Meridian Waste Wake Tech Foundation's Scholarship for Clean Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Meridian Waste Continues Support of Wake Tech Foundation with Annual Scholarship Contribution

RALEIGH, N.C., February 9, 2026 – Meridian Waste is proud to continue its annual support of the Wake Tech Foundation with a third $5,000 contribution as part of our $15,000 commitment to the Meridian Waste Scholarship for Clean Communities, benefiting students at Wake Technical Community College.

Established in 2024, the Meridian Waste Scholarship for Clean Communities supports students enrolled in Wake Tech’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program. The scholarship helps prepare students for in-demand careers such as diesel mechanics and heavy equipment operators, roles that are essential to maintaining safe infrastructure and clean communities.

This year’s contribution represents Meridian Waste’s continued commitment to workforce development and community partnership in Wake County and the greater Triangle region.

“Wake Tech plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Patrick Messinger, Area President for Meridian Waste North Carolina. “Programs like Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology are vital to our industry, and we’re proud to support students who are building careers that directly impact the safety and sustainability of our communities.”

Wake Tech President Scott Ralls emphasized the value of continued industry partnerships. “Support from companies like Meridian Waste helps ensure our students have access to real-world training that leads directly to meaningful employment opportunities.”

Meridian Waste’s partnership with Wake Tech aligns closely with the opening of Wake Tech’s Eastern Wake 4.0 campus, located near Meridian Waste’s Shotwell Environmental Park in Wendell, N.C. The campus focuses on technology-forward education and workforce development designed to meet the needs of modern industries.

Students interested in applying for the Meridian Waste Scholarship for Clean Communities can learn more through the Wake Tech Foundation scholarship portal.

Image 1:  Meridian Waste Logo

 

 

Image 2: Meridian Waste Present $5,000 Check to Wake Tech Foundation
Pictured left to right: Matt Smith, Vice President of Development and Strategic Partnerships, Wake Tech Foundation; Patrick Messinger, Area President, Meridian Waste North Carolina; and Scott Ralls, President, Wake Technical Community College.

 

Image 3: Meridian Waste Frontload Truck

 

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About Meridian Waste

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Meridian Waste is a company defined by its commitment to servicing its customers, caring for and engaging its employees, and generating financial value for its shareholders while delivering a clean and healthy community. The company’s core waste business is centered on residential, commercial, and industrial non-hazardous waste collection and disposal. Currently, the company operates in Northeast Fla., St. Louis, Mo., Raleigh, N.C and the greater Triad Region of NC., Greenville, S.C., Knoxville, Tenn., Huntsville, AL, Central AL, North & South MS, Blacksburg, Va., Harrisonburg, Va., and Richmond, Va., servicing more than 582,800 residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers. In addition to a fleet of commercial, residential, and roll-off trucks, the company operates 31 hauling companies, twelve transfer stations/materials recycling facilities (MRFs), three municipal solid waste landfills, and four C&D landfills in which 1,724,200 tons of waste are safely disposed of annually. For more information, visit MeridianWaste.com.

Media Contact:
Mary O’Brien
(904) 616-5322
[email protected]