When Shawn DeLude first decided to go into the disposal business back in 2001, he was a one-man show, quite literally. The entire business was the man, himself, a pair of gloves, and an old pickup truck.
DeLude had worked for larger companies like Bayside Disposal and BFI in the past, but he felt that the big haulers seemed to be missing that community connection. He wanted to bring a quality, customer service-based disposal to the Cape, with his own business, and create a company that continuously gave back to its community. And he has been doing so ever since. Today, Nauset Disposal, which is headquartered in Orleans, is one of the largest private waste disposal companies on Cape Cod.
Fast forward 18 years, and with around 50 employees and 35+ trucks on the road, Nauset Disposal is practically a household name here on the Cape, and is immersed in many community activities. There is hardly a fundraiser or events that happen, without Nauset’s name attached in some capacity.
“For the past several years the organization that we sponsor with the largest dollar amount has been the Cape & Islands United Way, but we support many organizations with different missions across the Cape,” said Kara Boule, Nauset’s Marketing and Community Investment Manager. “This year, we are supporting the Cape Women’s Music Festival (in May). This will actually be the very first plastic-free event on the Cape. We’re helping work out the logistics of what we’re going to do with the compostable cups and compostable utensils, etc., and there are five different businesses that are incorporated and working together to sort out all the details. This is something that’s never been done before on the Cape.”
Nauset also supports a slew of organizations, both large and small, all over the Cape. They support Big Brothers and Big Sisters, WE CAN, the American Red Cross – about 135 organizations each year in all, including youth baseball teams in each town. “Each year, we hold a big party called Trash Bash, which will be on Oct. 12 this year at our headquarters in Orleans,” Boule said. “At this event, we select five nonprofit beneficiaries. Cape Cod Beer is a huge supporter; along with a bunch of other local businesses, we have food donated from about 15 local restaurants, live music, raffles, donated items and it’s super fun. Last year we hosted about 600 people and raised $25,000.”
Nauset Disposal is a member of every Chamber of Commerce on Cape Cod. You can find Nauset employees at Business After Hours mixers, community events and local fundraisers. Nauset Disposal employees sit on boards for Chambers of Commerce, mentor young people, and volunteer at annual Chamber events like the Orleans Chamber ClamBQ and the Yarmouth Chamber Trolley Tour Taste of Yarmouth. Each year, the company supports a variety of non-profit organizations through in-kind or cash donations.
Nauset Disposal also adheres to “green” office and billing practices and has transitioned 60 percent of its vehicle fleet to run on power-flo fluid, a premium hydraulic fluid that is non-toxic, biodegradable and water soluble. A primary philosophy within the company is that sustainability – of the local economy, the community, and the environment – is of paramount importance when visualizing the future of Cape Cod.
In addition to trash hauling, Nauset offers a variety of services and products for private events, like weddings, fundraisers, and other celebrations. One particular product, called The Outermost House, is a huge hit for weddings and family events. It looks clean and classy inside and out, and is a far cry from the portable restrooms you’re used to seeing. Details like air conditioning, beadboard trim, shingles and a speaker system set it far apart. Visit Nauset Disposal’s website to see for yourself.
“Commercially, we serve all of the Cape and we even go over the bridge a little bit,” Boule said. “Residentially we serve Wellfleet to the Sandwich/Mashpee area.” They serve these areas with the same commitment with which Shawn DeLude started his business – through great service and community involvement. Nauset Disposal is proud to be a company known for contributing to the local community and helping to sustain a viable economic climate on Cape Cod.
Sponsored Content
About Ann Luongo
