SEC Filing | Casella Waste Systems, Inc.

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SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )

Filed by the Registrant /X/

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant / /

Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-2

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the
Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

/X/ No fee required.
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how
it was determined):
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(5) Total fee paid:
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/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
/ / Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule
and the date of its filing.

(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(4) Date Filed:
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CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

25 GREENS HILL LANE
RUTLAND, VERMONT 05701

------------------------

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 11, 2001
------------------------

To the stockholders of
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.:

The annual meeting of stockholders of Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 11:00 a.m.,
local time, at the Killington Grand Hotel, 228 East Mountain Road, Killington,
Vermont, 05751, for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following
matters:

1. To elect three Class I directors for the ensuing three years;

2. To ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors
of the company for the current fiscal year; and

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the annual
meeting, including any postponements or adjournments thereof.

The board of directors has no knowledge of any other business to be
transacted at the annual meeting.

We have included a copy of the company's annual report to stockholders for
the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001 with the proxy statement that accompanies
this notice of meeting. The annual report contains consolidated financial
statements and other information of interest to you.

Stockholders of record of Class A common stock, Class B common stock or
Series A convertible preferred stock of the company at the close of business on
August 28, 2001 are entitled to receive this notice and to vote at the annual
meeting.

THE COMPANY URGES YOU TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON. HOWEVER, IN
ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, WE ALSO URGE
YOU TO COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE.

By order of the Board of Directors,

September 6, 2001 John W. Casella
Rutland, Vermont CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.

25 GREENS HILL LANE
RUTLAND, VERMONT 05701
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 11, 2001

This proxy statement is furnished to you in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the board of directors of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. for the
annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Thursday, October 11, 2001 at
11:00 a.m., local time, at the Killington Grand Hotel, 228 East Mountain Road,
Killington, Vermont 05751, including any postponements or adjournments thereof.

The notice of the annual meeting, this proxy statement, the company's annual
report to stockholders for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2001 and the enclosed
proxy are being mailed to stockholders on or about September 6, 2001.

VOTING OF PROXIES

All shares held by stockholders who are entitled to vote and who are
represented at the annual meeting by properly executed proxies received prior to
or at the annual meeting will be voted in accordance with the instructions
indicated on the proxy card, unless it is revoked prior to the vote. If a proxy
card does not instruct the company how to vote, the shares will be voted "FOR"
approval of the proposals set forth in the notice of the annual meeting to which
this proxy statement is attached.

A proxy may be revoked before it is used to cast a vote. To revoke a proxy,
a stockholder must either:

- file with the corporate secretary of the company, at or before the taking
of the vote, a written notice of revocation bearing a later date than the
proxy;

- duly execute a later dated proxy relating to the same shares and deliver
it to the corporate secretary of the company before the taking of the
vote; or

- attend the annual meeting and vote in person. Attendance at the annual
meeting, if a stockholder does not vote, is not sufficient to revoke a
proxy.

Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be sent to the
company at the following address: Casella Waste Systems, Inc., 25 Greens Hill
Lane, Rutland, Vermont 05701, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

If a stockholder indicates on a proxy that the shares should be voted "FOR"
approval of the matters presented at the annual meeting, the proxy will have
discretion to vote the shares on any other matters which are properly presented
at the annual meeting for consideration, including a motion to adjourn the
annual meeting to another time or place for the purpose of soliciting additional
proxies, unless a stockholder withholds authorization for the proxy to use his
discretion.

STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE

The company's board of directors has fixed August 28, 2001 as the record
date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual
meeting. Only holders of record of the company's voting stock at the close of
business on the record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual
meeting. On August 28, 2001, there were 22,396,547 shares of Class A common
stock, 988,200 shares of Class B common stock and 55,750 shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of
Class A common stock entitles the record holder to one vote on each matter
properly submitted to the annual meeting. Each share of Class B common stock
entitles the record holder to ten votes on each matter properly submitted to the
annual meeting. Each share of Series A convertible preferred stock entitles the
record holder to the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of
Class A common stock into which a share of Series A convertible preferred stock
is convertible as of the

record date. As of the record date, each share of Series A convertible preferred
stock was entitled to approximately 74 votes on each matter properly submitted
to the annual meeting.

VOTES REQUIRED

The presence, in person or by proxy, of shares representing a majority of
the votes entitled to be cast at the annual meeting by the holders of Class A
common stock, Class B common stock and Series A convertible preferred stock,
voting together as a class, is necessary to constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the annual meeting. Shares of common stock and
preferred stock present in person or represented by proxy, including shares
which abstain or do not vote with respect to one or more of the matters
presented for stockholder approval, will be counted for purposes of determining
whether a quorum is present at the annual meeting.

If a broker does not have discretionary voting authority to vote shares for
which it is the holder of record as to a particular matter at the annual
meeting, the shares, although they will be counted in determining whether a
quorum is present, cannot be voted by the broker. Accordingly, these "broker
non-votes" and any abstentions would have no effect on the voting on a matter
that requires the affirmative vote of a certain percentage of the votes cast on
a matter, but would be the equivalent of a "no" vote on any matter which
requires the affirmative vote of a certain percentage of shares entitled to vote
on a matter.

The affirmative vote of the holders of shares representing at least a
plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of common stock and
preferred stock, voting together as a class, at the annual meeting is required
for the election of the Class I directors. The affirmative vote of the holders
of shares representing at least a majority of the votes cast by the holders of
shares of common stock and preferred stock, voting together as a class, at the
annual meeting is required for the ratification of the selection of the
company's independent auditors.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information as of August 1, 2001, regarding
the beneficial ownership of shares of the company's voting stock by (a) each
person or entity known by the company to own beneficially more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of a class of voting stock, (b) each director and director
nominee of the company, (c) each of the "named executive officers" of the
company, as described in the Summary Compensation Table below, and (d) the
directors and executive officers of the company as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and includes generally voting power and/or
investment power with respect to securities. Shares of Class A common stock
subject to options, warrants and/or convertible preferred stock which are
currently exercisable or convertible or which are exercisable or convertible
within 60 days of August 1, 2001 are deemed outstanding for purposes of
computing the percentage beneficially owned by the person or entity holding such
securities but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the
percentage beneficially owned by any other person or entity. Except as indicated
by footnote, the company believes that the persons named in this table, based on
information provided by these persons, have sole voting and investment power
with respect to the securities indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, the
address of each executive officer and director of the company is care of Casella
Waste Systems, Inc., 25 Greens Hill Lane, Rutland, Vermont 05701.

The "Total Ownership of Equity Securities" column reflects each listed
individual's or entity's percent beneficial ownership with respect to all voting
securities of the company. This column reflects the

conversion of shares of Class B common stock and Series A convertible preferred
stock into shares of Class A common stock of the company.

SERIES A
CLASS A CLASS B CONVERTIBLE
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK PREFERRED STOCK TOTAL
---------------------- -------------------- ------------------- OWNERSHIP OF
% # OF % # OF % EQUITY
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER # OF SHARES OF CLASS SHARES OF CLASS SHARES OF CLASS SECURITIES (%)
- ------------------------ ----------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------------

5% STOCKHOLDER
Funds affiliated with
Berkshire Partners
LLC(1)..................... 4,179,258(2) 15.7 -- -- 55,750(3) 100.0 15.7
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND
DIRECTORS
John W. Casella(4)........... 1,391,250 5.9 494,100(5) 50.0 -- -- 5.9
James W. Bohlig(6)........... 800,000 3.5 -- -- -- -- 3.5
Richard A. Norris(7)......... 58,333 * -- -- -- -- *
Jerry S. Cifor(8)............ 394,333 1.7 -- -- -- -- 1.7
Martin J. Sergi(9)........... 178,390 * -- -- -- -- *
Douglas R. Casella(10)....... 1,391,250 5.9 494,100(5) 50.0 -- -- 5.9
John F. Chapple III(11)...... 124,476 * -- -- -- -- *
George J. Mitchell(12)....... 26,005 * -- -- -- -- *
D. Randolph Peeler(13)....... 4,181,758 15.7 -- -- 55,750(3) 100.0 15.7
Gregory B. Peters(14)........ 23,617 * -- -- -- -- *
Wilbur L. Ross, Jr.(15)...... 13,975 * -- -- -- -- *
Executive officers and
directors as a group (11
people)(16)................ 8,583,387 30.3 988,200 100.0 55,750 100.0 30.3

- --------------------------

* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the respective class of
voting stock of the company.

(1) The address of Berkshire Partners LLC is One Boston Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02116.

(2) Assumes the conversion of 55,750 shares of Series A convertible preferred
stock into shares of Class A common stock. Such shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock are convertible at any time at the discretion of
the holder thereof. See footnote (3).

(3) Holders of Series A convertible preferred stock are entitled to one vote for
each share of common stock into which a share of Series A convertible
preferred stock is convertible as of the record date. Each share of
Series A convertible preferred stock was convertible into approximately 74
shares of Class A common stock as of August 1, 2001.

(4) Includes (a) 318,500 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise
of options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001, (b) 27,000 shares
of Class A common stock held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Casella's minor
children and (c) 494,100 shares of Class A common stock issuable at any time
upon the conversion of Class B common stock on a one-for-one basis.

(5) Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share of
Class B common stock that they beneficially own.

(6) Includes (a) 530,000 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise
of options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001 and (b) 8,000 shares
of Class A common stock held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Bohlig's minor
children.

(7) Includes 53,333 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of
options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001.

(8) Includes 326,333 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of
options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001. Mr. Cifor resigned as
vice president and chief financial officer of the company as of July 31,
2001.

(9) Includes 178,388 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of
options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001. Mr. Sergi resigned as
executive vice president--business development and a director of the company
as of July 1, 2001.

(10) Includes (a) 318,500 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the
exercise of options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001, (b) 1,600
shares of Class A common stock held in trust for the benefit of
Mr. Casella's minor children and (c) 494,100 shares of Class A common stock
issuable at any time upon the conversion of Class B common stock on a
one-for-one basis.

(11) Includes 3,833 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of
options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001.

(12) Includes 19,075 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of
options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001.

(13) Includes (a) the securities described in note (2) and (b) 2,500 shares of
Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of options or warrants within
60 days of August 1, 2001. Series A convertible preferred stock is indicated
as owned by Mr. Peeler due to his affiliation with Berkshire Partners LLC.
See "Proposal 1--Election of Directors." Mr. Peeler disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares held by Berkshire Partners LLC except to the extent
of his pecuniary interest in such shares arising from his position as a
managing director of Berkshire Partners LLC.

(14) Includes (a) 3,833 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise
of options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001 and (b) 2,000 shares
of Class A common stock held by the children of Mr. Peters.

(15) Includes 13,975 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the exercise of
options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001.

(16) Includes (a) 1,768,270 shares of Class A common stock issuable on the
exercise of options or warrants within 60 days of August 1, 2001,
(b) 988,200 shares of Class A common stock issuable at any time upon the
conversion of Class B common stock on a one-for-one basis and (c) 4,179,258
shares of Class A common stock issuable at any time upon the conversion of
Series A convertible preferred stock.

PROPOSAL 1--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The company has three classes of directors, currently consisting of three
Class I directors, two Class II directors and three Class III directors. At each
annual meeting, directors are elected for a full term of three years to succeed
those whose terms are expiring. The terms of the three classes are staggered in
a manner so that only one class is elected by stockholders annually. The three
Class I directors are proposed for election this year to serve as members of the
board of directors until the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders, or until their
successors are elected and qualified.

The persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote at the annual meeting to
elect, as Class I directors, Messrs. Douglas R. Casella, George J. Mitchell and
D. Randolph Peeler, the three director nominees named below, unless the proxy is
marked otherwise. Messrs. Casella, Mitchell and Peeler are currently members of
the board of directors.

Each of the nominees has indicated his willingness to serve, if elected;
however, if any nominee should be unable to serve, the person acting under the
proxy may vote the proxy for a substitute nominee designated by the board of
directors. The board of directors has no reason to believe that any of the
nominees will be unable to serve if elected.

Set forth below for each director, including the director nominees, is
information as of August 1, 2001 with respect to (a) his name and age, (b) his
position and offices at the company, (c) his principal occupation and business
experience during the past five years, (d) his directorships, if any, of other
publicly held companies and (e) the year he became a director of the company.

DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, OTHER BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
NAME AGE SINCE DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
- ---- -------- -------- -----------------------------------------------------------

CLASS I DIRECTOR NOMINEES
TO BE ELECTED AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING (TERMS
EXPIRING IN 2004)
Douglas R. Casella 45 1993 Mr. Casella founded Casella Waste Management, Inc. in 1975.
Mr. Casella has served as vice chairman of the board of
directors of the company since 1993. Since 1989, Mr.
Casella has served as president of Casella Construction,
Inc., a company owned by Mr. Casella and John W. Casella,
which specializes in general contracting, soil excavation
and related heavy equipment work. Since 1975, Mr. Casella
has served as president of Casella Waste Management, Inc.
Mr. Casella is the brother of John W. Casella.
George J. Mitchell 67 1999 Senator Mitchell is special counsel to the law firm of
Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand in Washington,
D.C. and senior counsel to the firm of Preti, Flaherty,
Beliveau, Pachios & Haley in Portland, Maine. He served as
a United States Senator for fifteen years beginning in
1980, and was Senate Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995.
Senator Mitchell is a director of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc., a hotel and leisure company, UNUM/
Provident Corporation, a disability insurance company,
FedEx corporation, an international provider of
transportation and delivery services, Unilever N.V., a food
and personal care company, Xerox Corporation, a
manufacturer of photocopier equipment, The Walt Disney
Company, an entertainment company, and Staples, Inc., an
office supply company. Senator Mitchell is also a trustee
of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a real estate investment
trust and a subsidiary of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc. Senator Mitchell has also served as
chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, the
ethics committee of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the
National Health Care Commission. From June 1998 to December
1999, Senator Mitchell served as a director of KTI, Inc.,
an integrated solid waste processing company and now a
wholly owned subsidiary of the company.*

D. Randolph Peeler 37 2000 Mr. Peeler has been a managing director of Berkshire
Partners, a venture capital firm, since January 2000. From
May 1997 to December 1999, Mr. Peeler served as a vice
president of Berkshire Partners and from June 1996 to April
1997 as a senior associate. From 1994 to June 1996, Mr.
Peeler was president of Professional Dental Associates, a
private healthcare services company which he co-founded.
Prior to 1994, Mr. Peeler served as chief of staff for the
Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy in the United
States Department of the Treasury. Mr. Peeler was also a
consultant with Cannon Associates and Bain & Co., where he
worked with clients in the healthcare, heavy manufacturing,
distribution, information technology and professional
services industries.* + #
CLASS II DIRECTORS (TERMS
EXPIRING IN 2002)
James W. Bohlig 55 1993 Mr. Bohlig has served as president of the company since
July 2001 and as chief operating officer of the company
since 1993. From 1993 to July 2001, Mr. Bohlig also served
as senior vice president of the company. From 1989 until he
joined the company, Mr. Bohlig was executive vice president
and chief operating officer of Russell Corporation, a
general contractor and developer based in Rutland, Vermont.
Mr. Bohlig is also a director of Consumat Environmental
Systems, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of incineration
and pollution control equipment.
Gregory B. Peters 55 1993 Mr. Peters has served as managing general partner of Lake
Champlain Capital Management, LLC, since April 2001. From
April 1988 to March 2001, Mr. Peters served as a general
partner of Vermont Venture Capital Partners, L.P., a
venture capital management company. Mr. Peters also served
as general partner of North Atlantic Capital Partners, L.P.
from July 1986 to March 2001.* + #
CLASS III DIRECTORS
(TERMS EXPIRING IN 2003)
John W. Casella 50 1993 Mr. Casella has served as chief executive officer of the
company since 1993 and in July 2001 was reelected as
chairman of the board of directors, a position he also held
from 1993 through December 1999. Mr. Casella also served as
president from 1993 to June 2001. Mr. Casella has served as
chairman of the board of directors of Casella Waste
Management, Inc. since 1977. Mr. Casella is also an
executive officer and director of Casella Construction,
Inc., a company owned by Mr. Casella and Douglas R. Casella
which specializes in general contracting, soil excavation
and related heavy equipment work. Mr. Casella is the
brother of Douglas R. Casella.*
John F. Chapple III 60 1994 Mr. Chapple was president and owner of Catamount Waste
Services, Inc., a central Vermont hauling and landfill
operation which the company purchased in May 1994, from
August 1989 to July 1994. Mr. Chapple has been retired
since 1995.* +

Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. 63 1999 Mr. Ross has served as chairman and chief executive officer
of WL Ross & Co. LLC, a merchant banking firm, since
April 2000. From 1976 to March 2000, Mr. Ross served as
executive managing director of Rothschild Inc., an
investment banking firm, and as senior managing director
from 1998 to March 2000. Mr. Ross is chief executive
officer and director of News Communications, Inc., a
publisher of community oriented newspapers. Mr. Ross is a
director of Mego Financial Corp., a developer of timeshare
properties, and Syms Corp., a clothing retailer. Mr. Ross
served as a director of KTI, Inc., an integrated solid
waste processing company and now a wholly owned subsidiary
of the company, from June 1997 to December 1999. +

- --------------------------
* Member of the Compensation Committee
+ Member of the Audit Committee
# Member of the Stock Plan Subcommittee

See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Security Ownership
of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" for additional information
concerning members of the board of directors, including those who are nominees
for election as Class I directors.

The holders of Class A common stock, voting separately as a class, will at
all times be entitled to elect at least one director. Mr. Peters, a Class II
director, was nominated as the designee of the holders of Class A common stock
at the 1999 annual meeting of stockholders to serve as a member of the board of
directors until the 2002 annual meeting of stockholders.

Pursuant to the terms of a preferred stock purchase agreement dated as of
June 28, 2000 by and among the company, BancBoston Capital Inc., Berkshire Fund
V Investment Corp., Berkshire Investors LLC, RGIP, LLC and Squam Lake Investors
IV, L.P., such entities, and permitted transferees, voting separately as a
class, will at all times be entitled to nominate one director, who shall also be
appointed to each committee of the board of directors, provided that such
persons continue to hold at least 20% of the shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock, or shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of such
shares, purchased by them pursuant to the preferred stock purchase agreement.
The company agreed to use reasonable efforts to have such director nominee
elected as a director of the company. Mr. Peeler, a Class I director nominee and
a member of the compensation committee, audit committee and stock plan
subcommittee of the board of directors, has been nominated as the designee of
the holders of Series A convertible preferred stock to serve as a member of the
board of directors until the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders.

The employment agreements by and between the company and each of
Messrs. John W. Casella and James W. Bohlig provide that each such person shall
be elected as a director of the company. The company agreed to use its best
efforts to assure each such person is elected as a director of the company.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The board of directors met five times, including by telephone conference,
during fiscal 2001. All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the
board of directors and the meetings of the committees on which they served held
during the period that they served on the board of directors or such committees.

The board of directors has established a compensation committee. The
compensation committee, which currently consists of Messrs. John W. Casella,
Chapple, Mitchell, Peeler and Peters, reviews executive salaries, administers
any bonus, incentive compensation and stock option plans of the company, and
approves the salaries and other benefits of the executive officers of the
company other than Mr. Casella. In addition, the compensation committee consults
with management regarding pension and other benefit plans and compensation
policies and practices of the company. The stock plan subcommittee

of the compensation committee, which currently consists of Messrs. Peeler and
Peters, administers the issuance of stock options and other awards under the
company's stock option plans to executive officers and approves the compensation
of Mr. John W. Casella. Each of the compensation committee and the stock plan
subcommittee held one meeting during fiscal 2001.

The board of directors has also established an audit committee. The audit
committee currently consists of Messrs. Chapple, Peeler, Peters and Ross. The
audit committee held ten meetings during fiscal 2001. See "Report of the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors."

The company does not have a nominating committee or a committee serving a
similar function. Nominations are made by and through the full board of
directors.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

The company reimburses non-employee directors for expenses incurred in
attending board of directors and committee meetings. In addition, non-employee
directors of the company receive $3,000 for each fiscal quarter that the
non-employee director continues to serve on the board of directors, $1,000 for
each meeting of the board of directors that the non-employee director attends in
person and $500 for each meeting of a committee of the board of directors that
the non-employee director attends in person. In addition, each non-employee
director receives an option to purchase 7,500 shares of Class A common stock
under the company's Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
Plan upon the non-employee director's initial election to the board of directors
and an option to purchase 7,500 shares of Class A common stock at the time of
each annual meeting of stockholders of the company. Each such option is
exercisable at a price per share equal to the fair market value of the company's
Class A common stock on the date of grant and vests in three equal annual
installments, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant, provided
that the non-employee director continues to serve as a member of the board of
directors at the time of the anniversary of the date of grant.

In addition to the foregoing, Mr. Mitchell receives compensation of $10,000
for each fiscal quarter that he serves on the board of directors of the company.
This compensation is payable each quarter in such number of shares of Class A
common stock of the company as are purchasable by dividing $10,000 by the
closing price of a share of Class A common stock as reported on The Nasdaq
National Market on the last business day of each fiscal quarter for which this
compensation is being paid. These shares are issued under our Amended and
Restated 1997 Stock Incentive Plan.

Mr. Pirasteh resigned as chairman of the board of directors as of July 1,
2001. On July 1, 2001, Mr. Pirasteh entered into a general release, noncompete
and severance agreement with the company. Pursuant to that agreement, the
employment agreement of Mr. Pirasteh was terminated and, in lieu of any
compensation and benefits due to him thereunder, the company agreed to pay
Mr. Pirasteh a lump sum cash payment of one million dollars and to provide him
with medical and dental insurance coverage under the company's benefits plans
until July 1, 2002. Mr. Pirasteh also agreed to repay the April 2000 loan made
to him by the company. In addition, Mr. Pirasteh entered into a consulting
agreement with the company, which terminates on July 1, 2002. Mr. Pirasteh will
receive $30,000 per month for his consulting services. The company also agreed
to extend the exercise period of an option exercisable for an aggregate of
100,000 shares of Class A common stock of the company granted to Mr. Pirasteh on
May 10, 2000 to July 1, 2004. The consulting agreement may be terminated by the
company only in the event of the death of Mr. Pirasteh or for "cause." Cause is
defined as any illegal, immoral or dishonest act or omission, which results in
damage to the company, or failure of Mr. Pirasteh to discharge the duties
required under the consulting agreement in the event that he has not cured such
failure within 10 days of written notice thereof.

The company has also entered into or engaged in certain transactions with
directors of the company or affiliates of directors of the company. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

The current members of the compensation committee of the board of directors
are Messrs. John W. Casella, Chapple, Mitchell, Peeler and Peters. The current
members of the stock plan subcommittee of the board of directors are
Messrs. Peeler and Peters. Mr. Casella has served as chief executive officer of
the company since 1993 and served as president from 1993 to June 2001. In
June 2001, Mr. Casella was reelected chairman of the board of directors, a
position he also held from 1993 to December 1999.

The company has from time to time engaged Casella Construction, Inc., a
company owned by John W. Casella, chief executive officer and chairman of the
board of directors, and Douglas R. Casella, a director, to provide construction
services for the company, including construction, closure and capping activities
at the company's landfills. In fiscal 2001, the company paid Casella
Construction, Inc. an aggregate of $5,183,250.

The company is party to two real estate leases with Casella Associates, a
Vermont partnership owned by John W. Casella and Douglas R. Casella, relating to
facilities occupied by the company. The leases, relating to the company's
corporate headquarters in Rutland, Vermont and its Montpelier, Vermont facility,
provide for aggregate monthly payments of $18,000 and expire in April 2003.
These leases have been classified by the company as capital leases for financial
reporting purposes. In November 1997, the lease relating to the company's
corporate headquarters in Rutland, Vermont was amended to allow the company to
upgrade and make capital improvements to the premises at an estimated cost of
$500,000, to be paid by the company. Casella Associates was granted the option
to purchase the capital improvements by December 31, 2002, and if it does not
elect to exercise the option the company has the right to purchase the premises
for $324,000, the fair market value of the premises prior to the capital
improvements, at the expiration of the term of the lease.

The company operated an unlined landfill located in Whitehall, New York
owned by Bola, Inc., a corporation owned by John W. Casella and Douglas R.
Casella which operated as a single-purpose real estate holding company. The
company paid the cost of closing this landfill in 1992, and has agreed to pay
all post-closure obligations. In fiscal 2001, the company paid an aggregate of
$6,780 pursuant to this arrangement.

In connection with and at the time of the company's acquisition of the
business of Catamount Waste Services, Inc. in 1994, the company entered into a
lease with CV Landfill, Inc., a Vermont corporation affiliated with Catamount
Waste Services, Inc., pursuant to which the company agreed to lease a transfer
station for a term of 10 years. CV Landfill, Inc. is owned by John F. Chapple
III, who became a director of the company at the time of the acquisition of the
business of Catamount Waste Services, Inc. Pursuant to the lease agreement, the
company paid monthly rent for the first five years at a rate of $5.00 per ton of
waste disposed of at the transfer station, with a minimum rent of $6,650 per
month. Since June 1999, the company has been required to pay monthly rent at a
rate of $2.00 per ton, with a minimum rent of $2,500 per month. In fiscal 2001,
the company paid CV Landfill, Inc. an aggregate of $54,295.

On or about October 30, 1997, Mr. Matthew M. Freeman commenced a civil
lawsuit against the company and Messrs. James W. Bohlig and John W. Casella in
the Vermont Superior Court, Rutland County. Mr. Freeman claimed to have
performed services for the company prior to 1995 and in his lawsuit sought a
three percent equity interest in the company or the monetary equivalent thereof,
as well as punitive damages. On February 14, 2001, the company settled the
litigation for $350,000 cash and the issuance of 25,000 stock options. In
connection with the settlement, the company agreed to release certain executive
officers and other stockholders of the company from an indemnification
agreement.

On March 2, 2000, the company made a loan to Mr. John W. Casella, chief
executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of the company, in the
aggregate principal amount of $750,000. The terms of the loan provided for the
payment of accrued interest on a quarterly basis and for the repayment of
principal upon demand. Interest on the loan accrued monthly at the prime rate
(8% annually at

April 30, 2001). The largest aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding for
Mr. Casella since the beginning of fiscal 2001 was $791,096. Mr. Casella repaid
the loan in full on May 5, 2001.

On June 28, 2000, the company entered into a preferred stock purchase
agreement with BancBoston Capital Inc., Berkshire Fund V, Limited Partnership,
Berkshire Fund V Investment Corp., Berkshire Investors LLC, RGIP, LLC and Squam
Lake Investors IV, L.P. Pursuant to the agreement, the company sold an aggregate
of 55,750 shares of its Series A convertible preferred stock at a purchase price
of $1,000 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $55,750,000.

The company believes that each transaction described above was on terms at
least as favorable as those the company would expect to negotiate with
disinterested third parties.

The Series A convertible preferred stock purchasers and their permitted
transferees are entitled to certain rights with respect to the registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of certain shares of the company's
Class A common stock, including shares of Class A common stock that were or may
be acquired pursuant to the conversion of shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock. In the event the company proposes to register any of its
securities under the Securities Act at any time, with certain exceptions, the
Series A convertible preferred stockholders will be entitled to include shares
in the registration, subject to the right of the managing underwriter of any
underwritten offering to exclude from the registration some or all of their
registrable shares. The Series A convertible preferred stockholders have the
additional right to require the company to prepare and file registration
statements under the Securities Act with respect to all of the registrable
shares if such holders hold at least 20% of such shares and an aggregate value
of at least $5,000,000 so request. The company is required to use its best
efforts to effect such registration, subject to certain conditions and
limitations.

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Based solely on its review of copies of reports filed by reporting persons
pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or
written representations from reporting persons that no Form 5 filing was
required for such person, the company believes that, during fiscal 2001, all
filings required to be made by reporting persons of the company were timely made
in accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth for each of the last three fiscal years the
cash compensation paid and the shares underlying options granted to (a) the
company's chief executive officer and (b) each of the other executive officers
who received annual compensation in excess of $100,000 during fiscal 2001
(collectively, the "named executive officers").

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ------------
---------------------------------- SECURITIES
FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION OPTIONS (#) COMPENSATION (1)
- --------------------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ----------------

John W. Casella(2)................ 2001 $262,000 $ -- $ -- 75,000 $ 500
President and Chief 2000 $254,568 $ -- $ -- 75,000 $ 4,374(3)
Executive Officer 1999 $162,157 $ 60,000 $1,638,575(4) 90,000 $ 500

James W. Bohlig(2)................ 2001 $250,000 $ -- $ -- 150,000 $ 500
Senior Vice President and 2000 $242,500 $ -- $ -- 150,000 $ 500
Chief Operating Officer 1999 $152,109 $181,287 $ 882,700(4) 150,000 $ 500

Jerry S. Cifor.................... 2001 $230,000 $ -- $ -- 125,000 $361,488(5)
Senior Vice President and 2000 $222,500 $ -- $ -- 125,000 $ 33,480(6)
Chief Financial Officer 1999 $132,430 $ 50,000 $ 413,120(4) 110,000 $ 500

Martin J. Sergi................... 2001 $250,000 $ -- $ -- 150,000 $674,698(7)
Executive Vice President--
Business Development

- --------------------------

(1) Consists of amount paid by the company to the named executive officer's
account in the company's 401(k) plan, unless otherwise noted. Does not
include loans made to certain of the named executive officers during fiscal
2000 or fiscal 2001. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

(2) In July 2001, Mr. Bohlig assumed the position of President.

(3) Consists of (i) $500 paid by the company to the named executive officer's
account in the company's 401(k) plan and (ii) $3,874 of life insurance
premiums paid by the company on behalf of the named executive officer.

(4) Consists of the difference between the price paid by the named executive
officer upon exercise of stock options and the fair market value of the
Class A common stock on the date of exercise.

(5) Mr. Cifor resigned as senior vice president and chief financial officer of
the company as of July 31, 2001. Mr. Norris, the company's controller and
vice president, assumed such positions at that time. In connection with
Mr. Cifor's resignation, the company agreed to pay Mr. Cifor, after taking
into account any federal and state income taxes, a lump sum net cash payment
of $345,000, to convey to him his leased company automobile and company
computer, which has an aggregate value of $8,753, and to provide him with
medical and dental insurance coverage under the company's benefits plans
until December 31, 2002, which has an aggregate value of $7,735. The company
has also entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Cifor. See "Proposal
I--Election of Directors--Employment Agreements."

(6) Consists of (i) $500 paid by the company to the named executive officer's
account in the company's 401(k) plan and (ii) $32,980 paid to the named
executive officer in recognition of the settlement of an obligation of the
company to issue the named executive officer shares of Class A common stock
of the company upon his initial employment.

(7) Mr. Sergi joined the company in December 1999 as executive vice
president--business development and a director, and resigned such positions
as of July 1, 2001. In connection with such resignation, the company agreed
to pay Mr. Sergi a lump sum cash payment of $670,000 and to provide him with
medical and dental insurance coverage under the company's benefits plans
until January 1, 2002, which has an aggregate value of $4,698. The company
has also entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Sergi. See "Proposal
I--Election of Directors--Employment Agreements."

OPTIONS GRANTS TABLE

The following table sets forth information for each of the named executive
officers with respect to the grant of stock options to purchase shares of the
company's Class A common stock during fiscal 2001.

OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
NUMBER OF OF
SECURITIES PERCENT OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING OPTIONS GRANTED FOR OPTION TERM (3)
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE OR EXPIRATION ---------------------------
NAME GRANTED (1) FISCAL YEAR BASE PRICE (2) DATE 5% 10%
- ---- ----------- ---------------- -------------- ---------- ----------- -------------

John W. Casella............... 75,000 3.8% $9.5563 5/10/05 $198,021 $ 437,575

James W. Bohlig............... 150,000 7.6 $8.6875 5/10/10 $819,528 $2,076,846

Jerry S. Cifor(4)............. 125,000 6.4 $8.6875 5/10/10 $682,940 $1,730,705

Martin J. Sergi(5)............ 150,000 7.6 $8.6875 5/10/10 $819,528 $2,076,846

- --------------------------

(1) Each option is immediately exercisable with respect to one-half of the
options granted and becomes exercisable with respect to the remaining
one-half of such options on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(2) Options were granted at the fair market value as of the date of the grant,
based upon the last reported sale price of the Class A common stock on The
Nasdaq National Market. Mr. Casella's options were granted at 10% above the
fair market value on the date of grant.

(3) Amounts reported in these columns represent amounts that may be realized
upon exercise of the options immediately prior to the expiration of their
term, assuming the specified compound rates of appreciation (5% and 10%) of
the market value of the Class A common stock on the date of the option grant
over the term of the options. These numbers are calculated based on rules
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not reflect the
company's estimate of future stock price growth. Actual gains, if any, on
stock option exercise and the Class A common stock holdings are dependent on
the timing of the exercise and the future performance of the Class A common
stock. There can be no assurance that the rates of appreciation assumed in
this table can be achieved or that the amounts reflected will be received by
the individuals.

(4) Mr. Cifor resigned as senior vice president and chief financial officer of
the company as of July 31, 2001. Mr. Norris, the company's controller and
vice president, assumed such positions at that time.

(5) Mr. Sergi joined the company in December 1999 as executive vice
president--business development and a director, and resigned such positions
as of July 1, 2001.

FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUE TABLE

The following table sets forth information for each of the named executive
officers with respect to the number and value of options outstanding as of the
fiscal year ended 2001. None of the named executive officers exercised any
options to purchase shares of the company's Class A common stock during fiscal
2001.

FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES

NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
APRIL 30, 2001 (#) AT APRIL 30, 2001 ($) (1)
------------------------------- -------------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------

John W. Casella................................ 292,500 37,500 $603,500 --
President and Chief Executive Officer

James W. Bohlig ............................... 505,000 75,000 $829,288 $30,938
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer

Jerry S. Cifor ................................ 344,156 62,500 $300,239 $25,781
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Martin J. Sergi ............................... 138,026 106,512 $ 30,938 $30,938
Executive Vice President--Business
Development

- --------------------------

(1) These values have been calculated on the basis of the last reported sale
price of the company's Class A common stock on The Nasdaq National Market on
April 30, 2001, $9.10 per share, less the aggregate exercise price.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

Each of John W. Casella and James W. Bohlig has an employment agreement with
the company. Each employment agreement commenced as of December 14, 1999 for a
term of three years and is automatically renewable for additional terms of one
year. During the three years, the employee is entitled to a specified annual
base salary and a bonus consisting of cash, stock options or a combination
thereof in an amount determined by the company's compensation committee prior to
the conclusion of each fiscal year, and to a severance package upon the
termination of their employment. Martin J. Sergi and Jerry S. Cifor also had
similar employment agreements with the company. Pursuant to their agreements, in
fiscal 2001, the base salary of Mr. John W. Casella was $262,000, the base
salary of Mr. Bohlig was $250,000, the base salary of Mr. Sergi was $250,000 and
the base salary of Mr. Cifor was $230,000. In addition, the company has agreed
to use its best efforts to assure that John W. Casella and James W. Bohlig are
each elected as a director of the company.

Messrs. Casella, Bohlig, Sergi and Cifor each also agreed not to compete
with the company for a period of two years after the termination of the
employee's employment within 300 miles of any facility operated by the company
during the term of his employment. In addition, each employee has agreed that
during this period, he will not solicit customers or accounts or other employees
of the company. In the event an employee were to terminate his employment
voluntarily and as a result he is not entitled to severance, the non-compete
would not apply unless the company continues to pay the employee's base salary.
In the event of a termination of the employee's employment without cause, the
company will be required to pay the employee an amount equal to (a) three times
the sum of (i) his highest base salary paid under the agreement and (ii) the
higher of the most recent bonus paid to the employee under the agreement or 50%
of his base salary immediately prior to such termination; plus (b) an amount in
cash equal to the value of any accrued but unpaid base salary, bonus and
vacation pay. In addition, the employee will continue to receive benefits for a
period of three years from the date of termination. In the event that the
employee terminates his employment with the company following a change of
control of the company in which specified events occur which affect the terms of
the employee's employment, the employee will receive the payments described in
the preceding two sentences plus an additional payment intended to compensate
the employee for taxes payable in connection with the severance payments.

Mr. Sergi resigned as executive vice president-business development and a
director as of July 1, 2001. At that time, Mr. Sergi entered into a general
release, noncompete and severance agreement with the company. Pursuant to that
agreement, the employment agreement of Mr. Sergi was terminated and, in lieu of
any compensation and benefits due to him thereunder, the company agreed to pay
Mr. Sergi a lump sum cash payment of $670,000 dollars and to provide him with
medical and dental insurance coverage under the company's benefits plans until
January 1, 2002. The general release, noncompete and severance agreement also
obligates Mr. Sergi not to compete with the company, provided that he may be
engaged in the tire processing business, or solicit customers or accounts or
other employees of the company as described above. Mr. Sergi also agreed to
repay the March 2000 loan made to him by the company. See "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions." In addition, in connection with Mr. Sergi's
resignation, he entered into a consulting agreement with the company. The
consulting agreement term is until January 1, 2002. The agreement provides that
Mr. Sergi will serve as a consultant to the company upon its request and
pursuant to a mutually agreed upon scope of work. The company has agreed to pay
Mr. Sergi $23,000 per month for his consulting services. Pursuant to the
consulting agreement, the company agreed to extend the exercise period of the
option exercisable for an aggregate of 150,000 shares of Class A common stock of
the company granted to Mr. Sergi on May 10, 2000 to July 1, 2004. The agreement
may be terminated by the company only in the event of the death of Mr. Sergi or
for "cause." Cause is defined as any illegal, immoral or dishonest act or
omission, which results in damage to the company, or failure of Mr. Sergi to
discharge the duties required under the consulting agreement in the event that
he has not cured such failure within 10 days of written notice thereof.

Mr. Cifor resigned as senior vice president and chief financial officer as
of July 31, 2001. At that time, Mr. Cifor entered into a general release,
noncompete and severance agreement with the company. Pursuant to that agreement,
the employment agreement of Mr. Cifor was terminated and, in lieu of any
compensation and benefits due to him thereunder, the company agreed to pay
Mr. Cifor, after taking into account any federal and state income taxes, a lump
sum net cash payment of $345,000, to convey to him his leased company automobile
and company computer and to provide him with medical and dental insurance
coverage under the company's benefits plans until December 31, 2002. The general
release, noncompete and severance agreement also obligates Mr. Cifor not to
compete with the company or solicit customers or accounts or other employees of
the company as described above. In addition, in connection with Mr. Cifor's
resignation, he entered into a consulting agreement with the company. The
consulting agreement term is until December 31, 2002. The agreement provides
that Mr. Cifor will serve as a consultant to the company upon its request and
pursuant to a mutually agreed upon scope of work. The company has agreed to pay
Mr. Cifor $150 per hour for his consulting services and will reimburse him for
all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his
consulting duties. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, the company agreed to
extend the exercise period of the option exercisable for an aggregate of 125,000
shares of Class A common stock of the company granted to Mr. Cifor on May 10,
2000 to July 31, 2004. The agreement may be terminated by either Mr. Cifor or
the company upon 30 days prior written notice to the other party. In addition,
the agreement will terminate immediately for "cause," as defined above.

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The compensation committee of the board of directors reviews executive
salaries, administers any bonus, incentive compensation and stock option plans
of the company, and approves the salaries and other benefits of the executive
officers of the company other than Mr. Casella. In addition, the compensation
committee consults with the company's management regarding pension and other
benefit plans and compensation policies and practices of the company.

The compensation committee, including its stock plan subcommittee, seeks to
achieve three broad goals in connection with the company's executive
compensation program. First, the compensation committee seeks to reward
executives for the achievement of business objectives of the company. Second,

the executive compensation program is intended to provide executives with equity
incentives so as to link a portion of the executive's compensation with the
future performance of Class A common stock of the company. Finally, the
compensation committee structures its executive compensation program so as to
enable it to attract and retain key executives.

To achieve these objectives, the compensation program for the company's
executive officers consists principally of three elements: base salary, cash
bonuses and long-term incentive compensation in the form of participation in the
company's stock option plans.

In determining base salaries for the executive officers, the compensation
committee evaluates the executive's experience, length of service, historical
salary level, the responsibilities of the specific executive position and the
consistent performance of each senior executive. In addition, the compensation
committee assesses the company's financial and operational performance for the
prior fiscal year and the competitiveness of the company's executive
compensation program and executive compensation packages of comparable
companies. To the extent determined to be appropriate, the compensation
committee also considers general economic conditions and forecasts. To ensure
retention of qualified management, the company has entered into employment
agreements with certain of its executive officers. The employment agreements
establish annual base salary amounts that the compensation committee may
increase.

The compensation committee also considers the payment of cash bonuses as
part of its compensation program. Annual cash bonuses reflect a policy of
requiring a certain level of company financial and operational performance for
the prior fiscal year before any cash bonuses are earned by executive officers.
In general, the compensation committee has tied potential bonus compensation to
performance factors, including the executive officer's efforts and contributions
towards obtaining company objectives and the company's overall growth. The
employment agreements of each of the executive officers provides that each of
these employees will be entitled to a bonus consisting of cash, stock options or
a combination thereof in an amount determined by the compensation committee
prior to the conclusion of each fiscal year. In fiscal 2001, the compensation
committee determined not to pay any bonuses to the executive officers of the
company.

The executive officers are also eligible to receive stock options under the
company's stock option plans. The compensation committee believes that it is to
the company's advantage to increase the interest of the executives in the
company's welfare, as these employees share the primary responsibility for the
company's management and growth. In addition, the compensation committee
believes that, because new option grants are generally set at fair market value,
the grants have the effect of "re-setting" the executive's price targets for
Class A common stock. Moreover, the company's stock options provide a
significant non-cash form of compensation, which is intended to benefit the
company by enabling it to continue to attract and to retain qualified personnel
without negatively impacting cash flow. The stock plan subcommittee administers
the issuance of stock options and other awards under the company's stock option
plans to the executive officers. See "Report of the Stock Plan Subcommittee on
Executive Compensation".

COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 162(M)

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally
disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation over $1,000,000
paid to its chief executive officer and its four other most highly compensated
executive officers. Certain compensation, including qualified performance-based
compensation, may be deducted if certain requirements are met. In general, the
company structures and administers its stock option plans in a manner intended
to comply with the performance-based exception to Section 162(m) for executive
officer compensation. Nevertheless, the compensation committee and the stock
plan subcommittee reserve the right to use its judgment to authorize
compensation payments that may be in excess of the limit when either believes
such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the company's
stockholders, after taking into consideration

changing business conditions and the performance of the company's employees.
Based on the compensation awarded to the chief executive officer and the other
named executive officers of the company in fiscal 2001, it does not appear that
the Section 162(m) limitation will have a significant impact on the company in
the near term.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

John W. Casella
John F. Chapple III
George J. Mitchell
D. Randolph Peeler
Gregory B. Peters

REPORT OF THE STOCK PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The stock plan subcommittee of the compensation committee administers the
issuance of stock options and other awards under the company's stock option
plans to the company's executive officers and approves the compensation of
Mr. John W. Casella.

The use of stock options is a significant element of the compensation
packages of the company's executive officers. The timing of new grants depends
upon a number of factors, including the executives' current stock and option
holdings and such other factors as the stock plan subcommittee deems relevant.
In fiscal 2001, the stock plan subcommittee granted stock options to
Messrs. John W. Casella, Bohlig, Cifor and Sergi. In granting these options, the
stock plan subcommittee specifically considered the specific challenges facing
the company, including with respect to the divestiture of non-core assets. When
recommending the grant of stock options, it has been the policy of the stock
plan subcommittee to recommend that the exercise price of the options be at
least equal to the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock of the
company as of the date of grant. The compensation of the chief executive officer
is based upon the same elements and measures of performance as is the
compensation for the company's other executive officers.

STOCK PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE

D. Randolph Peeler
Gregory B. Peters

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

In connection with and at the time of the company's acquisition of the
business of Catamount Waste Services, Inc. in June 1994, the company entered
into a lease with CV Landfill, Inc., a Vermont corporation affiliated with
Catamount Waste Services, Inc., pursuant to which the company agreed to lease a
transfer station for a term of 10 years. CV Landfill, Inc. is owned by John F.
Chapple III, who became a director of the company at the time of the acquisition
of the business of Catamount Waste Services, Inc. Pursuant to the lease
agreement, the company paid monthly rent for the first five years at a rate of
$5.00 per ton of waste disposed of at the transfer station, with a minimum rent
of $6,650 per month. Since June 1999, the company has been required to pay
monthly rent at a rate of $2.00 per ton, with a minimum rent of $2,500 per
month. In fiscal 2001, the company paid CV Landfill, Inc. an aggregate of
$54,295.

KTI, Inc., leases office space from the Mall at the Galaxy, Inc., a
corporation that is 72% owned by Martin J. Sergi, who resigned as executive vice
president--business development and a director of the company as of July 1,
2001. The mall leases space to 27 tenants under long-term operating leases.
KTI, Inc. made rental payments to the mall of $25,812 in fiscal 2001.

On March 2, 2000, the company made loans to each of Mr. John W. Casella,
chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Bohlig, president and chief operating
officer, and Mr. Sergi, former executive vice president--business development
and a director. On April 13, 2000, the company also made a loan to
Mr. Pirasteh, former chairman of the board of directors, The terms of each loan
provide for the payment of accrued interest on a quarterly basis and for the
repayment of principal upon demand. Interest on each

loan accrues monthly at the prime rate (8% annually at April 30, 2001) and is
adjusted on a monthly basis. The company's loan to Mr. John W. Casella was in
the aggregate principal amount of $750,000. The largest aggregate amount of
indebtedness outstanding for Mr. Casella since the beginning of fiscal 2001 was
$761,096. Mr. Casella repaid the loan in full on May 5, 2000. The company's loan
to Mr. Bohlig was in the aggregate principal amount of $400,000. As of
August 1, 2001, $448,847 was outstanding under this loan, which was the largest
aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding for Mr. Bohlig under this loan
since the beginning of fiscal 2001. The company's loan to Mr. Sergi was in the
aggregate principal amount of $350,000. The largest aggregate amount of
indebtedness outstanding for Mr. Sergi since the beginning of fiscal 2001 was
$390,734. Mr. Sergi repaid the loan in full on July 1, 2001. The company's loan
to Mr. Pirasteh was in the amount of $500,000. The largest aggregate amount of
indebtedness outstanding for Mr. Pirasteh since the beginning of fiscal 2001 was
$558,191. Mr. Pirasteh repaid the loan in full on July 1, 2001. On November 28,
2000, the company made an additional loan to Mr. Bohlig. The terms of this loan
are identical to the terms of the aformentioned loans. This loan to Mr. Bohlig
was in the aggregate principal amount of $616,000. As of August 1, 2001,
$649,847 was outstanding under this loan, which was the largest aggregate amount
of indebtedness outstanding for Mr. Bohlig under this loan since the beginning
of fiscal 2001.

The company believes that each transaction described above was on terms at
least as favorable as those the company would expect to negotiate with
disinterested third parties.

The Series A convertible preferred stock purchasers and their permitted
transferees are entitled to certain rights with respect to the registration
under the Securities Act of 1933 of certain shares of the company's Class A
common stock, including shares of Class A common stock that were or may be
acquired pursuant to the conversion of shares of Series A convertible preferred
stock. In the event the company proposes to register any of its securities under
the Securities Act at any time, with certain exceptions, the Series A
convertible preferred stockholders will be entitled to include shares in such
registration, subject to the right of the managing underwriter of any
underwritten offering to exclude from such registration some or all of their
registrable shares. The Series A convertible preferred stockholders have the
additional right to require the company to prepare and file registration
statements under the Securities Act with respect to all of the registrable
shares if such holders holding specified percentages of such shares and having a
certain aggregate value so request. The company is required to use its best
efforts to effect such registration, subject to certain conditions and
limitations. Mr. Peeler, a director of the company and a member of the audit and
compensation committees and the stock plan subcommittee, is a managing director
of Berkshire Partners.

The company has also entered into certain employment, severance and
consulting agreements with certain current or former directors and executive
officers of the company. See "Proposal I--Election of Directors--Compensation of
Directors" and "--Employment Agreements."

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The audit committee of our board of directors is composed of four members
and acts under a written charter first adopted and approved on June 12, 2000. A
copy of this charter is attached to this proxy statement as EXHIBIT A. The
members of the audit committee are independent directors, as defined by its
charter and the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market. The audit committee held ten
meetings during fiscal 2001.

The audit committee reviewed the company's audited financial statements for
fiscal 2001 and discussed these financial statements with the company's
management. The audit committee also reviewed and discussed the audited
financial statements and the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards
61 (Communication with Audit Committees) with Arthur Andersen LLP, the company's
independent auditors.

The company's independent auditors also provided the audit committee with
the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). In addition,
the audit committee discussed with Arthur Andersen LLP their independence from
the company. The audit committee has considered whether the provision of the
non-audit services referred to below by Arthur Andersen LLP is compatible with
maintaining the independence of Arthur Andersen LLP.

Based on the company's discussions with management and Arthur Andersen LLP,
and its review of the representations and information provided by management and
Arthur Andersen LLP, the audit committee recommended to the board of directors
that the audited financial statements be included in the company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for fiscal 2001 for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

By the audit committee of the board of directors of Casella Waste
Systems, Inc.

John F. Chapple III
D. Randolph Peeler
Gregory B. Peters
Wilbur L. Ross, Jr.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FEES AND OTHER MATTERS

AUDIT FEES

Arthur Andersen LLP billed the company an aggregate of $499,750 in fees for
professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the company's
financial statements for the most recent fiscal year and the reviews of the
financial statements included in each of the company's quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q during fiscal 2001.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION FEES

Arthur Andersen LLP did not bill the company for any professional services
rendered to the company and its affiliates for fiscal 2001 in connection with
the design and implementation of financial information systems, the operation of
the company's information systems or the management of its local area networks.

ALL OTHER FEES

Arthur Andersen LLP billed the company an aggregate of $353,150 in all other
fees, primarily for the preparation of the company's corporate taxes during
fiscal 2001.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The stock performance graph below compares the percentage change in
cumulative stockholder return on Class A common stock for the period from
October 29, 1997, the first day of trading of Class A common stock, through
April 30, 2001, with the cumulative total return on The Nasdaq Stock Market
(U.S. & Foreign) Index and the company's Industry Peer Group on The Nasdaq
National Market. The stock performance graph assumes the investment on
October 29, 1997 of $100.00 in Class A common stock, at the closing price on the
first day of trading in the company's Class A common stock, in The Nasdaq Stock
Market (U.S. & Foreign) Index and the company's Industry Peer Group, and that
dividends are reinvested. No dividends have been declared or paid on the
Class A common stock.

EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC

Dollars

10/29/97 APR-98 APR-99 APR-00 1-APR

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. 100 139.89 112.36 33.43 40.9
NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S. & FOREIGN) 100 116.53 156.94 239.36 130.25
PEER GROUP 100 97.32 91.57 45.46 74.48

OCTOBER 29, APRIL 30, APRIL 30, APRIL 30, APRIL 30,
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.................... $100.00 $139.89 $112.36 $33.43 $40.90
Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. & Foreign) Index.... 100.00 116.53 156.94 239.36 130.25
Industry peer Group (1)....................... 100.00 97.32 91.57 45.46 74.48

- ------------------------

(1) The selected peer group is comprised of securities of Waste
Industries, Inc. and Waste Connections, Inc.

PROPOSAL 2--RATIFICATION OF THE
SELECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The board of directors has selected Arthur Andersen LLP as auditors of the
company for the current fiscal year, subject to ratification by stockholders at
the annual meeting. If the stockholders do not ratify the selection of Arthur
Andersen LLP, the board of directors will reconsider the matter. A
representative of Arthur Andersen LLP, which served as auditors for fiscal 2001,
is expected to be present at the annual meeting to respond to appropriate
questions and to make a statement if he or she so desires.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2002 ANNUAL MEETING

Any proposal that a stockholder intends to present at the 2002 annual
meeting of stockholders must be submitted to the attention of the corporate
secretary of the company at its offices, 25 Greens Hill Lane, Rutland, Vermont
05701 no later than May 9, 2002 in order to be considered for inclusion in the
proxy statement relating to that annual meeting.

If a stockholder wishes to present a proposal before the annual meeting in
2002 but has not complied with the requirements for inclusion of the proposal in
our proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, the stockholder must give notice of the proposal to our
corporate secretary at our principal offices. The required notice must be made
in writing and delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage
prepaid, to our corporate secretary at our principal offices, and received not
later than July 27, 2002.

If a stockholder who wished to present a proposal before the annual meeting
fails to notify the company by the required date, the proxies that the board of
directors solicits for the annual meeting will confer discretionary authority on
the person named in the proxy to vote on the stockholder's proposal if it is
properly brought before that meeting. If a stockholder makes timely
notification, the proxies may still confer discretionary authority to the person
named in the proxy under circumstances consistent with the Securities and
Exchange Commission's proxy rules.

OTHER MATTERS

The board of directors knows of no other business which will be presented
for consideration at the annual meeting other than that described above.
However, if any other business should come before the annual meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote, or otherwise act,
in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.

The company will bear the costs of soliciting proxies. In addition to
solicitations by mail, the company's directors, officers and regular employees
may, without additional remuneration, solicit proxies by telephone, telegraph,
facsimile and personal interviews. The company will also request brokerage
houses, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward copies of the proxy
material to those persons for whom they hold shares and request instructions for
voting the proxies. The company will reimburse such brokerage houses and other
persons for their reasonable expenses in connection with this distribution.

By order of the Board of Directors,

September 6, 2001 John W. Casella
Rutland, Vermont CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

EXHIBIT A

CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

I. Membership

A. The Audit Committee shall consist of at least three independent,
financially literate members of the board of directors meeting the requirements
set forth in Sections I.B and I.C. below.

B. INDEPENDENCE. A director is independent if he or she is not an officer
or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, if he or she has no relationship
which, in the opinion of the Company's board of directors, would interfere with
his or her exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities
of a director, and if he or she:

1. Has not been an employee of the Company or an affiliate of the
Company in the current year or in any of the past three years;

2. Has no immediate family member who has been employed by the Company
or an affiliate of the Company in any of the past three years (an immediate
family member includes a person's spouse, parents, children, siblings,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law,
daughter-in-law, and anyone who resides in a person's home);

3. Is not employed as an executive of an entity other than the Company
having a compensation committee which includes any of the Company's executives;

4. Did not within the last fiscal year receive from the Company or its
affiliates compensation--other than benefits under a tax qualified retirement
plan, compensation for director service or nondiscretionary
compensation--greater than $60,000; and

5. Has not in any of the past three years been a partner in, or
controlling shareholder or executive of, a for profit business organization to
which the Company made or from which the Company received payment (other than
payment arising solely from investments in the Company's securities) that
exceeds the greater of: (i) $200,000; or (ii) more than 5% of the Company's or
the business organization's consolidated gross revenues.

Under exceptional and limited circumstances, one director who has
a relationship making him or her not independent, and who is not a
Company employee or an immediate family member of a Company
employee, may serve on the Audit Committee if the board of
directors determines that the director's membership on the Audit
Committee is required by the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders, and discloses in the next annual proxy statement
after such determination the nature of the relationship and the
reasons for the determination.

C. FINANCIAL LITERACY. Each member of the Audit Committee must be able to
read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Company's
balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, or must become able to
do so within a reasonable time after his or her appointment to the Audit
Committee. At least one member of the Audit Committee must have past employment
experience in finance or accounting, professional certification in accounting,
or other comparable experience or background which result in the member having
financial sophistication (such as being or having been a chief executive
officer, chief financial officer or other senior officer with financial
oversight responsibilities).

D. CHAIRMAN. Unless a Chairman is elected by the board of directors, the
Audit Committee shall elect a Chairman by majority vote.

II. Responsibilities of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee shall assist the board of directors in fulfilling their
responsibilities to shareholders concerning the Company's accounting and
reporting practices, and shall facilitate open communication between the Audit
Committee, board of directors, outside auditors, and management. The Audit
Committee shall discharge its responsibilities, and shall assess the information
provided by the Company's management and the outside auditor, in accordance with
its business judgment. The responsibilities set forth herein do not reflect or
create any duty or obligation of the Audit Committee to plan, conduct, oversee
or determine the appropriate scope of any audit, or to determine that the
Company's financial statements are complete, accurate, fairly presented, in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or applicable law. In
exercising its business judgment, the Audit Committee shall rely on the
information and advice provided by the Company's management and/or its outside
auditor.

A. The Audit Committee shall review and reassess the adequacy of this
charter at least annually.

B. The outside auditor shall be accountable to the Audit Committee and the
board of directors, which together shall have the ultimate authority and
responsibility to nominate the outside auditor to be proposed for shareholder
approval in any proxy statement, and to select, evaluate, and (where
appropriate) replace the outside auditor.

C. The Audit Committee shall ensure that they receive from the outside
auditor the written disclosures and letter from the outside auditor required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as modified or amended.

D. The Audit Committee shall discuss with the outside auditor its
independence, and shall actively engage in a dialogue with the outside auditor
regarding any disclosed relationships or services that might impact the
objectivity and independence of the auditor. The Audit Committee shall take, or
recommend that the full board of directors take, appropriate action to oversee
the independence of the outside auditor.

E. The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with the Company's
management the Company's audited financial statements.

F. The Audit Committee shall direct and request that the outside auditor
represent to the Audit Committee that the auditor has brought to the attention
of the Audit Committee the matters about which Statement on Auditing Standards
No. 61 (as amended) requires discussion, and shall discuss such matters with the
outside auditor.

G. Based upon its discharge of its responsibilities pursuant to Sections
II.C through II.F and any other information, discussion or communication that
the Audit Committee in its business judgment deems relevant, the Audit Committee
shall consider whether they will recommend to the board of directors that the
Company's audited financial statements be included in the Company's annual
reports on Forms 10-K.

H. The Audit Committee shall prepare for inclusion in any proxy or
information statement of the Company relating to an annual meeting of security
holders at which directors are to be elected (or special meeting or written
consents in lieu of such meeting), the report described in Item 306 of
Regulation S-B.

I. The Audit Committee shall direct the outside auditor to use its best
efforts to perform all required reviews of interim financial information prior
to disclosure by the Company of such information, and to discuss promptly with
the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chief Financial Officer any matters
identified in connection with the auditor's review of interim financial
information which are required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 61. The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall discuss any such
matters with the outside auditor, and shall notify the other members of the
Audit Committee of any discussions which the outside auditor or the Chairman in
the exercise of his or her business judgment believes should be considered by
the Audit Committee prior to disclosure or filing of the interim financial
information, or the Audit Committee's next scheduled meeting.

J. The Audit Committee shall direct management to advise the Audit
Committee in the event that the Company proposes to disclose or file required
interim financial information prior to completion of review by the outside
auditor.

K. The Audit Committee shall prepare minutes of its meetings that shall be
presented to the Board of Directors for review. The Audit Committee may
determine that some or all of its minutes shall not be made available to members
of management who are directors of the Company.

L. The Audit Committee shall regularly report to the board of directors
concerning any action the Audit Committee in the exercise of its business
judgment believes the board of directors should consider.

APPENDIX
--------

PROXY CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. PROXY
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2001

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.

The undersigned, having received notice of the annual meeting of
stockholders and the proxy statement therefor and revoking all prior proxies,
hereby appoints John W. Casella and James W. Bohlig (each with full power of
substitution), as proxies of the undersigned, to attend the annual meeting of
stockholders of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (the "Company") to be held on
Thursday, October 11, 2001, and any adjourned or postponed session thereof, and
there to vote and act, as indicated, upon the matters on the reverse side in
respect of all shares of Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Series A
convertible preferred stock of the Company which the undersigned would be
entitled to vote or act upon, with all powers the undersigned would possess if
personally present.

Attendance of the undersigned at the annual meeting of stockholders or
at any adjourned or postponed session thereof will not be deemed to revoke this
proxy unless the undersigned affirmatively indicates thereat the intention of
the undersigned to vote said shares of common stock and/or preferred stock, as
the case may be, in person. If the undersigned hold(s) any such shares in a
fiduciary, custodial or joint capacity or capacities, this proxy is signed by
the undersigned in every such capacity as well as individually.

PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTAGE PRE-PAID ENVELOPE.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please sign name(s) exactly as appearing hereon. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator or other fiduciary, please give your full title as such.
Joint owners should each sign personally. If a corporation, please sign in full
corporate name, by authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name, by authorized person.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Has your address changed? Do you have any comments?

- ----------------------------- -------------------------------

PLEASE MARK
/X/ VOTES AS IN
THIS EXAMPLE

THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WITH RESPECT TO
ANY PROPOSAL SPECIFIED HEREIN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL. IF ANY
OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, THE PERSON NAMED IN THIS PROXY
WILL VOTE THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY IN THEIR DISCRETION.

1. To elect the following persons as Class I directors for the ensuing three
years:

(01) Douglas R. Casella
(02) George J. Mitchell
(03) D. Randolph Peeler

For All With-
Nominees hold
/ / / /

For All Except / /
-----------------------------------------------------------
For all nominees except as noted above.

2. To ratify the selection of Arthur For Against Abstain
Andersen LLP as the company's / / / / / /
independent auditors for the current
fiscal year.

PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY BELOW.

Mark box at right if an address change or comment has been noted on the reverse
side of this card. / /

Stockholder(s) sign here X____________________________ Date _______________