Bill Gates has earned billions investing in climate-polluting landfills

Key Points:

• At the 2015 Paris climate summit, Bill Gates emerged as a leading advocate for clean-energy innovation, pledging $2 billion to develop breakthrough technologies to combat global warming. However, Gates has simultaneously invested over $29 billion in Republic Services, the second-largest landfill operator in the U.S., which is a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Republic Services, where Gates holds a 38% stake and has board influence through his investment manager, has faced repeated federal violations for methane leaks and has not adopted more ambitious emissions-reduction targets embraced by competitors. The company has also lobbied against policies aimed at reducing landfill methane emissions, such as organic waste diversion.
• Studies and EPA inspections reveal that Republic’s methane emissions are substantially underreported, with some landfills emitting many times more methane than official figures suggest. Satellite data and on-the-ground inspections highlight poor maintenance and operational issues contributing to these leaks, undermining Republic’s public climate commitments.
• Despite Gates’ public stance on climate change and clean energy, his significant investment in a major landfill operator that contributes heavily to methane pollution presents a contradiction. Former Breakthrough Energy employees suggest Gates may be unaware of the extent of these issues, but his investment managers are actively involved in Republic’s board discussions.
• Experts emphasize that technological innovation alone cannot solve landfill methane emissions; reducing organic waste sent to landfills is crucial. While Republic touts some organics recycling, it remains a minor part of their business, and the company opposes federal policies mandating organic waste diversion, prioritizing profitability over environmental impact.