Metro Waste was the largest independent hauler and recycler of construction waste in Utah. Founded in 1999, the company hauled approximately 65% of the construction waste generated along Utah’s Wasatch Front and recycled nearly 50% of it.

In 2003, Banyan made an equity investment in Metro Waste and John Dunn began working on a day-to-day basis with company executives to implement Metro’s long-term growth strategy. The cornerstone of that strategy was the acquisition of a Class 5 landfill permit, the final step in Metro becoming completely vertically integrated.

In July 2004, Banyan’s efforts culminated in the United States granting Metro a 50 year landfill lease under the National Environmental Policy Act. That permitting process normally takes 36–48 months but Banyan, working in concert with Metro, obtained the permit in just over a year.

Because many landfills in the United States are reaching capacity and permits for new landfills are extremely difficult to obtain, operating landfills with a long-term life are highly valued in the waste industry. In November 2004, Metro closed a $25 million financing with Sorenson Capital and Zions Bank. Metro was subsequently sold to Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WMI) in February 2008.