The City of Raleigh is pleased to announce that Shikha Gupta has been named the City’s Director of Solid Waste Services, which collects and disposes of Raleigh’s garbage, recycling, and yard waste.
"I’m excited to welcome Shikha to the City of Raleigh to lead our Solid Waste Services Department,” City Manager Marchell Adams-David said of Ms. Gupta’s selection. “Solid Waste delivers critical services to the community, and her deep industry knowledge will be a tremendous asset to the department and the community.”
Across her 19-year career, Ms. Gupta has overseen major citywide operations in Arizona and California, including residential, commercial, and municipal garbage and recycling collection, processing and landfill operations, and the advancement of zero-waste and resource-recovery initiatives. Most recently she has served as the Solid Waste Programs Division Manager for the City of Sunnyvale, CA.
Ms. Gupta has managed complex, multi-million-dollar budgets with care and accountability, modernized policy frameworks, and led the design and rollout of programs that improve service delivery and environmental outcomes.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of Solid Waste Services Director for the City of Raleigh,” Ms. Gupta says. “I look forward to supporting Raleigh’s growth with efficient, transparent, and community-focused services—while advancing sustainability, zero-waste efforts, and innovative strategies that reinforce Raleigh’s position as a leader in responsible and resilient solid waste management.”
Ms. Gupta holds dual master’s degrees, is a Certified Public Manager (CPM®), was a Project Management Professional (PMP®), and a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian. She is also an active member of professional organizations including Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), and has held leadership roles within the environmental health community.
Outside of work, Ms. Gupta is a devoted family person who enjoys discovering new hiking trails and relaxing with a good movie.
Her first day will be Jan. 5, 2026.