John Kelsey

Scaling Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities in MSW Processing

John Kelsey, Chief Commercial Officer, AMP

Even where recycling programs exist, about three-quarters of recyclable material still winds up in the trash. With municipal solid waste volumes expected to grow by 70% by 2050, this problem will only compound. But new sorting innovations—especially AI-driven systems that separate commodities and organics directly from mixed waste—can change that trajectory. These technologies hold fewer labor demands while enabling higher reliability, tighter quality control, and the ability to divert more than half of landfill-bound waste into reusable products at costs often lower than landfill hauling. They’re also improving safety, consistency, and handling of dirty waste streams—bringing a level of performance into the realm of the possible. 

John Kelsey serves as chief commercial officer for AMP, where he leads the company's commercial strategy and growth initiatives. With more than three decades of experience in the environmental services industry, Kelsey has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, operational excellence, and strategic expansion.

Prior to joining AMP, Kelsey spent 34 years at Clean Harbors Environmental Services, a leading provider of environmental and industrial services in North America. During his tenure, he held various senior leadership roles, including senior vice president of technical services, where he focused on customer solutions, process improvement, and margin enhancement. He also played a pivotal role in managing the employee lifecycle across multiple operational and sales functions, leading strategies and tactics on recruiting, training, incentives, and retention. Kelsey’s career began as a chemist and driver, and he advanced through more than 10 different sales and operational positions. He led multiple acquisition integrations, including spearheading the integration of corporate accounts.

Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in environmental management and policy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.