Data Analytics & Measuring Success: Do They Go Hand in Hand? (Public Sector) (WasteExpo 2019)

Over the past several years, the waste industry has evolved significantly. Traditional recycling facilities have been joined by composters, e-waste processers and anaerobic digesters, all of which have helped make it possible to extend the life of the objects we use every day. But as organizations reach for lofty sustainability goals, like zero waste, a new question emerges: how can you measure success? It should come as no surprise, then, that there are many opinions and conversations around the best way to measure success. Though there is no perfect solution to measuring success yet, it all comes to down to utilizing data and analytics. This session will share how the Department of Solid Waste Services (SWS) of Anchorage, Alaska has developed a performance dashboard that engages staff and the public to drive strategies, measure performance, set goals, and automate the extraction of data. Also hear from Rubicon’s Vice President of Sustainability on which three data points should be used to measure success in the quest for zero waste.

Speakers: David Rachelson, Rubicon Global; Mark Spafford, Municipality of Anchorage, AK; Amity Lumper, Cascadia Consulting