Politics
The Garbage Man: Bill Gates Has Earned Billions Investing in Climate-Polluting Landfills
Publication: ProPublica
Author: Alex Cuadros
Source published: 10/11/2026, 10:00:00 UTC
Briefing created: 10/11/2026, 11:48:33 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 10/11/2026, 11:24:25 UTC.
Briefings
A ProPublica investigation reveals Bill Gates invested $2.6 billion in Republic Services, a landfill operator, despite his public advocacy for climate action. Gates holds 38% of Republic, a stake worth $29 billion, and has received $2.6 billion in dividends since 1999. Federal inspectors found methane emissions at levels exceeding federal limits, contradicting Gates' stated principles. The company has refused to adopt stricter emissions goals, and Gates has not publicly commented on the landfill investments.
Key points
- Bill Gates holds 38% of Republic Services, a landfill operator, with a stake worth $29 billion.
- Federal inspectors found methane escaping from Republic landfills at levels above federal limits.
Context
ProPublica investigated Bill Gates' investment in Republic Services, a landfill operator, after his public advocacy for climate action. The investigation found that despite Gates' stated principles, the company has failed to meet emissions standards, contradicting his public claims.
Limitations
Investigation details limited to Republic Services; Gates' personal comments on landfills not publicly disclosed; methane emission levels exceed federal limits.
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