Annual Holiday Bike Build

Waste Connections' Annual Holiday Bike Build initiative started in 2001. This program was initiated by an employee named Pat Murphy, inspired by his church pastor's message on community betterment. Pat, along with colleagues Ron Mittelstaedt and Eric Hansen, began this goodwill initiative by collecting donations to buy, assemble, and donate bicycles to deserving children during the holiday season.

A Continued Tradition

The program has grown significantly since its inception. In the first year, they collected enough funds to build and donate sixteen bicycles to local charities. The following year, with increased donations, they were able to build sixty-six bicycles. Waste Connections employees volunteered their time after work to assemble these bikes, often staying late into the night.

In subsequent years, Waste Connections' vendor partners also started contributing to this initiative. They preferred to donate for the Bike Build rather than bringing traditional holiday treats for employees, enabling the purchase, assembly, and donation of more bicycles. Some vendors even volunteered their time to help assemble the bikes.

Over the years, the initiative has expanded across the entire company, reaching from California to New York, from Canada to Texas. To date, the Waste Connections community has been able to donate more than 85,000 bikes to children across North America.

Every year in August, the Waste Connections Bike Build Team begins planning for the bike build. Employee donations are collected and matched by the company, and vendor donations are gladly accepted as well.  With these funds, bikes are purchased and assembly starts in early December.

Every Waste Connections location coordinates with local charities and community support organizations to distribute bikes to families in need in their immediate service area.   Employees continue this meaningful tradition every year because of the joy it brings to neighboring children and the wonderful feeling of giving back.