Hartel’s / DBJ Disposal has proudly served your neighborhood for OVER 65 years. In 1952, Leo Hartel started his independent business, Duluth and Proctor Garbage Service. He operated with the principles of quality service and personal integrity. Leo continued to serve the community until 1985, when his son, Dan Hartel, and nephew, Jeff Walstrom, purchased the company. In 1995, Hartel’s merged with Darrell B. Johnson’s DBJ Disposal Company, which has served the Duluth area since 1979. It soon became known as Hartel’s / DBJ Disposal Companies.

Recently a new generation of Hartel’s and Johnson’s assumed responsibility to bring renewed energy and a clear vision of what today’s marketplace requires to the partnership of Hartel’s / DBJ Disposal Companies. Carl Johnson along with the 3rd generation Hartel’s, Kevin and Valeree, had been named partners as Darrell B. Johnson and Jeff Walstrom retired.

Four name changes and over a half century later, Hartel’s / DBJ Disposal is the largest locally owned disposal company in NE Minnesota. While much has changed in the industry and region, the company has rolled forward with new equipment while retaining its old fashioned values of customer service and community involvement.

We all work and live in the communities we serve, and most importantly, we keep your money working right here in the community for all of us.