the result is a complete transition to corporate-run waste management—a move that offers efficiency and expanded capabilities, but also signals the end of locally owned stewardship.

Residential customers are adjusting to the change, with many reflecting on the comfort and familiarity that came with knowing their garbage service was rooted just a few towns away.

Those seeking assistance in paying their bill or have questions about the new service are encouraged to view the GFL web page dedicated to X-Waste customers here.