At Garbarino Disposal, we’re a third-generation, family-owned waste management company rooted in tradition but driven by innovation. Proudly 50% women-owned and union-strong with Teamsters Local 305, we’ve combined old-school grit with new-school technology, teaching seasoned employees smarter, more efficient ways to work while leading with empathy, transparency, and respect. Our mission goes beyond waste—we’re building a company that changes lives, offering stability and opportunities for our employees and making a lasting impact on the communities we serve through initiatives like Project Lemonade and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. We’re not just collecting trash; we’re creating change.
 
>What sets your business apart?
We are one of the few, smaller, family-owned businesses in our field. While this creates many financial challenges when we face large competitors like Waste Management, it also gives us the opportunity to treat customers and employees with a family-first mindset. I also believe my leadership at the company separates us from other garbage haulers.

>How do you see AI entering your field?
I created an AI channel to act as the Union Representative for Teamsters 305 and I bounce ideas off that channel to try to predict the outcomes of my decisions! 

>How do you unwind at the end of a long day?
A sweaty workout and a full glass of red wine, not at the same time...

>What are you looking forward to in the next six months?
Over the next six months we are re-organizing the company structure, outsourcing our accounting, and implementing new technologies that will allow me to step away from the day-to-day. This has been a work in progress over the last three years but the end goal is nearly here, which will open up opportunities for me to focus on a commercial development project in North Plains and allow for additional free time in my personal life. 

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Lexy joined EO Portland in 2021. Interested in joining a community of business founders? This could be your year! Learn more.