The Garbage Man: Bill Gates Has Earned Billions Investing in Climate-Polluting Landfills

An investigation found that Bill Gates’ investment in Republic Services, a major US landfill operator, has grown to a stake worth $29 billion, despite his public advocacy for climate action. Republic’s landfills emit substantial methane, and the report says Gates has not used his influence to make the company adopt stronger measures to reduce its climate impact.

Republic generates as much climate pollution each year as three million petrol-powered cars, according to its own reports, while US landfills may account for up to a fifth of the country’s methane emissions. Federal inspectors have repeatedly found methane leaks at Republic sites above federal limits. The company has not adopted the emissions target set by its main competitor and has opposed some policies aimed at diverting organic waste from landfills; Gates did not respond to requests for comment.