RUTLAND, VT--(Marketwire - January 16, 2009) - Recognized as an emerging national leader in the reduction of landfill greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of renewable energy, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST) was named this week as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Methane Outreach Program's 2008 Industry Partner of the Year.

Casella Waste Systems, headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, was presented with the award on January 13, 2009 at the EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program Annual Conference and Expo in Baltimore, Maryland. Casella provides solid waste management services consisting of collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling services primarily in the eastern United States.

In making the award, the EPA recognizes an organization that has reduced emissions of methane and created renewable energy, and acknowledges excellence in innovation and creativity, success in promoting project development, and achieving environmental and economic benefits.

Casella was recognized for its dedication in overcoming numerous regulatory and legal challenges to complete four renewable energy projects in 2008. Casella and its partners now produce roughly 25 megawatts per hour of clean energy at five of the company's landfills, with plans for more in 2009.

"We believe that waste is no longer just a throw-away, but is instead a raw material for manufacturing new products and a resource for producing clean energy," said John W. Casella, chairman and chief executive officer of Casella Waste Systems.

"Investments in resource transformation solutions, such as landfill gas-to-energy facilities, position the company to take advantage of significant economic, environmental policy and cultural shifts by pursuing opportunities that create both economic and environmental value from waste," said Casella.

"This recognition comes to us because of the hard work, determination and commitment of many, many of our talented people who believe very deeply in what we are trying to accomplish as an innovative, creative company," said Casella. "They were key to the success of these projects over the past 12 months."

As a charter member of the EPA Climate Leaders program, Casella has committed to reduce its total GHG emission footprint to 10 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2012. In addition to completing four LFG energy projects in 2008, Casella also initiated development of two additional projects.