Mike Caprio

Director of Government Affairs - CA at Republic Services

Mike Caprio is the Director of Government Affairs for California at Republic Services, one of the largest environmental services and recycling companies in the United States. In his current role, he oversees legislative and regulatory affairs across California, focusing on environmental services, climate policy, circular economy initiatives, recycling infrastructure, and sustainability advocacy. He works closely with industry stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, regulators, and policymakers to advance effective waste reduction and resource recovery strategies. Caprio has been with Republic Services and its predecessor organizations since 1998, building more than two decades of leadership experience in waste management, recycling operations, and sustainability. Prior to his government affairs role, he led Republic’s California operations, overseeing public agency partnerships, operational performance, safety, compliance, talent development, and diversity initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held progressively senior leadership positions including District Manager, Assistant Region Vice President, and Area President. Before joining Republic Services, Caprio worked with Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) as District Manager for Northern California landfill operations and previously served as Environmental Manager for Recology’s Bay Area operations. His background combines technical environmental expertise with operational and policy leadership, giving him a comprehensive understanding of California’s waste and recycling landscape. Caprio is recognized within the recycling and environmental services sector for his expertise in recycling markets, organics diversion, infrastructure development, and climate-focused waste policy implementation. He has frequently represented Republic Services in public forums, industry conferences, and California legislative discussions related to sustainability and circular economy policy.