01-05-2025
Victor-based waste service company to lay off more than half its staff
Waste Harmonics, which was founded in 2001 in Victor and in 2023 merged with Keter Environmental Services of Stamford, Connecticut, is laying off 66 of 125 people from its local workforce, according to a WARN, or Working Adjustment and Retraining Notification.
The notification, posted April 23 to New York State Department of Labor's website, cited relocation of the business as the reason and the layoff date as July 25, 2025.
The combined company, called Waste Harmonics Keter, is a waste service broker for businesses.
That also was Waste Harmonics' mission pre-merger. In 2017, Waste Harmonics founder Michael Hess explained to the Democrat and Chronicle: 'We manage waste contracts. We hire third-party for on-site work and manage the entire process.'
In 2016 and '17, Waste Harmonics was ranked No. 2 on the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Top 100 list of the fastest-growing, privately held businesses in the Finger Lakes region.
In a 2017 Democrat and Chronicle story, Hess said he could have located Waste Harmonics anywhere in New York. But, 'I chose Rochester. I knew Rochester would be an incredible place to live and to work: a vibrant community with tremendous local pride and cultural activities, plus local talent with a strong work ethic and 'can-do' attitude who would help businesses like ours grow.'
Before merging with Keter, Waste Harmonics acquired several other waste brokers.
On May 3, 2024, Waste Harmonics Keter announced the appointment of Robert Boucher as CEO.
It said Hess and Keter founder Steven Schlussel would continue their involvement with the company through roles on its board and work closely with Boucher during the transition.
A company representative declined to comment on the forthcoming Victor layoffs.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@ Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Waste Harmonics Keter to lay off more than half its staff in Victor NY
