Five years ago, Waste Management recycled around 6 million tons of materials in the U.S., according to CEO David Steiner. It set a goal of recycling 20 million tons by 2020 and began up to $100m a year in recycling facilities and technology.

Pockets of the U.S. are primed for growth thanks to pro-business regulatory environments, educated workforces and reasonable business costs. Leading the way is Virginia which tops Forbes' eighth annual list of the Best States for Business. Virginia has ranked second the past three years, but returns to the head of the pack for the first time since 2009.