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 after became known as Hartel’s / DBJ Disposal Companies.

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.