About Direct Waste Services

In Honor of John E. Gunnello

The Heart and Soul of Direct Waste Services, Inc.

Direct Waste Services, Inc. would not exist today without the vision, grit, and lifelong dedication of our founder, John E. Gunnello. Though he passed away three years ago, the foundation he built remains the bedrock of everything we do.

John’s journey in this industry began long before he founded this company. As a young boy working in his family’s business, he learned the trade from the ground up. He didn’t just learn how to operate the equipment; he learned the value of a promise. In fact, John’s commitment to his clients was so profound—and so consistent—that he became known to some of us simply as “Service.”

To John, that name wasn’t just a label; it was a mission statement. It defined his three core commitments:

• To His Customers: John believed that dependability was a matter of personal honor. If providing exceptional customer service meant doing it himself, he would jump in a truck at any time of the day or night to make sure the customer got exactly what they needed. Whether it was a major contract or a small local pickup, if he said it would be done, it was done. He earned the trust of Newark through decades of reliable, face-to-face service.
• To His Employees: John was so much more than just a boss; he was like family to many. He treated his drivers, mechanics, and staff with genuine care and deep respect because he knew that the company’s success rode on their shoulders every day. He protected them, mentored them, and stood by them through thick and thin.
• To His Local Communities: Newark and the surrounding neighborhoods were more than just service routes to John—they were home. He was deeply invested in supporting the people and the city that kept our trucks moving.

Three years after his passing, we continue to operate under the standard that earned him his nickname. Every truck that leaves our yard is a reflection of the “Service” philosophy he instilled in us.

John taught us that when you treat your people like family and put your community first, the business follows. We continue to move forward every day, guided by the indelible example he set.

Alongside Johnny’s wife Carrie, his son Johnny and the incredible team at Direct Waste Service, his legacy continues on.