About Us

KS Environmental

KS Environmental was founded in 1967 and is a proud Australian owned and operated family business. With over 50 years of experience in the industry KSE has grown to be a major mid-tier organisation.

We provide reliable, commercial waste management and recycling services to the Melbourne Metropolitan area.

Talk To Us About:

Commercial Recycling

General Waste

KS Environmental: From A Sow’s Ear

Ted Smith began the K&S Waste business in 1967, collecting food waste for the family-owned pig farm from hotels and cafes around Melbourne. Ted could see the future of the waste removal industry, and by 1999, K & S Waste was a market leader in waste removal and disposal in Melbourne.

A New Generation in Waste Management

Fast-forward to 2004, and the company began cutting a new path. Our name was changed to KS Environmental, and we added a wider range of environmentally sustainable waste management services to reflect our commitment to environmental management.  While now, in 2022, we have grown to service over 3000 clients with over 70 vehicles and employ over 60 staff members, our business vision remains the same.

Our Commitment

To be the premier provider of waste and recycling services in the Melbourne metropolitan area by providing a flexible, reliable and high-quality service for our customers.

Our Clients

We have a diverse mix of clients coming from a broad range of industries, including sporting and entertainment venues, educational institutions, municipal councils, restaurants and catering venues, shopping centres, as well as smaller general businesses and the manufacturing sector.

Our Premises

The KS Environmental Group has grown significantly over the years but is still situated on the same premises in Dingley. Here, we house our fleet of vehicles, along with full mechanical and manufacturing workshops, and perform customer service/administration functions.

Ted and Imelda Smith

Our People

Our success is driven by a dedicated team of employees (many longstanding) and a highly experienced management team. Their deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence ensure that we continue to deliver outstanding service.

  • PAUL SMITH - MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Paul began his career as a truck driver for the KS Environmental Group. Since then, Paul has worked overseas in diverse businesses before re-joining the family business in 1989. Paul has filled the roles of General Manager and at present is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a turnover in excess of $30 million.

    Paul has a breadth of expertise in all operational areas as well as management. Paul held the position of President of the Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA) for 8 years and remains involved in the VWMA and other industry associations. Paul takes an active role in liaising with the Group’s key clients and has a hands on approach to his business.

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  • TONY HAWKE - CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

    Tony was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020 and prior to that had been heading the Sales and Marketing division of the business for ten years. He brings to the company more than 20 years industry experience and has worked in various roles from driver through to Sales Manager, providing him with a well-rounded knowledge of waste and recycling solutions. Most notably, he ran a staff of more than 100 over multiple depots in North Queensland, assisting the mines with set-up of waste and recycling services.

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  • SUSANTHA APARAKKA - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & COMPANY SECRETARY

    Susantha is a senior finance professional with over 18 years of chartered experience in leading global businesses. He has extensive experience in the waste industry ranging from partnering with finance/commercial business as well as industry leaders.

    He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in developing finance systems, process improvements and managing budgets. He works closely with front-line staff to assist them with making positive contributions to the business and challenges them to maximise their potential.

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  • JOHN DANIEL - ACCOUNT MANAGER

    Region: Eastern suburbs of Melbourne

    With over 25 years of experience in the waste industry, including 13.5 years at KS Environmental, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Holding a degree in Marketing and Sales, his background in customer relationships and sales management helps him deliver exceptional service tailored to clients’ needs.

    John’s passion for sustainability drives his commitment to helping clients achieve their waste management goals. Known for his client-focused approach, he consistently provides cost-effective solutions and strives to ensure every customer receives the highest level of service.

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  • JEFF BARRETT - ACCOUNT MANAGER

    Region: CBD and close inner suburbs, North West Metropolitan

    Jeff brings over 30 years of experience in wholesale account management to the table, with a deep focus on the waste and recycling industry. Having spent 8 years at KS, he has a proven track record of delivering tailored solutions and cost-effective strategies.

    Known for his honesty, reliability, and quick response times, Jeff is committed to building strong relationships with his clients. His expertise allows him to identify opportunities for savings and implement solutions that perfectly align with their specific needs.

     

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  • JASON EASTWOOD - ACCOUNT MANAGER

     Region: South East to Mornington

    With 25 years of sales experience across both internal and external roles, Jason brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Known for his strong communication and negotiation skills, he consistently delivers the best outcomes for both customers and KS Environmental.

    Always approachable and ready to go the extra mile, Jason is dedicated to helping clients wherever needed, ensuring their needs are met with exceptional service and tailored solutions.

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  • SHAYAL PRIYANKA KUMAR - BUSINESS PARTNER – FINANCE/HR/OHS

    In 2018, Shayal started her journey at KS Environmental as a Financial Accountant, bringing over 14 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, and Management to her role. Prior to joining KSE, Shayal held key positions including Group Financial Controller, Group Internal Auditor, Cost Accountant, and Financial Accountant across renowned global organisations.

    At KSE, Shayal leads strategic initiatives aimed at optimising Finance, HR, and OHS systems and processes. She oversees Human Resources management to enhance workforce productivity and ensure adherence to Occupational Health and Safety standards. Shayal also provides integral support to the Finance and Payroll departments, working closely with senior management to drive organisational success through effective financial stewardship.

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  • DARREN SOUTER - ENGINEERING SERVICES MANAGER

    Darren has been a part of the KS Environmental Group for more than 20 years. Initially Darren developed our sophisticated fleet management systems and workshops, more recently he has engineered and developed solutions for our major customer group and now oversees all Maintenance, Engineering and Project Management.

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  • GRANT PHELAN - DRIVER TEAM LEADER

    Grant first started with KS Environmental back in 1979 when it was a pig farm and has been with the company ever since. He started out as a rear lift truck driver, then moved on to front lift and progressed through to being a team leader.

    Grant has substantial experience and unsurpassed working knowledge of KS Environmental operations and is a great asset to the team.

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  • RUSSELL HALL - Senior Supervisor

    Russell has been with the organisation for over 10 years and has been a senior supervisor in the waste and recycling industry for more than 20 years. Russell is a very highly regarded qualified professional and has been responsible for the current City of Kingston contract for the past 3 years.

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