Innovation and Integration: Routeware’s vision for the future of waste management and fleet operations

It’s been a busy year at Routeware, as we bring together SaaS innovation and strategic acquisitions to strengthen our position as the category leader in technology solutions for the waste collection industry. Following the launch of Routeware Elements–our next-generation platform for haulers–in May, we recently announced the acquisition of Wastech, Inc.n. The integration of Wastech's RUBICONSmartCity solution into Routeware’s formidable suite of services will provide additional support for municipal fleet operations across waste collection, street sweeping, and snow removal.

The industry is at an inflection point in digitization. Despite the introduction of many valuable software solutions over the past decade, the industry is still lacking connected waste management platforms that join-up data and workflows for staff across a range of business processes. That status quo is changing now. Routeware is not only prepared to meet the moment but to lead the movement. By developing simple, connected platforms, we believe that both haulers and municipalities can unlock additional benefits ranging from reduced costs and complaints to increased safety and sustainability. We see a future in which technology, community and environmental stewardship are seamlessly integrated.

A Strong Foundation: Routeware Elements

Earlier this year we were excited to announce Routeware Elements, a more connected, easier-to-use technology solution for waste haulers and site service companies. With this launch, Routeware is realizing our vision of a platform that will better support companies in dealing with the complexities of their daily operations, handling all facets of the business, from route optimization to billing to customer support and beyond.

By combining modern technology with user-friendly design practices, Routeware Elements significantly increases the productivity of waste management teams, empowering fleet owners to focus less on tedious operational tasks and more on growing their business and keeping customers happy. As industry veteran and Routeware Chief Customer Officer Yasi Alemzadeh explains, “Technology is only as effective as it is easy to use. When we think about the technology in our pockets or in our homes, it’s designed to be intuitive and seamlessly connected. We believe waste management technology should do the same. That starts with usability.”

Empowering Municipalities: RUBICONSmartCity

RUBICONSmartCity is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology suite that helps local governments run more efficient and sustainable operations. The platform has already been deployed in more than 100 cities, including eight of the top ten cities by population. Cities now running RUBICONSmartCity include Austin, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Miami, FL; and Houston, TX.

RUBICONSmartCity helps government-owned fleets improve neighborhood streetscapes by monitoring service performance, improving driver behavior, and optimizing routes to ensure that materials are collected efficiently. The results: fewer vehicle accidents, less road wear, and safer communities.

City leaders recognize the vast opportunity presented by such technologies. “We are excited to move our solid waste collection operations to [the RUBICONSmartCity] digital, cloud-based system,” said a public works director from Arizona. “[The] smart city technology will empower us to efficiently manage our entire fleet of collection vehicles, optimize routes, and enhance our waste and recycling services.”

At the heart of Routeware’s vision is a commitment to ensuring that municipalities have the tools and support they need to evolve with ease, navigate the complexities of modern fleet management, and maintain a focus on sustainability.

Beyond the Basics: Driving Innovation

Providing connected, digital tools is a good starting point in an industry that still relies heavily on paper, but innovation is driving us forward rapidly. Routeware recognizes that modern technology platforms will create the foundation organizations need to harness ever more benefits. From increased automation to the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), cutting-edge technologies offer significant value to waste collection teams. But connecting these technologies with existing data and processes is key to adoption and value.

The newest offering from RUBICONSmartCity is an AI-enabled camera, which can help to further transform municipal operations by improving the efficiency and process by which critical city infrastructure data is gathered. Using this AI software, cities can automatically detect and document a variety of issues, including potholes, overflowing bins, illegal dumping, and hopper contamination, empowering them to collaborate across departments and be more proactive in their responses. As one large midwest city director happily shared, “Because of the success of [this technology] in our fleet, we are now expanding the deployment to our Street Maintenance Division. We’re using [the] camera technology in a pilot program to track potholes and street conditions as a way to continually improve our service.”

Another game changer for fleet operations is route sequencing. Advanced algorithms can now map out optimal routes and adapt them in a fraction of the time traditional paper route maps would take. Take one waste-hauling business in Omaha, Nebraska, as an example. Thanks to our routing solution, pickup efficiency on commercial routes increased from an average of five lifts per hour to more than seven. Residential trash route efficiency increased 122%, from an average of 23 pickups per hour in 2019 to 51 pickups per hour in 2023. Similarly, residential recycling route efficiency has increased from 35 to 54 pickups per hour. The sequenced, more efficient routes have helped this family-run business save fuel, reduce driver overtime, and improve customer service.

A People-First Approach: Serving customers and drivers

And as technology capabilities improve, so too do resident expectations. Today citizens are increasingly accustomed to real-time updates from their service providers. Thanks to technology integrations, it is now possible to proactively communicate with residents, resolve issues, and manage expectations. “We used to have a lot of calls from customers saying you didn’t service me, or you skipped my can,” said a waste director from Texas. “Having this system has prevented us from needing to go back and reservice those addresses.”

Other fleet leaders recognize the value of the insights they can now capture: “The data gathered from this system has assisted us in implementing best practices to educate residents about our service schedule. These features, alongside route digitization and optimization efforts, have improved the efficiency of solid waste service delivery throughout the [city].”

Drivers also benefit from technology adoption in their trucks. Time-intensive “go-backs” can be reduced, saving drivers from long hours and operators from overtime costs. Additionally, turn-by-turn navigation tools with voice-given directions make following routes easier and safer for drivers. And new drivers can be trained much more quickly. One mid-size Texas customer saw training time cut by 80 hours per person after navigation technology was integrated into their trucks and operations.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited about what the future holds, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the same dedication and industry expertise that has always been the hallmark of the Routeware team. By integrating innovative tools with Routeware’s proven solutions, municipalities and haulers can now streamline operations, reduce costs, support drivers and engage residents like never before. We are ready to take on the challenges of the future and to lead the way in transforming the waste collection industry.