Casella Waste Systems (CWST) 10-Q7 May 152015 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 27, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	CWST
Entity Registrant Name	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	911177
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		39,588,604
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		988,200

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,057	$2,205
Restricted cash		76
Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,948 and $2,153, respectively	52,513	55,750
Refundable income taxes	526	554
Prepaid expenses	7,096	8,763
Inventory	4,418	4,374
Deferred income taxes	2,012	2,095
Other current assets	3,407	4,852
Total current assets	73,029	78,669
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $748,496 and $736,839, respectively	404,453	414,542
Goodwill	119,170	119,170
Intangible assets, net	11,070	11,808
Restricted assets	2,554	6,632
Cost method investments	14,432	14,432
Other non-current assets	29,696	24,542
Total assets	654,404	669,795
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,457	1,656
Accounts payable	39,410	48,518
Accrued payroll and related expenses	4,136	6,289
Accrued interest	4,945	11,094
Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs	1,985	2,208
Other accrued liabilities	16,200	16,667
Total current liabilities	68,133	86,432
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current portion	545,442	534,055
Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion	38,609	37,621
Deferred income taxes	6,948	7,080
Other long-term liabilities	16,128	16,627
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit:
Additional paid-in capital	341,429	340,773
Accumulated deficit	-362,761	-353,490
Accumulated other comprehensive income	24	58
Total Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit	-20,902	-12,253
Noncontrolling interests	46	233
Total stockholders' deficit	-20,856	-12,020
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	654,404	669,795
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit:
Common stock	396	396
Total stockholders' deficit	396	396
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit:
Common stock	10	10
Total stockholders' deficit	$10	$10

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable - trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,948	$2,153
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$748,496	$736,839
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, authorized shares	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, issued shares	39,588,000	39,587,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	39,588,000	39,587,000
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, votes (in votes per share)	10	10
Common stock, issued shares	988,000	988,000
Common stock, outstanding shares	988,000	988,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$116,577	$113,197
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations	87,833	86,404
General and administration	16,805	16,387
Depreciation and amortization	13,748	13,608
Divestiture transactions	-4,935
Development project charge		1,440
Severance and reorganization costs		80
Expense from divestiture, acquisition and financing costs		10
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration		-1,058
Total operating expenses	113,451	116,871
Operating income (loss)	3,126	-3,674
Other expense (income):
Interest income	-141	-110
Interest expense	10,126	9,606
Loss on debt extinguishment	521
Loss on derivative instruments	151	150
Income from equity method investments		-27
Loss on sale of equity method investment		221
Other income	-164	-207
Other expense (income), net	10,493	9,633
Loss before income taxes	-7,367	-13,307
Provision for income taxes	596	303
Net loss	-7,963	-13,610
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,308	-187
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	($9,271)	($13,423)
Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	40,417	39,909
Basic and diluted earnings per common share	($0.23)	($0.34)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($7,963)	($13,610)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized loss resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities	-34	-3
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-34	-3
Comprehensive loss	-7,997	-13,613
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,308	-187
Comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders	($9,305)	($13,426)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit (USD $)	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	($12,020)	$340,773	($353,490)	$58	$233	$396	$10
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014						39,587,000	988,000
Net (loss) income	-7,963		-9,271		1,308
Other comprehensive loss	-34			-34
Issuances of Class A common stock	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Issuances of Class A common stock, shares						1,000
Stock-based compensation	660	660
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	-1,495				-1,495
Other	-4	-4
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	($20,856)	$341,429	($362,761)	$24	$46	$396	$10
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015						39,588,000	988,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	($7,963)	($13,610)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,748	13,608
Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations	1,690	1,992
Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities	848	1,017
Stock-based compensation	660	576
Amortization of discount on long-term debt	80	62
Divestiture transactions	-4,935
Gain on sale of property and equipment	-46	-185
Development project charge		1,440
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration		-1,058
Loss on debt extinguishment	521
Loss on derivative instruments	151	150
Income from equity method investments		-27
Loss on sale of equity method investment		221
Deferred income taxes	-49	243
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Accounts receivable	3,237	3,764
Accounts payable	-9,108	-2,953
Prepaid expenses, inventories and other assets	4,341	1,743
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-8,870	-5,622
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-5,695	1,361
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from settlement of contingent consideration		214
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-4,444	-7,477
Payments on landfill operating lease contracts	-478	-563
Payments related to investments		-84
Proceeds from divestiture transactions	4,550
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	89	216
Net cash used in investing activities	-283	-7,773
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	197,591	47,860
Principal payments on long-term debt	-186,500	-41,250
Change in restricted cash	4,086
Payments of financing costs	-6,852	-17
Distribution to noncontrolling interest holder	-1,495
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	6,830	6,593
Discontinued Operations:
Net cash provided by investing activities		86
Net cash provided by discontinued operations		86
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	852	267
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,205	2,695
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,057	2,962
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	15,336	14,959
Income taxes, net of refunds	30	500
Acquisition [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	($4,444)	($79)

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1	BASIS OF PRESENTATION

	Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (“Parent”), and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “we”, “us” or “our”), is a regional, vertically-integrated solid waste services company that provides collection, transfer, disposal, landfill, landfill gas-to-energy, recycling and organics services in the northeastern United States. We market recyclable metals, aluminum, plastics, paper and corrugated cardboard, which have been processed at our recycling facilities, as well as recyclables purchased from third-parties. We manage our solid waste operations on a geographic basis through two regional operating segments, the Eastern and Western regions, each of which provides a full range of solid waste services, and our larger-scale recycling and commodity brokerage operations through our Recycling segment. Organics services, ancillary operations, industrial services, discontinued operations and earnings from equity method investees are included in our Other segment.

	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, which include the accounts of the Parent, our wholly-owned subsidiaries and any partially owned entities over which we have a controlling financial interest, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under either the equity method or the cost method of accounting, as appropriate. Our significant accounting policies are more fully discussed in Item 8 of our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the transition period ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015.

	Preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the accounting for and recognition and disclosure of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. We must make these estimates and assumptions because certain information that we use is dependent on future events, cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision given the available data, or simply cannot be readily calculated. In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, which include normal recurring and nonrecurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 may not be indicative of the results for any other interim period or the entire fiscal year. The consolidated financial statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the transition period ended December 31, 2014.

	Subsequent Events

	We have evaluated subsequent events or transactions that have occurred after the consolidated balance sheet date of March 31, 2015, but prior to the filing of the consolidated financial statements with the SEC on this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We have determined that, except as disclosed, there are no subsequent events that require disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

	On April 7, 2015, JCP Investment Partnership, LP notified us of its intention to nominate Brett W. Frazier, James C. Pappas and Joseph B. Swinbank for election as directors at our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in opposition to the three candidates that will be recommended for election by our Board of Directors. According to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC by JCP Investment Partnership, LP, JCP Investment Management, LLC, JCP Single-Asset Partnership, LP, JCP Investment Partners, LP, JCP Investment Holdings, LLC, JCP Investment Management, LLC and James C. Pappas (collectively, the “JCP Group”) on April 28, 2015, the JCP Group beneficially owns approximately 5.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock. On April 29, 2015, the JCP Group filed with the SEC soliciting material under Rule 14a-12 of the Exchange Act confirming its intention to file a preliminary proxy statement and an accompanying proxy card with the SEC to solicit votes for the election of the JCP Group’s slate of three director nominees to our Board of Directors, at our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements	2	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	New Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update for the requirements of consolidation. The update provides changes to the analysis that an entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities because in certain situations deconsolidated financial statements are necessary to better analyze the reporting entity’s economic and operational results. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, and we expect that it will have no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	Extraordinary and Unusual Items
	In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that eliminates the GAAP concept of extraordinary items. The update provides for the elimination of the requirements to consider whether an underlying event or transaction is extraordinary, but retains the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently and expands upon it to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. This guidance is effective prospectively or retrospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, and we expect that this guidance will have no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update for the recognition of revenue, which supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific guidance. The update provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 under either full or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. We are currently assessing the potential impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this standard.
	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update for the requirements of reporting discontinued operations. The update provides that an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations once the component of an entity meets the held for sale criteria, is disposed of by sale, or is disposed of other than by sale only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The update also requires that additional disclosures about discontinued operations be made. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted, but only for disposals, or classifications as held for sale, that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2015 and it did not impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations, but it may impact the presentation of, and disclosures in, our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
Intangible Assets	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	3	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:


			Covenants			Client Lists			Total
			Not-to-Compete			Client Lists			Total
	Balance, March 31, 2015
	Intangible assets		$	17,313		$	16,065		$	33,378
	Less accumulated amortization			(15,879	)		(6,429	)		(22,308	)

			$	1,434		$	9,636		$	11,070


			Covenants			Client Lists			Total
			Not-to-Compete			Client Lists			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2014
	Intangible assets		$	17,296		$	16,071		$	33,367
	Less accumulated amortization			(15,730	)		(5,829	)		(21,559	)

			$	1,566		$	10,242		$	11,808

	Intangible amortization expense was $749 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $752 during the three months ended March 31, 2014.


	Estimated Future Amortization Expense as of March 31, 2015:
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015		$	1,833
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016		$	2,048
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017		$	1,784
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018		$	1,581
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019		$	1,213
	Thereafter		$	2,611

Accrued_Final_Capping_Closure_

Accrued Final Capping, Closure and Post Closure	3 Months Ended
Accrued Final Capping, Closure and Post Closure	Mar. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Final Capping, Closure and Post Closure	4	ACCRUED FINAL CAPPING, CLOSURE AND POST CLOSURE
	Accrued final capping, closure and post-closure costs include the current and non-current portion of costs associated with obligations for final capping, closure and post-closure of our landfills. We estimate our future final capping, closure and post-closure costs in order to determine the final capping, closure and post-closure expense per ton of waste placed into each landfill. The anticipated timeframe for paying these costs varies based on the remaining useful life of each landfill, as well as the duration of the post-closure monitoring period. The changes to accrued final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Beginning balance		$	39,829		$	46,326
	Obligations incurred			441			736
	Accretion expense			828			983
	Obligations settled (1)			(504	)		(212	)

	Ending balance		$	40,594		$	47,833


	-1	Includes amounts that are being processed through accounts payable as a part of our disbursement cycle.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	5	LONG-TERM DEBT

	Long-term debt and capital leases as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following:



			March 31,		December 31,
			2015		2014
	Senior Secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility:
	Due February 2020; bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%		$	83,120	$	—
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility:
	Due March 2016; bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.75%			—		131,300
	Tax-Exempt Bonds:
	New York State Enviornmental Facilities Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2014; senior unsecured due December 2044 - fixed rate interest period through 2019, bearing interest at 3.75%			25,000		25,000
	Finance Authority of Maine Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-2; senior unsecured due January 2025 - fixed rate interest period through 2017, bearing interest at 6.25%			21,400		21,400
	Vermont Economic Development Authority Solid Waste Disposal Long-Term Revenue Bonds Series 2013; senior unsecured due April 2036 - fixed rate interest period through 2018, bearing interest at 4.75%			16,000		16,000
	Business Finance Authority of the State of New Hampshire Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2013; senior unsecured due April 2029 - fixed rate interest period through 2019, bearing interest at 4.00%			11,000		11,000
	Finance Authority of Maine Solid Wasete Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-1; letter of credit backed due January 2025 - variable rate interest period through 2017, bearing interest at SIFMA Index			3,600		3,600
	Other:
	Capital leases maturing through April 2023, bearing interest at up to 7.70%			3,075		3,295
	Notes payable maturing through April 2017, bearing interest at up to 6.00%			418		435
	Senior Subordinated Notes:
	Due February 2019; bearing interest at 7.75% (including unamortized discount of $1,714 and $1,319)			383,286		323,681

				546,899		535,711
	Less—current maturities of long-term debt			1,457		1,656

			$	545,442	$	534,055


	Financing Activities

	In February 2015, we issued an additional $60,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior subordinated notes due February 15, 2019 (“2019 Notes”). The additional 2019 Notes, which are fungible with and issued under the same indenture as the 2019 Notes of $325,000 previously issued, were issued at a discount of approximately $476 to be accreted over the remaining term of the 2019 Notes. On February 27, 2015, we used the net proceeds from this issuance, together with the initial borrowings under our new senior secured asset-based revolving credit and letter of credit facility (“ABL Facility”), to refinance our senior revolving credit and letter of credit facility that was due March 18, 2016 (“Senior Credit Facility”).

	Our ABL Facility consists of a revolving credit facility with loans thereunder being available up to an aggregate principal amount of $190,000, subject to availability under a borrowing base formula as defined in the ABL Facility agreement. We have the right to request, at our discretion, an increase in the amount of loans under the ABL Facility by an aggregate amount of $100,000, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the ABL Facility agreement. Interest accrues at LIBOR plus between 1.75% and 2.50%, subject to the terms of the ABL Facility agreement and is set at LIBOR plus 2.25% as of March 31, 2015. The ABL Facility matures on February 26, 2020. If we fail to refinance the 2019 Notes on or before November 16, 2018, the maturity date for the ABL Facility shall be November 16, 2018. The ABL Facility is guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally by all of our significant wholly-owned subsidiaries.

	The ABL Facility requires us to maintain a certain minimum consolidated EBITDA measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. Additionally, if borrowing availability does not meet certain thresholds as defined in the ABL Facility agreement, the ABL Facility requires us to meet additional financial ratio covenants, including, without limitation:


		•		a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio; and


		•		a maximum consolidated first lien funded debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio.

	An event of default under any of our debt agreements could permit some of our lenders, including the lenders under the ABL Facility, to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be immediately due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, or, in the case of the ABL Facility, terminate the commitment to make further credit extensions thereunder, which could, in turn, trigger cross-defaults under other debt obligations. If we were unable to repay debt to our lenders, or were otherwise in default under any provision governing our outstanding debt obligations, our secured lenders could proceed against us and against the collateral securing that debt.

	In conjunction with the refinancing of our Senior Credit Facility in February 2015, we were also required to settle an obligation associated with an interest rate derivative agreement held with a creditor to our Senior Credit Facility. In February 2015, we made a cash payment of $830 to settle our obligation associated with this interest rate swap.

	Loss on Debt Extinguishment

	As a result of the refinancing of the Senior Credit Facility, in the three months ended March 31, 2015 we recorded a charge of $521 as a loss on debt extinguishment related to the write-off of deferred financing costs in connection with changes to the borrowing capacity from the Senior Credit Facility to the ABL Facility. The remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of the Senior Credit Facility, along with fees paid to the creditor and third-party costs incurred for the ABL Facility, are to be amortized over the term of the ABL Facility.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	6	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

	Legal Proceedings

	In the ordinary course of our business and as a result of the extensive governmental regulation of the solid waste industry, we are subject to various judicial and administrative proceedings involving state and local agencies. In these proceedings, an agency may seek to impose fines or to revoke or deny renewal of an operating permit held by us. From time to time, we may also be subject to actions brought by special interest or other groups, adjacent landowners or residents in connection with the permitting and licensing of landfills and transfer stations, or alleging environmental damage or violations of the permits and licenses pursuant to which we operate. In addition, we have been named defendants in various claims and suits pending for alleged damages to persons and property, alleged violations of certain laws and alleged liabilities arising out of matters occurring during the ordinary operation of a waste management business.

	In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 450-20, we accrue for legal proceedings when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. As of the end of each applicable reporting period, we review each of our legal proceedings to determine whether it is probable, reasonably possible or remote that a liability has been incurred and, if it is at least reasonably possible, whether a range of loss can be reasonably estimated under the provisions of FASB ASC 450-20. In instances where we determine that a loss is probable and we can reasonably estimate a range of loss we may incur with respect to such a matter, we record an accrual for the amount within the range that constitutes our best estimate of the possible loss. If we are able to reasonably estimate a range, but no amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other, we record an accrual in the amount that is the low end of such range. When a loss is reasonably possible, but not probable, we will not record an accrual, but we will disclose our estimate of the possible range of loss where such estimate can be made in accordance with FASB ASC 450-20.

	Greenwood Street Landfill, Worcester, Massachusetts

	On July 2, 2014, we received a draft Administrative Consent Order with Penalty and Notice of Noncompliance (“Draft Order”) from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MADEP”) alleging that a subsidiary, NEWS of Worcester, LLC, had completed substantive closure of a portion of the Greenwood Street Landfill in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2010, at an elevation exceeding the applicable permit condition. While we neither admitted nor denied the allegations in the Draft Order, a final Administrative Consent Order with Penalty and Notice of Noncompliance was executed on March 20, 2015 (“Final Order”), and we agreed to pay a civil administrative penalty in a total amount of $172. MADEP agreed that $129 of that amount could be paid as a Supplemental Environmental Project for work being done by the Massachusetts Audubon Society at the Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center & Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester, Massachusetts, scheduled to be paid in full within a year of execution of the Final Order.

	Environmental Remediation Liability

	We are subject to liability for environmental damage, including personal injury and property damage, that our solid waste, recycling and power generation facilities may cause to neighboring property owners, particularly as a result of the contamination of drinking water sources or soil, possibly including damage resulting from conditions that existed before we acquired the facilities. We may also be subject to liability for similar claims arising from off-site environmental contamination caused by pollutants or hazardous substances if we or our predecessors arrange or arranged to transport, treat or dispose of those materials. The following matter represents our potential or outstanding material claim.

	Potsdam Environmental Remediation Liability

	On December 20, 2000, the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) issued an Order on Consent (“Order”) which named Waste-Stream, Inc. (“WSI”), our subsidiary, General Motors Corporation (“GM”) and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (“NiMo”) as Respondents. The Order required that the Respondents undertake certain work on a 25-acre scrap yard and solid waste transfer station owned by WSI in Potsdam, New York, including the preparation of a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (“Study”). A draft of the Study was submitted to the DEC in January 2009 (followed by a final report in May 2009). The Study estimated that the undiscounted costs associated with implementing the preferred remedies would be approximately $10,219. On February 28, 2011, the DEC issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan for the site and accepted public comments on the proposed remedy through March 29, 2011. We submitted comments to the DEC on this matter. In April 2011, the DEC issued the final Record of Decision (“ROD”) for the site. The ROD was subsequently rescinded by the DEC for failure to respond to all submitted comments. The preliminary ROD, however, estimated that the present cost associated with implementing the preferred remedies would be approximately $12,130. The DEC issued the final ROD in June 2011 with proposed remedies consistent with its earlier ROD. An Order on Consent and Administrative Settlement naming WSI and NiMo as Respondents was executed by the Respondents and DEC with an effective date of October 25, 2013. It is unlikely that any significant expenditures relating to onsite remediation will be incurred until the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. WSI is jointly and severally liable with the other Respondents for the total cost to remediate.

	In September 2011, the DEC settled its environmental claim against the estate of the former GM (known as “Motors Liquidation Trust”) for future remediation costs relating to the WSI site for face value of $3,000. In addition, in November 2011 we settled our own claim against the Motors Liquidation Trust for face value of $100. These claims will be paid by GM in warrants to obtain stock of the reorganized GM. GM has issued warrants to us beginning in May 2013 and at this time there is no way to accurately estimate when the remainder of these claims will be paid. We have not assumed that any future proceeds from the sale of securities received in payment of these claims will reduce our exposure.

	We have recorded an environmental remediation liability associated with the Potsdam site based on incurred costs to date and estimated costs to complete the remediation in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. Our expenditures could be significantly higher if costs exceed estimates. We inflate the estimated costs in current dollars to the expected time of payment and discount the total cost to present value using a risk free interest rate of 1.7%. The changes to the environmental remediation liability associated with the Potsdam environmental remediation liability for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:



			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	Beginning balance		$	5,142	$	5,421
	Accretion expense			20		34
	Obligations settled			—		(26	)

	Ending balance		$	5,162	$	5,429

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	7	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Stock Based Compensation
	Shares Available For Issuance
	In the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007, we adopted the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan was amended in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010. Under the 2006 Plan, we may grant awards up to an aggregate amount of shares equal to the sum of: (i) 2,475 shares of Class A common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events), plus (ii) such additional number of shares of Class A common stock as are currently subject to options granted under our 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1994 Non-statutory Stock Option Plan, 1996 Option Plan, and 1997 Stock Option Plan (“Prior Plans”), which are not actually issued under the Prior Plans because such options expire or otherwise result in shares not being issued. As of March 31, 2015, there were 495 Class A common stock equivalents available for future grant under the 2006 Plan, inclusive of additional Class A common stock equivalents that were previously issued under our terminated plans and have become available for grant because such awards expired or otherwise resulted in shares not being issued.
	Stock Options
	Options under the 2006 Plan are granted at a price equal to the prevailing fair market value of our Class A common stock at the date of grant. Generally, options granted have a term not to exceed ten years and vest over a one to four year period from the date of grant.
	A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:


			Stock Options			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
						Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
						Exercise Price		Remaining
								Contractual
								Term (years)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014			1,380		$	7.7
	Granted			—		$	—
	Exercised			—		$	—
	Forfeited			(2	)	$	13

	Outstanding, March 31, 2015			1,378		$	7.69		5.1	$	827

	Exercisable, March 31, 2015			855		$	9.57		3	$	356

	Expected to vest, March 31, 2015			1,377		$	7.69		5.1	$	826

	Stock-based compensation expense for stock options was $157 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $109 during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	As of March 31, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding stock options was $931, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.
	Other Stock Awards
	We grant restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units under the 2006 Plan at a price equal to the fair market value of our Class A common stock at the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted to non-employee directors vest incrementally over a three year period beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Restricted stock units vest incrementally over an identified service period beginning on the grant date based on continued employment. Performance stock units vest on the third fiscal year-end following the grant date and are based on our attainment of a targeted average return on net assets as of the vesting date.

	A summary of restricted stock, restricted stock unit and performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:


			Restricted Stock,			Weighted		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic
			Restricted Stock Units,			Average		Remaining		Value
			and Performance Stock			Grant Price		Contractual Term
			Units (1)					(years)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014			1,048		$	4.79
	Granted			556		$	4.18
	Class A Common Stock Vested			(3	)	$	4.83
	Forfeited			(31	)	$	4.82

	Outstanding, March 31, 2015			1,570		$	4.57		1.8	$	1,469

	Expected to vest, March 31, 2015			1,092		$	4.47		2.1	$	1,136


	-1	Performance stock units are included at the 100% attainment level. Attainment of maximum annual returns on net assets could result in the issuance of an additional 242 shares of Class A common stock.
	Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units was $486 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $461 during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the total fair value of other stock awards vested was $12.
	As of March 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units was $3,667, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. Maximum unrecognized stock-based compensation expense as of March 31, 2015 related to outstanding performance stock units, and subject to the attainment of targeted maximum annual returns on net assets, was $2,483 to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.1 years. We do not expect to recognize any compensation expense as of March 31, 2015 related to outstanding performance stock units based on our expected attainment levels.
	We also recorded $17 of stock-based compensation expense related to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $5 during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The change in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income, which is included as a component of our stockholders’ deficit, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:


			Marketable
			Securities
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	58
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(34	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—

	Net current-period other comprehensive loss			(34	)

Balance as of March 31, 2015		$	24

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	8	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”):


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,271	)	$	(13,423	)

	Denominator:
	Number of shares outstanding, end of period:
	Class A common stock			39,588			39,053
	Class B common stock			988			988
	Unvested restricted stock			(159	)		(130	)
	Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period			—			(2	)

	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic and diluted EPS			40,417			39,909

	As of March 31, 2015, there are 2,705 anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares not included in the diluted EPS calculation due to the net loss attributable to common stockholders.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of market prices and observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, we rely on market data or assumptions which we believe market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability.
	Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value
	Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted investments held in trust on deposit with various banks as collateral for our obligations relative to our landfill final capping, closure and post-closure costs, restricted cash reserved to finance certain capital projects in the State of New York, trade receivables, interest rate derivatives, trade payables and long-term debt. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade receivables and trade payables approximate their respective fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of restricted investments held in trust and escrow accounts is included as restricted assets in the Level 1 tier below, along with restricted cash reserved for repayment of certain capital projects in the State of New York. The fair value of the interest rate derivative, included in the Level 2 tier below, is calculated based on the three month LIBOR yield curve that is observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the interest rate swap, adjusted by the credit risk of us and our counter-party based on the observable credit default swap rate.

	As of March 31, 2015 our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following:


			Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2015 Using:
			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
			Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
			for Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Restricted assets - capital projects		$	1,733	$	—	$	—
	Restricted assets - landfill closure			821		—		—

	Total		$	2,554	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Interest rate derivative		$	—	$	760	$	—

	As of December 31, 2014 our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following:


			Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014 Using:
			Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
			Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
			Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
			(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Restricted assets - capital projects		$	5,819	$	—	$	—
	Restricted assets - landfill closure			813		—		—

	Total		$	6,632	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Interest rate derivatives		$	—	$	1,668	$	—

	Fair Value of Debt
	As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of our fixed rate debt, including our 2019 Notes, Finance Authority of Maine Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-2 (“FAME Bonds 2005R-2”), Vermont Economic Development Authority Solid Waste Disposal Long-Term Revenue Bonds Series 2013 (“Vermont Bonds”), New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bond Series 2014 (“New York Bonds”) and Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2013 issued by the Business Finance Authority of New Hampshire (“New Hampshire Bonds”) was approximately $460,322 and the carrying value was $458,400. The fair value of the 2019 Notes are considered to be Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy as the fair value is based off of a quoted market price in an active market. The fair value of the FAME Bonds 2005R-2, the Vermont Bonds, the New York Bonds and the New Hampshire Bonds is considered to be Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as the fair value is determined using market approach pricing that utilizes pricing models and pricing systems, mathematical tools and judgment to determine the evaluated price for the security based on the market information of each of the bonds or securities with similar characteristics.
	Although we have determined the estimated fair value amounts of the FAME Bonds 2005R-2, the Vermont Bonds, the New York Bonds and the New Hampshire Bonds using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies, a change in available market information, and/or the use of different assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair values. These amounts have not been revalued, and current estimates of fair value could differ significantly from the amounts presented. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of our ABL Facility approximated its carrying value of $83,120 based on current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, or Level 2 inputs. The carrying value of our remaining material variable rate debt, the Finance Authority of Maine Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-1, approximates fair value because the interest rate for the debt instrument is based on a market index that approximates current market rates for instruments with similar risk and maturities.

Other_Items

Other Items	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract]
Other Items	10	OTHER ITEMS
	Development Project Charge
	In the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded charges of $1,440 for deferred costs associated with a gas pipeline development project in Maine no longer deemed viable.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had no deferred costs associated with development projects included in other non-current assets within our consolidated balance sheets.
	Gain on Settlement of Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration
	In the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recovered a portion of the purchase price holdback amount we had previously paid and were relieved of any potential contingent consideration obligation associated with the acquisition of an industrial service management business. As a result, we recorded a $1,058 gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Divestiture_Transactions

Divestiture Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Divestiture Transactions	11	DIVESTITURE TRANSACTIONS

	Maine Energy

	In the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, we executed a purchase and sale agreement (“Agreement”) with the City of Biddeford, Maine, pursuant to which we agreed to sell the real property of Maine Energy Recovery Company, LP (“Maine Energy”) to the City of Biddeford. We agreed to sell Maine Energy for an undiscounted purchase consideration of $6,650, which is being paid to us in equal installments over twenty-one years. The transaction closed in November 2012. In December 2012, we ceased operations of the Maine Energy facility and initiated the decommissioning, demolition and site remediation process in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement. We have completed the demolition process, and are nearly completed with site remediation under the auspices and in accordance with work plans approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The time for completion of this project has been consensually extended by us and the City of Biddeford, and we expect to complete this project and transfer ownership of the real property to the City of Biddeford by summer 2015. In consideration of the fact that the project is substantially complete and based on incurred costs to date and estimates regarding the remaining costs to fulfill our obligation under the Agreement, we reversed a reserve of $1,157 of excess costs to complete the divestiture in the three months ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, we have accrued $115 in other accrued liabilities for the estimated remaining costs to fulfill our obligation under the Agreement.

	CARES and Related Transaction

	Casella-Altela Regional Environmental Services, LLC (“CARES”) is a joint venture that owned and operated a water and leachate treatment facility for the natural gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania. Our joint venture partner in CARES is Altela, Inc. (“Altela”). As of March 31, 2015, our ownership interest in CARES was 51%. In accordance with FASB ASC 810-10-15, we consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of CARES into our consolidated financial statements due to our controlling financial interest in the joint venture.

	In the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014, we determined that assets of the CARES water treatment facility were no longer operational or were not operating within product performance parameters. As a result, we initiated a plan to abandon and shut down the operations of CARES. It was determined that the carrying value of the assets of CARES was no longer recoverable and, as a result, the carrying value of the asset group was assessed for impairment and impaired in the fiscal year ended April 30, 2014.

	We executed a purchase and sale agreement on February 9, 2015 pursuant to which we and Altela agreed to sell certain assets of the CARES water treatment facility to an unrelated third-party. We sold these assets of CARES for purchase consideration of $3,500, resulting in a gain of $2,850 in the three months ended March 31, 2015, 49% of which was attributable to Altela, the noncontrolling interest holder. As of March 31, 2015, we were proceeding with dissolution of CARES in accordance with the CARES Limited Liability Company Agreement.

	In connection with this transaction, we also sold certain of our equipment and real estate to the same buyer for total consideration of $1,050, resulting in a gain of $928 in the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
Segment Reporting	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	12	SEGMENT REPORTING
	We report selected information about operating segments in a manner consistent with that used for internal management reporting. We classify our solid waste operations on a geographic basis through regional operating segments. Revenues associated with our solid waste operations are derived mainly from collection, transfer, disposal, landfill, landfill gas-to-energy and recycling services in the northeastern United States. Our revenues in the Recycling segment are derived from municipalities and customers in the form of processing fees, tipping fees and commodity sales. Organics services, ancillary operations, major customer accounts, discontinued operations, and earnings from equity method investees are included in our Other segment.
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015


	Segment		Outside		Inter-company			Depreciation and		Operating			Total assets
	Segment		revenues		revenue			amortization		income (loss)			Total assets
	Eastern		$	33,267	$	8,016		$	5,237	$	(485	)	$	205,062
	Western			49,357		14,398			6,738		4,995			325,799
	Recycling			10,294		4			1,116		(2,010	)		50,157
	Other			23,659		221			657		626			73,386
	Eliminations			—		(22,639	)		—		—			—

	Total		$	116,577	$	—		$	13,748	$	3,126		$	654,404

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014


	Segment		Outside		Inter-company			Depreciation and		Operating			Total assets
	Segment		revenues		revenue			amortization		income (loss)			Total assets
	Eastern		$	31,338	$	8,588		$	5,329	$	(4,860	)	$	200,137
	Western			48,739		15,384			6,524		2,603			340,862
	Recycling			10,361		(63	)		1,066		(1,484	)		49,519
	Other			22,759		504			689		67			69,920
	Eliminations			—		(24,413	)		—		—			—

	Total		$	113,197	$	—		$	13,608	$	(3,674	)	$	660,438

	Amounts of our total revenue attributable to services provided for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Collection		$	53,456	$	52,543
	Disposal			27,637		24,075
	Power generation			2,047		3,349
	Processing			1,121		1,708

	Solid waste operations			84,261		81,675
	Organics			9,020		9,276
	Customer solutions			13,002		11,885
	Recycling			10,294		10,361

	Total revenues		$	116,577	$	113,197

Subsidiary_Guarantors

Subsidiary Guarantors	3 Months Ended
Subsidiary Guarantors	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Subsidiary Guarantors	13	SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

	Our 2019 Notes are guaranteed jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally, by our significant wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Parent is the issuer and a non-guarantor of the 2019 Notes and the Parent has no independent assets or operations. The information which follows presents the condensed consolidating financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the consolidating results of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 of (a) the Parent company only, (b) the combined guarantors (“Guarantors”), each of which is 100% wholly-owned by the Parent, (c) the combined non-guarantors (“Non-Guarantors”), (d) eliminating entries and (e) the consolidated total.



	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

	AS OF MARCH 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



	ASSETS		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
	ASSETS		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,441			$	223			$	393			$	—			$	3,057
	Accounts receivable - trade, net			392				52,047				74				—				52,513
	Refundable income taxes			526				—				—				—				526
	Prepaid expenses			2,139				4,955				2				—				7,096
	Inventory			—				4,418				—				—				4,418
	Deferred income taxes			2,012				—				—				—				2,012
	Other current assets			296				3,103				8				—				3,407

	Total current assets			7,806				64,746				477				—				73,029

	Property, plant and equipment, net			5,366				399,087				—				—				404,453
	Goodwill			—				119,170				—				—				119,170
	Intangible assets, net			76				10,994				—				—				11,070
	Restricted assets			1,733				821				—				—				2,554
	Cost method investments			14,432				1,932				—				(1,932	)			14,432
	Investments in subsidiaries			(9,519	)			—				—				9,519				—
	Other non-current assets			19,613				10,083				—				—				29,696

				31,701				542,087				—				7,587				581,375

	Intercompany receivable			520,428				(483,467	)			(38,893	)			1,932				—

			$	559,935			$	123,366			$	(38,416	)		$	9,519			$	654,404


	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases		$	91			$	1,366			$	—			$	—			$	1,457
	Accounts payable			5,632				33,458				320				—				39,410
	Accrued payroll and related expenses			681				3,453				2				—				4,136
	Accrued interest			4,931				14				—				—				4,945
	Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs			—				1,982				3				—				1,985
	Other accrued liabilities			9,638				6,553				9				—				16,200

	Total current liabilities			20,973				46,826				334				—				68,133

	Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities			544,291				1,151				—				—				545,442
	Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion			—				38,576				33				—				38,609
	Deferred income taxes			6,948				—				—				—				6,948
	Other long-term liabilities			8,625				7,424				79				—				16,128

	STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
	Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders (deficit)’ equity			(20,902	)			29,389				(38,908	)			9,519				(20,902	)
	Noncontrolling interests			—				—				46				—				46

Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity			(20,902	)			29,389				(38,862	)			9,519				(20,856	)

		$	559,935			$	123,366			$	(38,416	)		$	9,519			$	654,404




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

(in thousands)



ASSETS		Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,596			$	253			$	356			$	—			$	2,205
Restricted cash			—				76				—				—				76
Accounts receivable - trade, net			597				55,053				100				—				55,750
Refundable income taxes			554				—				—				—				554
Prepaid expenses			3,622				5,136				5				—				8,763
Inventory			—				4,345				29				—				4,374
Deferred income taxes			2,095				—				—				—				2,095
Other current assets			296				4,549				7				—				4,852

Total current assets			8,760				69,412				497				—				78,669

Property, plant and equipment, net			5,049				408,843				650				—				414,542
Goodwill			—				119,170				—				—				119,170
Intangible assets, net			98				11,710				—				—				11,808
Restricted assets			5,819				813				—				—				6,632
Cost method investments			14,432				1,932				—				(1,932	)			14,432
Investments in subsidiaries			(9,888	)			—				—				9,888				—
Other non-current assets			14,611				9,931				—				—				24,542

			30,121				552,399				650				7,956				591,126

Intercompany receivable			537,228				(500,267	)			(38,893	)			1,932				—

		$	576,109			$	121,544			$	(37,746	)		$	9,888			$	669,795


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY		Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases		$	89			$	1,567			$	—			$	—			$	1,656
Accounts payable			17,953				30,040				525				—				48,518
Accrued payroll and related expenses			1,536				4,751				2				—				6,289
Accrued interest			11,083				11				—				—				11,094
Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs			—				2,205				3				—				2,208
Other accrued liabilities			8,618				7,957				92				—				16,667

Total current liabilities			39,279				46,531				622				—				86,432

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities			532,889				1,166				—				—				534,055
Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion			—				37,589				32				—				37,621
Deferred income taxes			7,080				—				—				—				7,080
Other long-term liabilities			9,114				7,433				80				—				16,627

STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders (deficit)’ equity			(12,253	)			28,825				(38,713	)			9,888				(12,253	)
Noncontrolling interests			—				—				233				—				233

Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity			(12,253	)			28,825				(38,480	)			9,888				(12,020	)

		$	576,109			$	121,544			$	(37,746	)		$	9,888			$	669,795




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
Revenues		$	—			$	116,453			$	124			$	—			$	116,577

Operating expenses:
Cost of operations			(83	)			87,679				237				—				87,833
General and administration			(117	)			16,938				(16	)			—				16,805
Depreciation and amortization			223				13,525				—				—				13,748
Divestiture transactions			—				(2,085	)			(2,850	)			—				(4,935	)

			23				116,057				(2,629	)			—				113,451

Operating income (loss)			(23	)			396				2,753				—				3,126

Other expense (income), net:
Interest income			(47	)			(94	)			—				—				(141	)
Interest expense			9,988				53				85				—				10,126
Loss on debt extinguishment			521				—				—				—				521
(Income) loss on derivative instruments			151				—				—				—				151
(Income) loss from consolidated entities			(1,924	)			—				—				1,924				—
Other income			(37	)			(127	)			—				—				(164	)

Other expense (income), net			8,652				(168	)			85				1,924				10,493

Income (loss) before income taxes			(8,675	)			564				2,668				(1,924	)			(7,367	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			596				—				—				—				596

Net income (loss)			(9,271	)			564				2,668				(1,924	)			(7,963	)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				1,308				—				1,308

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,271	)		$	564			$	1,360			$	(1,924	)		$	(9,271	)




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
Revenues		$	—			$	112,933			$	264			$	—			$	113,197

Operating expenses:
Cost of operations			(44	)			86,002				446				—				86,404
General and administration			1,007				15,375				5				—				16,387
Depreciation and amortization			266				13,146				196				—				13,608
Development project charge			—				1,440				—				—				1,440
Severance and reorganization costs			—				80				—				—				80
Expense from divestiture, acquisition and financing costs			—				10				—				—				10
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration			—				(1,058	)			—				—				(1,058	)

			1,229				114,995				647				—				116,871

Operating income (loss)			(1,229	)			(2,062	)			(383	)			—				(3,674	)

Other expense (income), net:
Interest income			(2	)			(108	)			—				—				(110	)
Interest expense			9,580				26				—				—				9,606
(Income) loss on derivative instruments			150				—				—				—				150
(Income) loss from equity method investments			—				(27	)			—				—				(27	)
(Gain) loss on sale of equity method investment			—				—				221				—				221
(Income) loss from consolidated entities			2,173				—				—				(2,173	)			—
Other income			(10	)			(197	)			—				—				(207	)

Other expense (income), net			11,891				(306	)			221				(2,173	)			9,633

Income (loss) before income taxes			(13,120	)			(1,756	)			(604	)			2,173				(13,307	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			303				—				—				—				303

Net income (loss)			(13,423	)			(1,756	)			(604	)			2,173				(13,610	)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(187	)			—				(187	)

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(13,423	)		$	(1,756	)		$	(417	)		$	2,173			$	(13,423	)




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
Net income (loss)		$	(9,271	)		$	564			$	2,668			$	(1,924	)		$	(7,963	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities			—				(34	)			—				—				(34	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			—				(34	)			—				—				(34	)

Comprehensive income (loss)			(9,271	)			530				2,668				(1,924	)			(7,997	)

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				1,308				—				1,308

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,271	)		$	530			$	1,360			$	(1,924	)		$	(9,305	)




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
Net income (loss)		$	(13,423	)		$	(1,756	)		$	(604	)		$	2,173			$	(13,610	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities			—				(3	)			—				—				(3	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			—				(3	)			—				—				(3	)

Comprehensive income (loss)			(13,423	)			(1,759	)			(604	)			2,173				(13,613	)

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(187	)			—				(187	)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(13,423	)		$	(1,759	)		$	(417	)		$	2,173			$	(13,426	)




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

(in thousands)



		Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(10,886	)		$	5,604			$	(413	)		$	—			$	(5,695	)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(516	)			(3,928	)			—				—				(4,444	)
Payments on landfill operating lease contracts			—				(478	)			—				—				(478	)
Payments related to investments			—				1,555				(1,555	)			—				—
Proceeds from divestiture transactions			—				1,050				3,500				—				4,550
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			—				89				—				—				89

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(516	)			(1,712	)			1,945				—				(283	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			197,573				18				—				—				197,591
Principal payments on long-term debt			(186,267	)			(233	)			—				—				(186,500	)
Change in restricted cash			4,086				—				—				—				4,086
Payments of financing costs			(6,852	)			—				—				—				(6,852	)
Distributions to nonctonrolling interest holder			—				—				(1,495	)			—				(1,495	)
Intercompany borrowings			3,707				(3,707	)			—				—				—

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			12,247				(3,922	)			(1,495	)			—				6,830
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			845				(30	)			37				—				852
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			1,596				253				356				—				2,205

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	2,441			$	223			$	393			$	—			$	3,057




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

(in thousands)



		Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(5,327	)		$	6,799			$	(111	)		$	—			$	1,361

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired			—				214				—				—				214
Acquisition related additions to property, plant and equipment			—				(79	)			—				—				(79	)
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(256	)			(7,221	)			—				—				(7,477	)
Payments on landfill operating lease contracts			—				(563	)			—				—				(563	)
Payments related to investments			—				(84	)			—				—				(84	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			—				216				—				—				216

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(256	)			(7,517	)			—				—				(7,773	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			47,860				—				—				—				47,860
Principal payments on long-term debt			(41,120	)			(130	)			—				—				(41,250	)
Payments of financing costs			(17	)			—				—				—				(17	)
Intercompany borrowings			(718	)			718				—				—				—

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			6,005				588				—				—				6,593
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations			—				86				—				—				86

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			422				(44	)			(111	)			—				267
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			2,312				243				140				—				2,695

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	2,734			$	199			$	29			$	—			$	2,962

Accounting_Pronouncements_Poli

Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Policies Adopted and Pending Adoption	New Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
	Consolidation
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update for the requirements of consolidation. The update provides changes to the analysis that an entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities because in certain situations deconsolidated financial statements are necessary to better analyze the reporting entity’s economic and operational results. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, and we expect that it will have no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	Extraordinary and Unusual Items
	In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that eliminates the GAAP concept of extraordinary items. The update provides for the elimination of the requirements to consider whether an underlying event or transaction is extraordinary, but retains the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently and expands upon it to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. This guidance is effective prospectively or retrospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, and we expect that this guidance will have no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update for the recognition of revenue, which supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and most industry-specific guidance. The update provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 under either full or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. We are currently assessing the potential impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this standard.
	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update for the requirements of reporting discontinued operations. The update provides that an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations once the component of an entity meets the held for sale criteria, is disposed of by sale, or is disposed of other than by sale only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The update also requires that additional disclosures about discontinued operations be made. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted, but only for disposals, or classifications as held for sale, that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2015 and it did not impact our consolidated financial position or results of operations, but it may impact the presentation of, and disclosures in, our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:


		Covenants			Client Lists			Total
		Not-to-Compete			Client Lists			Total
	Balance, March 31, 2015
	Intangible assets	$	17,313		$	16,065		$	33,378
	Less accumulated amortization		(15,879	)		(6,429	)		(22,308	)

		$	1,434		$	9,636		$	11,070


		Covenants			Client Lists			Total
		Not-to-Compete			Client Lists			Total
	Balance, December 31, 2014
	Intangible assets	$	17,296		$	16,071		$	33,367
	Less accumulated amortization		(15,730	)		(5,829	)		(21,559	)

		$	1,566		$	10,242		$	11,808

Estimated Future Amortization Expense
	Estimated Future Amortization Expense as of March 31, 2015:
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015	$	1,833
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016	$	2,048
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017	$	1,784
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018	$	1,581
	For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019	$	1,213
	Thereafter	$	2,611

Accrued_Final_Capping_Closure_1

Accrued Final Capping, Closure and Post Closure (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Accrued Final Capping, Closure and Post Closure (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes to Accrued Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities	The changes to accrued final capping, closure and post-closure liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Beginning balance		$	39,829		$	46,326
	Obligations incurred			441			736
	Accretion expense			828			983
	Obligations settled (1)			(504	)		(212	)

	Ending balance		$	40,594		$	47,833


	-1	Includes amounts that are being processed through accounts payable as a part of our disbursement cycle.

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases	Long-term debt and capital leases as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following:



		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Senior Secured Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility:
	Due February 2020; bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%	$	83,120	$	—
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility:
	Due March 2016; bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.75%		—		131,300
	Tax-Exempt Bonds:
	New York State Enviornmental Facilities Corporation Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2014; senior unsecured due December 2044 - fixed rate interest period through 2019, bearing interest at 3.75%		25,000		25,000
	Finance Authority of Maine Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-2; senior unsecured due January 2025 - fixed rate interest period through 2017, bearing interest at 6.25%		21,400		21,400
	Vermont Economic Development Authority Solid Waste Disposal Long-Term Revenue Bonds Series 2013; senior unsecured due April 2036 - fixed rate interest period through 2018, bearing interest at 4.75%		16,000		16,000
	Business Finance Authority of the State of New Hampshire Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2013; senior unsecured due April 2029 - fixed rate interest period through 2019, bearing interest at 4.00%		11,000		11,000
	Finance Authority of Maine Solid Wasete Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-1; letter of credit backed due January 2025 - variable rate interest period through 2017, bearing interest at SIFMA Index		3,600		3,600
	Other:
	Capital leases maturing through April 2023, bearing interest at up to 7.70%		3,075		3,295
	Notes payable maturing through April 2017, bearing interest at up to 6.00%		418		435
	Senior Subordinated Notes:
	Due February 2019; bearing interest at 7.75% (including unamortized discount of $1,714 and $1,319)		383,286		323,681

			546,899		535,711
	Less—current maturities of long-term debt		1,457		1,656

		$	545,442	$	534,055

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Environmental Liability Associated with Potsdam	The changes to the environmental remediation liability associated with the Potsdam environmental remediation liability for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:



		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Beginning balance	$	5,142	$	5,421
	Accretion expense		20		34
	Obligations settled		—		(26	)

	Ending balance	$	5,162	$	5,429

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Activity	A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:


			Stock Options			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
						Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
						Exercise Price		Remaining
								Contractual
								Term (years)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014			1,380		$	7.7
	Granted			—		$	—
	Exercised			—		$	—
	Forfeited			(2	)	$	13

	Outstanding, March 31, 2015			1,378		$	7.69		5.1	$	827

	Exercisable, March 31, 2015			855		$	9.57		3	$	356

	Expected to vest, March 31, 2015			1,377		$	7.69		5.1	$	826

Summary of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity	A summary of restricted stock, restricted stock unit and performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:


			Restricted Stock,			Weighted		Weighted Average		Aggregate Intrinsic
			Restricted Stock Units,			Average		Remaining		Value
			and Performance Stock			Grant Price		Contractual Term
			Units (1)					(years)
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014			1,048		$	4.79
	Granted			556		$	4.18
	Class A Common Stock Vested			(3	)	$	4.83
	Forfeited			(31	)	$	4.82

	Outstanding, March 31, 2015			1,570		$	4.57		1.8	$	1,469

	Expected to vest, March 31, 2015			1,092		$	4.47		2.1	$	1,136


	-1	Performance stock units are included at the 100% attainment level. Attainment of maximum annual returns on net assets could result in the issuance of an additional 242 shares of Class A common stock.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The change in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income, which is included as a component of our stockholders’ deficit, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:


			Marketable
			Securities
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	58
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications			(34	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—

	Net current-period other comprehensive loss			(34	)

	Balance as of March 31, 2015		$	24

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Numerator and Denominator Used in Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”):


		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(9,271	)	$	(13,423	)

	Denominator:
	Number of shares outstanding, end of period:
	Class A common stock		39,588			39,053
	Class B common stock		988			988
	Unvested restricted stock		(159	)		(130	)
	Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period		—			(2	)

	Weighted average number of common shares used in basic and diluted EPS		40,417			39,909

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	As of March 31, 2015 our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following:


		Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2015 Using:
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Active Markets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
		for Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Restricted assets - capital projects	$	1,733	$	—	$	—
	Restricted assets - landfill closure		821		—		—

	Total	$	2,554	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Interest rate derivative	$	—	$	760	$	—

	As of December 31, 2014 our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis included the following:


		Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2014 Using:
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
		Identical Assets		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Restricted assets - capital projects	$	5,819	$	—	$	—
	Restricted assets - landfill closure		813		—		—

	Total	$	6,632	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities:
	Interest rate derivatives	$	—	$	1,668	$	—

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015


	Segment	Outside		Inter-company			Depreciation and		Operating			Total assets
	Segment	revenues		revenue			amortization		income (loss)			Total assets
	Eastern	$	33,267	$	8,016		$	5,237	$	(485	)	$	205,062
	Western		49,357		14,398			6,738		4,995			325,799
	Recycling		10,294		4			1,116		(2,010	)		50,157
	Other		23,659		221			657		626			73,386
	Eliminations		—		(22,639	)		—		—			—

	Total	$	116,577	$	—		$	13,748	$	3,126		$	654,404

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014


	Segment	Outside		Inter-company			Depreciation and		Operating			Total assets
	Segment	revenues		revenue			amortization		income (loss)			Total assets
	Eastern	$	31,338	$	8,588		$	5,329	$	(4,860	)	$	200,137
	Western		48,739		15,384			6,524		2,603			340,862
	Recycling		10,361		(63	)		1,066		(1,484	)		49,519
	Other		22,759		504			689		67			69,920
	Eliminations		—		(24,413	)		—		—			—

	Total	$	113,197	$	—		$	13,608	$	(3,674	)	$	660,438

Summary of Revenue Attributable to Services Provided by Company	Amounts of our total revenue attributable to services provided for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:


		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Collection	$	53,456	$	52,543
	Disposal		27,637		24,075
	Power generation		2,047		3,349
	Processing		1,121		1,708

	Solid waste operations		84,261		81,675
	Organics		9,020		9,276
	Customer solutions		13,002		11,885
	Recycling		10,294		10,361

	Total revenues	$	116,577	$	113,197

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Tables

Subsidiary Guarantors (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Subsidiary Guarantors (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

	AS OF MARCH 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



	ASSETS		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
	ASSETS		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,441			$	223			$	393			$	—			$	3,057
	Accounts receivable - trade, net			392				52,047				74				—				52,513
	Refundable income taxes			526				—				—				—				526
	Prepaid expenses			2,139				4,955				2				—				7,096
	Inventory			—				4,418				—				—				4,418
	Deferred income taxes			2,012				—				—				—				2,012
	Other current assets			296				3,103				8				—				3,407

	Total current assets			7,806				64,746				477				—				73,029

	Property, plant and equipment, net			5,366				399,087				—				—				404,453
	Goodwill			—				119,170				—				—				119,170
	Intangible assets, net			76				10,994				—				—				11,070
	Restricted assets			1,733				821				—				—				2,554
	Cost method investments			14,432				1,932				—				(1,932	)			14,432
	Investments in subsidiaries			(9,519	)			—				—				9,519				—
	Other non-current assets			19,613				10,083				—				—				29,696

				31,701				542,087				—				7,587				581,375

	Intercompany receivable			520,428				(483,467	)			(38,893	)			1,932				—

			$	559,935			$	123,366			$	(38,416	)		$	9,519			$	654,404


	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY		Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY		Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases		$	91			$	1,366			$	—			$	—			$	1,457
	Accounts payable			5,632				33,458				320				—				39,410
	Accrued payroll and related expenses			681				3,453				2				—				4,136
	Accrued interest			4,931				14				—				—				4,945
	Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs			—				1,982				3				—				1,985
	Other accrued liabilities			9,638				6,553				9				—				16,200

	Total current liabilities			20,973				46,826				334				—				68,133

	Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities			544,291				1,151				—				—				545,442
	Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion			—				38,576				33				—				38,609
	Deferred income taxes			6,948				—				—				—				6,948
	Other long-term liabilities			8,625				7,424				79				—				16,128

	STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
	Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders (deficit)’ equity			(20,902	)			29,389				(38,908	)			9,519				(20,902	)
	Noncontrolling interests			—				—				46				—				46

	Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity			(20,902	)			29,389				(38,862	)			9,519				(20,856	)

			$	559,935			$	123,366			$	(38,416	)		$	9,519			$	654,404




CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

(in thousands)



ASSETS		Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,596			$	253			$	356			$	—			$	2,205
Restricted cash			—				76				—				—				76
Accounts receivable - trade, net			597				55,053				100				—				55,750
Refundable income taxes			554				—				—				—				554
Prepaid expenses			3,622				5,136				5				—				8,763
Inventory			—				4,345				29				—				4,374
Deferred income taxes			2,095				—				—				—				2,095
Other current assets			296				4,549				7				—				4,852

Total current assets			8,760				69,412				497				—				78,669

Property, plant and equipment, net			5,049				408,843				650				—				414,542
Goodwill			—				119,170				—				—				119,170
Intangible assets, net			98				11,710				—				—				11,808
Restricted assets			5,819				813				—				—				6,632
Cost method investments			14,432				1,932				—				(1,932	)			14,432
Investments in subsidiaries			(9,888	)			—				—				9,888				—
Other non-current assets			14,611				9,931				—				—				24,542

			30,121				552,399				650				7,956				591,126

Intercompany receivable			537,228				(500,267	)			(38,893	)			1,932				—

		$	576,109			$	121,544			$	(37,746	)		$	9,888			$	669,795


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY		Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases		$	89			$	1,567			$	—			$	—			$	1,656
Accounts payable			17,953				30,040				525				—				48,518
Accrued payroll and related expenses			1,536				4,751				2				—				6,289
Accrued interest			11,083				11				—				—				11,094
Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs			—				2,205				3				—				2,208
Other accrued liabilities			8,618				7,957				92				—				16,667

Total current liabilities			39,279				46,531				622				—				86,432

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities			532,889				1,166				—				—				534,055
Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion			—				37,589				32				—				37,621
Deferred income taxes			7,080				—				—				—				7,080
Other long-term liabilities			9,114				7,433				80				—				16,627

STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders (deficit)’ equity			(12,253	)			28,825				(38,713	)			9,888				(12,253	)
Noncontrolling interests			—				—				233				—				233

Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity			(12,253	)			28,825				(38,480	)			9,888				(12,020	)

		$	576,109			$	121,544			$	(37,746	)		$	9,888			$	669,795



Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Operations	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



			Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
			Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	Revenues		$	—			$	116,453			$	124			$	—			$	116,577

	Operating expenses:
	Cost of operations			(83	)			87,679				237				—				87,833
	General and administration			(117	)			16,938				(16	)			—				16,805
	Depreciation and amortization			223				13,525				—				—				13,748
	Divestiture transactions			—				(2,085	)			(2,850	)			—				(4,935	)

				23				116,057				(2,629	)			—				113,451

	Operating income (loss)			(23	)			396				2,753				—				3,126

	Other expense (income), net:
	Interest income			(47	)			(94	)			—				—				(141	)
	Interest expense			9,988				53				85				—				10,126
	Loss on debt extinguishment			521				—				—				—				521
	(Income) loss on derivative instruments			151				—				—				—				151
	(Income) loss from consolidated entities			(1,924	)			—				—				1,924				—
	Other income			(37	)			(127	)			—				—				(164	)

	Other expense (income), net			8,652				(168	)			85				1,924				10,493

	Income (loss) before income taxes			(8,675	)			564				2,668				(1,924	)			(7,367	)
	Provision (benefit) for income taxes			596				—				—				—				596

	Net income (loss)			(9,271	)			564				2,668				(1,924	)			(7,963	)

	Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				1,308				—				1,308

	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,271	)		$	564			$	1,360			$	(1,924	)		$	(9,271	)




	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

	(in thousands)



			Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
			Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	Revenues		$	—			$	112,933			$	264			$	—			$	113,197

	Operating expenses:
	Cost of operations			(44	)			86,002				446				—				86,404
	General and administration			1,007				15,375				5				—				16,387
	Depreciation and amortization			266				13,146				196				—				13,608
Development project charge			—				1,440				—				—				1,440
Severance and reorganization costs			—				80				—				—				80
Expense from divestiture, acquisition and financing costs			—				10				—				—				10
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration			—				(1,058	)			—				—				(1,058	)

			1,229				114,995				647				—				116,871

Operating income (loss)			(1,229	)			(2,062	)			(383	)			—				(3,674	)

Other expense (income), net:
Interest income			(2	)			(108	)			—				—				(110	)
Interest expense			9,580				26				—				—				9,606
(Income) loss on derivative instruments			150				—				—				—				150
(Income) loss from equity method investments			—				(27	)			—				—				(27	)
(Gain) loss on sale of equity method investment			—				—				221				—				221
(Income) loss from consolidated entities			2,173				—				—				(2,173	)			—
Other income			(10	)			(197	)			—				—				(207	)

Other expense (income), net			11,891				(306	)			221				(2,173	)			9,633

Income (loss) before income taxes			(13,120	)			(1,756	)			(604	)			2,173				(13,307	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			303				—				—				—				303

Net income (loss)			(13,423	)			(1,756	)			(604	)			2,173				(13,610	)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(187	)			—				(187	)

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(13,423	)		$	(1,756	)		$	(417	)		$	2,173			$	(13,423	)

Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



			Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
			Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	Net income (loss)		$	(9,271	)		$	564			$	2,668			$	(1,924	)		$	(7,963	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities			—				(34	)			—				—				(34	)

	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			—				(34	)			—				—				(34	)

	Comprehensive income (loss)			(9,271	)			530				2,668				(1,924	)			(7,997	)

	Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				1,308				—				1,308

	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(9,271	)		$	530			$	1,360			$	(1,924	)		$	(9,305	)




	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

	(in thousands)



			Parent				Guarantors				Non-				Elimination				Consolidated
			Parent				Guarantors				Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	Net income (loss)		$	(13,423	)		$	(1,756	)		$	(604	)		$	2,173			$	(13,610	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities			—				(3	)			—				—				(3	)

	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			—				(3	)			—				—				(3	)

	Comprehensive income (loss)			(13,423	)			(1,759	)			(604	)			2,173				(13,613	)

	Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			—				—				(187	)			—				(187	)

	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	(13,423	)		$	(1,759	)		$	(417	)		$	2,173			$	(13,426	)

Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

	(in thousands)



			Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(10,886	)		$	5,604			$	(413	)		$	—			$	(5,695	)

	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment			(516	)			(3,928	)			—				—				(4,444	)
	Payments on landfill operating lease contracts			—				(478	)			—				—				(478	)
	Payments related to investments			—				1,555				(1,555	)			—				—
	Proceeds from divestiture transactions			—				1,050				3,500				—				4,550
	Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			—				89				—				—				89

	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(516	)			(1,712	)			1,945				—				(283	)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Proceeds from long-term borrowings			197,573				18				—				—				197,591
	Principal payments on long-term debt			(186,267	)			(233	)			—				—				(186,500	)
	Change in restricted cash			4,086				—				—				—				4,086
	Payments of financing costs			(6,852	)			—				—				—				(6,852	)
	Distributions to nonctonrolling interest holder			—				—				(1,495	)			—				(1,495	)
	Intercompany borrowings			3,707				(3,707	)			—				—				—

	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			12,247				(3,922	)			(1,495	)			—				6,830
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			845				(30	)			37				—				852
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			1,596				253				356				—				2,205

	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	2,441			$	223			$	393			$	—			$	3,057




	CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

	THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

	(in thousands)



			Parent				Guarantors				Non-Guarantors				Elimination				Consolidated
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(5,327	)		$	6,799			$	(111	)		$	—			$	1,361

	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired			—				214				—				—				214
	Acquisition related additions to property, plant and equipment			—				(79	)			—				—				(79	)
	Additions to property, plant and equipment			(256	)			(7,221	)			—				—				(7,477	)
	Payments on landfill operating lease contracts			—				(563	)			—				—				(563	)
	Payments related to investments			—				(84	)			—				—				(84	)
	Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			—				216				—				—				216

	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(256	)			(7,517	)			—				—				(7,773	)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Proceeds from long-term borrowings			47,860				—				—				—				47,860
	Principal payments on long-term debt			(41,120	)			(130	)			—				—				(41,250	)
	Payments of financing costs			(17	)			—				—				—				(17	)
Intercompany borrowings			(718	)			718				—				—				—

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			6,005				588				—				—				6,593
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations			—				86				—				—				86

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			422				(44	)			(111	)			—				267
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			2,312				243				140				—				2,695

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	2,734			$	199			$	29			$	—			$	2,962

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015
	Segment	Director
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments	4
Subsequent Event [Member] \| JCP Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of nominees for Board of Directors		3
Subsequent Event [Member] \| JCP Group [Member] \| Class A Common Stock [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
JCP Group ownership percentage of Company stock		5.00%
Eastern Region [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments	1
Western Region [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments	1
Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments	1
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments	1

Intangible_Assets_Components_o

Intangible Assets - Components of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$33,378	$33,367
Less accumulated amortization	-22,308	-21,559
Intangible assets, net	11,070	11,808
Covenants Not-to-Compete [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	17,313	17,296
Less accumulated amortization	-15,879	-15,730
Intangible assets, net	1,434	1,566
Client Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets	16,065	16,071
Less accumulated amortization	-6,429	-5,829
Intangible assets, net	$9,636	$10,242

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible amortization expenses	$749	$752

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Fu

Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated Future Amortization Expense, For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015	$1,833
Estimated Future Amortization Expense, For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016	2,048
Estimated Future Amortization Expense, For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017	1,784
Estimated Future Amortization Expense, For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018	1,581
Estimated Future Amortization Expense, For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019	1,213
Estimated Future Amortization Expense, Thereafter	$2,611

Accrued_Final_Capping_Closure_2

Accrued Final Capping, Closure and Post Closure - Changes to Accrued Capping, Closure and Post-Closure Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$39,829	$46,326
Obligations incurred	441	736
Accretion expense	828	983
Obligations settled	-504	-212
Ending balance	$40,594	$47,833

LongTerm_Debt_Components_of_Lo

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	$546,899	$535,711
Less-current maturities of long-term debt	1,457	1,656
Non current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligation	545,442	534,055
Senior Secured Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	83,120
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility		131,300
Revenue Bonds Series 2014 Due December 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	25,000	25,000
Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-2, Due January 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	21,400	21,400
Long-Term Revenue Bonds Series 2013 Due April 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	16,000	16,000
Revenue Bonds Series 2013 Due April 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	11,000	11,000
Revenue Bonds Series, 2005R-1, Due January 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	3,600	3,600
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	3,075	3,295
Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	418	435
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	$383,286	$323,681

LongTerm_Debt_Components_of_Lo1

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Senior Secured Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	27-Feb-20
Debt instrument stated percentage	2.25%
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	18-Mar-16
Debt instrument stated percentage	3.75%
Revenue Bonds Series 2014 Due December 2044 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	1-Dec-44
Debt instrument stated percentage	3.75%
Revenue Bonds Series 2005R-2, Due January 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	1-Jan-25
Debt instrument stated percentage	6.25%
Long-Term Revenue Bonds Series 2013 Due April 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	1-Apr-36
Debt instrument stated percentage	4.75%
Revenue Bonds Series 2013 Due April 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	1-Apr-29
Debt instrument stated percentage	4.00%
Revenue Bonds Series, 2005R-1, Due January 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	1-Jan-25
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity date	1-Apr-23
Debt instrument stated percentage	7.70%
Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity date	1-Apr-17
Debt instrument stated percentage	6.00%
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, due date	15-Feb-19
Debt instrument stated percentage	7.75%
Senior second lien notes, unamortized discount	$1,714	$1,319

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash payment for settlement of interest rate derivative	$830
Loss on debt extinguishment		-521
Write off Deferred Financing Costs [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment		521
Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date	15-Feb-19
Debt instrument stated percentage	7.75%
Issued discount	476
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date	18-Mar-16
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] \| Abl Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date		26-Feb-20
Revolving credit facility		190,000
Additional increase in credit facility		100,000
Line of credit facility interest rate description		LIBOR plus between 1.75% and 2.50%
Debt instrument stated percentage		2.25%
Maturity date description		The ABL Facility matures on February 26, 2020. If we fail to refinance the 2019 Notes on or before November 16, 2018, the maturity date for the ABL Facility shall be November 16, 2018
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] \| Abl Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated percentage		1.75%
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] \| Abl Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated percentage		2.50%
Original Issuance of Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] \| Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior subordinated notes, face amount	325,000
Subsequent Issuance of Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] \| Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior subordinated notes, face amount	$60,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	31-May-09
Greenwood Street Landfill [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Future remediation costs	$129
Greenwood Street Landfill [Member] \| Administrative Penalty [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Future remediation costs	172
Potsdam Environmental Remediation Liability [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Scrap yard and solid waste transfer station	25
Estimate of total undiscounted costs associated with implementing the preferred remedies				12,130	10,219
Risk free interest rate	1.70%
Potsdam Environmental Remediation Liability [Member] \| Motors Liquidation Trust - DEC [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Future remediation costs		3,000
Potsdam Environmental Remediation Liability [Member] \| Motors Liquidation Trust - Casella Waste Systems, Inc [Member]
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Future remediation costs			$100

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Environmental Liability Associated with Potsdam (Detail) (Potsdam Environmental Remediation Liability [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$5,421		$5,142
Obligations settled	-26
Ending balance	5,429	5,162	5,142
Accretion Expense [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accretion expense	$34	$20

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2007
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Total fair value of other stock awards vested	$12
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	17	5
Stock Options [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	157	109
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	931
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period	1 year 4 months 24 days
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	3,667
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period	2 years
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	2,483
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period	1 month 6 days
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$486	$461
Non-Employee Director [Member] \| Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Options vesting period	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Options vesting period	1 year
Maximum [Member] \| 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Options vesting period	4 years
Options granted period	10 years
Class A Common Stock [Member] \| 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Common stock, issued shares			2,475,000
Number of shares available for future grant	495,000

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Options,Outstanding, December 31, 2014	1,380
Stock Options, Granted	0
Stock Options, Exercised	0
Stock Options, Forfeited	-2
Stock Options,Outstanding, March 31, 2015	1,378
Stock Options,Exercisable, March 31, 2015	855
Stock Options,Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	1,377
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$7.70
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$13
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, March 31, 2015	$7.69
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable, March 31, 2015	$9.57
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	$7.69
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	5 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	3 years
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Expected to vest	5 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, March 31, 2015	$827
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable, March 31, 2015	356
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	$826

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Weighted Average Grant Price, Outstanding, December 31, 2014	$4.79
Weighted Average Grant Price, Granted	$4.18
Weighted Average Grant Price, Forfeited	$4.82
Weighted Average Grant Price,Outstanding, March 31, 2015	$4.57
Weighted Average Grant Price, Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	$4.47
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	1 year 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Expected to vest	2 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, March 31, 2015	$1,469
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	$1,136
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Stock Units Outstanding, December 31, 2014	1,048
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Stock Units, Granted	556
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Stock Units, Forfeited	-31
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Stock Units Outstanding, March 31, 2015	1,570
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Stock Units Expected to vest, March 31, 2015	1,092
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Weighted Average Grant Price Common Stock, Vested	$4.83
Class A Common Stock [Member] \| Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Stock Units Common Stock, Vested	-3

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of2

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Performance Stock Units [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit And Performance Stock Unit Activity [Line Items]
Performance stock units, percentage of attainment level	100.00%
Common stock additional issue	242

Stockholders_Equity_Accumulate

Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$58
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-34	-3
Ending balance	24
Marketable Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	58
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-34
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-34
Ending balance	$24

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Numerator and Denominator Used in Computation of Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	($9,271)	($13,423)
Number of shares outstanding, end of period:
Unvested restricted stock	-159,000	-130,000
Effect of weighted average shares outstanding during period		-2,000
Weighted average number of common shares used in basic and diluted EPS	40,417,000	39,909,000
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Number of shares outstanding, end of period:
Common stock shares outstanding	39,588,000	39,053,000	39,587,000
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Number of shares outstanding, end of period:
Common stock shares outstanding	988,000	988,000	988,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares not included in calculation of net loss attributable to common stockholders	2,705

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Restricted assets	$2,554	$6,632
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Restricted assets	2,554	6,632
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Restricted Assets - Capital Projects [Member]
Assets:
Restricted assets	1,733	5,819
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Restricted Assets - Landfill Closure [Member]
Assets:
Restricted assets	821	813
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivative	$760	$1,668

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of revolver debt	$83,120
Fixed Rate Bonds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of fixed rate debt	460,322
Carrying value of fixed rate debt	$458,400

Other_Items_Additional_Informa

Other Items - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation [Line Items]
Development project charges	$1,440
Deferred project costs		0	0
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration	-1,058
Industrial Service Management Business [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligation [Line Items]
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration	1,058
Maine Energy Facility [Member]
Asset Retirement Obligation [Line Items]
Development project charges	$1,440

Divestiture_Transactions_Addit

Divestiture Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 09, 2015	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on divestiture	$4,935
Other accrued liabilities	16,200			16,667
Proceeds from sale of assets	4,550
Casella-Altela Regional Environmental Services, LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on divestiture		2,850
Membership interest	51.00%
Proceeds from sale of assets		3,500
Casella-Altela Regional Environmental Services, LLC [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on divestiture	928
Proceeds from sale of assets		1,050
Casella-Altela Regional Environmental Services, LLC [Member] \| Altela, Inc. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Membership interest		49.00%
Maine Energy Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Undiscounted purchase consideration			6,650
Undiscounted purchase consideration paid in installments			21 years
Gain on divestiture	1,157
Other accrued liabilities	$115

Segment_Reporting_Summary_of_F

Segment Reporting - Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	$116,577	$113,197
Depreciation and amortization	13,748	13,608
Operating income (loss)	3,126	-3,674
Total assets	654,404	660,438	669,795
Eastern Region [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	33,267	31,338
Depreciation and amortization	5,237	5,329
Operating income (loss)	-485	-4,860
Total assets	205,062	200,137
Western Region [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	49,357	48,739
Depreciation and amortization	6,738	6,524
Operating income (loss)	4,995	2,603
Total assets	325,799	340,862
Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	10,294	10,361
Depreciation and amortization	1,116	1,066
Operating income (loss)	-2,010	-1,484
Total assets	50,157	49,519
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	23,659	22,759
Depreciation and amortization	657	689
Operating income (loss)	626	67
Total assets	73,386	69,920
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] \| Inter-Company Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	-22,639	-24,413
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] \| Eastern Region [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	8,016	8,588
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] \| Western Region [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	14,398	15,384
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] \| Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	4	-63
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] \| Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-company revenues	$221	$504

Segment_Reporting_Summary_of_R

Segment Reporting - Summary of Revenue Attributable to Services Provided by Company (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$116,577	$113,197
Solid Waste Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	84,261	81,675
Solid Waste Operations [Member] \| Collection [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	53,456	52,543
Solid Waste Operations [Member] \| Disposal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	27,637	24,075
Solid Waste Operations [Member] \| Power Generation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,047	3,349
Solid Waste Operations [Member] \| Processing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,121	1,708
Organics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,020	9,276
Customer Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	13,002	11,885
Recycling [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$10,294	$10,361

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Schedule

Subsidiary Guarantors - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,057	$2,205	$2,962	$2,695
Restricted cash		76
Accounts receivable - trade, net	52,513	55,750
Refundable income taxes	526	554
Prepaid expenses	7,096	8,763
Inventory	4,418	4,374
Deferred income taxes	2,012	2,095
Other current assets	3,407	4,852
Total current assets	73,029	78,669
Property, plant and equipment, net	404,453	414,542
Goodwill	119,170	119,170
Intangible assets, net	11,070	11,808
Restricted assets	2,554	6,632
Cost method investments	14,432	14,432
Other non-current assets	29,696	24,542
Total non-current assets	581,375	591,126
Total assets	654,404	669,795	660,438
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,457	1,656
Accounts payable	39,410	48,518
Accrued payroll and related expenses	4,136	6,289
Accrued interest	4,945	11,094
Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs	1,985	2,208
Other accrued liabilities	16,200	16,667
Total current liabilities	68,133	86,432
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities	545,442	534,055
Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion	38,609	37,621
Deferred income taxes	6,948	7,080
Other long-term liabilities	16,128	16,627
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Total Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	-20,902	-12,253
Noncontrolling interests	46	233
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity	-20,856	-12,020
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity	654,404	669,795
Parent [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	2,441	1,596	2,734	2,312
Accounts receivable - trade, net	392	597
Refundable income taxes	526	554
Prepaid expenses	2,139	3,622
Deferred income taxes	2,012	2,095
Other current assets	296	296
Total current assets	7,806	8,760
Property, plant and equipment, net	5,366	5,049
Intangible assets, net	76	98
Restricted assets	1,733	5,819
Cost method investments	14,432	14,432
Investments in subsidiaries	-9,519	-9,888
Other non-current assets	19,613	14,611
Total non-current assets	31,701	30,121
Intercompany receivable	520,428	537,228
Total assets	559,935	576,109
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	91	89
Accounts payable	5,632	17,953
Accrued payroll and related expenses	681	1,536
Accrued interest	4,931	11,083
Other accrued liabilities	9,638	8,618
Total current liabilities	20,973	39,279
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities	544,291	532,889
Deferred income taxes	6,948	7,080
Other long-term liabilities	8,625	9,114
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Total Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	-20,902	-12,253
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity	-20,902	-12,253
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity	559,935	576,109
Guarantors [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	223	253	199	243
Restricted cash		76
Accounts receivable - trade, net	52,047	55,053
Prepaid expenses	4,955	5,136
Inventory	4,418	4,345
Other current assets	3,103	4,549
Total current assets	64,746	69,412
Property, plant and equipment, net	399,087	408,843
Goodwill	119,170	119,170
Intangible assets, net	10,994	11,710
Restricted assets	821	813
Cost method investments	1,932	1,932
Other non-current assets	10,083	9,931
Total non-current assets	542,087	552,399
Intercompany receivable	-483,467	-500,267
Total assets	123,366	121,544
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,366	1,567
Accounts payable	33,458	30,040
Accrued payroll and related expenses	3,453	4,751
Accrued interest	14	11
Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs	1,982	2,205
Other accrued liabilities	6,553	7,957
Total current liabilities	46,826	46,531
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities	1,151	1,166
Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion	38,576	37,589
Other long-term liabilities	7,424	7,433
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Total Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	29,389	28,825
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity	29,389	28,825
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity	123,366	121,544
Non-Guarantors [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	393	356	29	140
Accounts receivable - trade, net	74	100
Prepaid expenses	2	5
Inventory		29
Other current assets	8	7
Total current assets	477	497
Property, plant and equipment, net		650
Total non-current assets		650
Intercompany receivable	-38,893	-38,893
Total assets	-38,416	-37,746
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	320	525
Accrued payroll and related expenses	2	2
Current accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs	3	3
Other accrued liabilities	9	92
Total current liabilities	334	622
Accrued capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion	33	32
Other long-term liabilities	79	80
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Total Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	-38,908	-38,713
Noncontrolling interests	46	233
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity	-38,862	-38,480
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity	-38,416	-37,746
Elimination [Member]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cost method investments	-1,932	-1,932
Investments in subsidiaries	9,519	9,888
Total non-current assets	7,587	7,956
Intercompany receivable	1,932	1,932
Total assets	9,519	9,888
STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY:
Total Casella Waste Systems, Inc. stockholders' (deficit) equity	9,519	9,888
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity	9,519	9,888
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity	$9,519	$9,888

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Schedule1

Subsidiary Guarantors - Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$116,577	$113,197
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations	87,833	86,404
General and administration	16,805	16,387
Depreciation and amortization	13,748	13,608
Development project charge		1,440
Divestiture transactions	-4,935
Severance and reorganization costs		80
Expense from divestiture, acquisition and financing costs		10
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration		-1,058
Total operating expenses	113,451	116,871
Operating income (loss)	3,126	-3,674
Other expense (income), net:
Interest income	-141	-110
Interest expense	10,126	9,606
Loss on debt extinguishment	521
(Income) loss on derivative instruments	151	150
(Income) loss from equity method investments		-27
(Gain) loss on sale of equity method investment		221
Other income	-164	-207
Other expense (income), net	10,493	9,633
Income (loss) before income taxes	-7,367	-13,307
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	596	303
Net income (loss)	-7,963	-13,610
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,308	-187
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	-9,271	-13,423
Parent [Member]
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations	-83	-44
General and administration	-117	1,007
Depreciation and amortization	223	266
Total operating expenses	23	1,229
Operating income (loss)	-23	-1,229
Other expense (income), net:
Interest income	-47	-2
Interest expense	9,988	9,580
Loss on debt extinguishment	521
(Income) loss on derivative instruments	151	150
(Income) loss from consolidated entities	-1,924	2,173
Other income	-37	-10
Other expense (income), net	8,652	11,891
Income (loss) before income taxes	-8,675	-13,120
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	596	303
Net income (loss)	-9,271	-13,423
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	-9,271	-13,423
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	116,453	112,933
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations	87,679	86,002
General and administration	16,938	15,375
Depreciation and amortization	13,525	13,146
Development project charge		1,440
Divestiture transactions	-2,085
Severance and reorganization costs		80
Expense from divestiture, acquisition and financing costs		10
Gain on settlement of acquisition related contingent consideration		-1,058
Total operating expenses	116,057	114,995
Operating income (loss)	396	-2,062
Other expense (income), net:
Interest income	-94	-108
Interest expense	53	26
(Income) loss from equity method investments		-27
Other income	-127	-197
Other expense (income), net	-168	-306
Income (loss) before income taxes	564	-1,756
Net income (loss)	564	-1,756
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	564	-1,756
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	124	264
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations	237	446
General and administration	-16	5
Depreciation and amortization		196
Divestiture transactions	-2,850
Total operating expenses	-2,629	647
Operating income (loss)	2,753	-383
Other expense (income), net:
Interest expense	85
(Gain) loss on sale of equity method investment		221
Other expense (income), net	85	221
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,668	-604
Net income (loss)	2,668	-604
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,308	-187
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	1,360	-417
Elimination [Member]
Other expense (income), net:
(Income) loss from consolidated entities	1,924	-2,173
Other expense (income), net	1,924	-2,173
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,924	2,173
Net income (loss)	-1,924	2,173
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	($1,924)	$2,173

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Schedule2

Subsidiary Guarantors - Schedule of Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	($7,963)	($13,610)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities	-34	-3
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-34	-3
Comprehensive income (loss)	-7,997	-13,613
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,308	-187
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	-9,305	-13,426
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	-9,271	-13,423
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Comprehensive income (loss)	-9,271	-13,423
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	-9,271	-13,423
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	564	-1,756
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) resulting from changes in fair value of marketable securities	-34	-3
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-34	-3
Comprehensive income (loss)	530	-1,759
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	530	-1,759
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	2,668	-604
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,668	-604
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,308	-187
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	1,360	-417
Elimination [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	-1,924	2,173
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Comprehensive income (loss)	-1,924	2,173
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	($1,924)	$2,173

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Schedule3

Subsidiary Guarantors - Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	($5,695)	$1,361
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		214
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-4,444	-7,477
Payments on landfill operating lease contracts	-478	-563
Payments related to investments		-84
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	89	216
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-283	-7,773
Proceeds from divestiture transactions	4,550
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	197,591	47,860
Principal payments on long-term debt	-186,500	-41,250
Payments of financing costs	-6,852	-17
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	6,830	6,593
Change in restricted cash	4,086
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holder	-1,495
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		86
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	852	267
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,205	2,695
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,057	2,962
Acquisition [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-4,444	-79
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-10,886	-5,327
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment		-256
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-516	-256
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	197,573	47,860
Principal payments on long-term debt	-186,267	-41,120
Payments of financing costs	-6,852	-17
Intercompany borrowings	3,707	-718
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,247	6,005
Change in restricted cash	4,086
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	845	422
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,596	2,312
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,441	2,734
Parent [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-516
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	5,604	6,799
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		214
Additions to property, plant and equipment		-7,221
Payments on landfill operating lease contracts	-478	-563
Payments related to investments	1,555	-84
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	89	216
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,712	-7,517
Proceeds from divestiture transactions	1,050
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	18
Principal payments on long-term debt	-233	-130
Intercompany borrowings	-3,707	718
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-3,922	588
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		86
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-30	-44
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	253	243
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	223	199
Guarantors [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-3,928	-79
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-413	-111
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments related to investments	-1,555
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,945
Proceeds from divestiture transactions	3,500
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-1,495
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holder	-1,495
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	37	-111
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	356	140
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$393	$29