Winters Embraces Both Technology and the Human Side of Waste Management

James Winters, operations manager at Winters Bros., was born into waste management. The Long Island company he works for, acquired by WM in 2024, was launched by his family in the 1950’s.

James has done almost every entry- and mid-level job, from painting containers to driving and working on trucks, on up to higher level work like transitioning an acquisition company into Winters Bros. 

In this Q&A, the Waste360 40 Under 40 Award recipient discusses technology, safety, the critical role of drivers, and balancing tradition with progress.

Waste360: What is your approach to problem-solving?

Winters: When it comes to problem solving, my approach is pretty methodical and proactive. I believe that understanding the root cause of any issue is crucial.  I try to identify the problem and make sure I fully understand the situation from multiple perspectives.  This often involves speaking with team members, reviewing processes, and examining data or records related to the issue.
After I identify the problem, it is time to develop possible solutions.  We can do this by brainstorming or getting input from more experienced employees.
Often we may develop more than one solution.  When this happens, we assess the pros and cons of each potential solution, considering factors such as cost, time, and the long-term impact on operations and the environment.
Then it is time to get busy and solve the problem through implementation of the solution.  It is critical to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the problem is thoroughly resolved. If necessary, we can make adjustments or address any new issues that arise.  


Waste360: What are your thoughts on technology’s role in waste management? Where do you see its impact?
Winters: Technology is crucial to the waste and recycling industry because it enhances efficiency, improves safety, and supports environmental sustainability. Advanced technologies like GPS tracking, automated collection systems, on-board camera systems, and data analytics can help optimize routes, reducing fuel consumption and lowering operational costs. I love going to Waste Expo to see the technology and talk with potential business partners to see if their technology can help us get better.
The biggest impact we see is when we bring proven technological advancements to a company that we just acquired.  We usually see immediate improvements, and the local drivers and dispatchers are amazed at how useful the technology is and how easy it is to use.  Importantly, the technology also makes routes safer for drivers and helpers.

 
Waste360: Besides technology, there’s an important human element to this work. Can you discuss this?
Winters: We stress that technology is just another tool that we use to make us better.  Coaching is an important aspect when implementing technology.  We spend a lot of time training people and showing them the advancements that they can achieve when combining their skills with tools to increase productivity. 

We make sure that everyone on the team is working together.  If someone has an issue, we can work together to figure out a solution.

Waste360: How do you incorporate safety in your company’s culture?
Winters: I was taught from a very young age that safety is a non-negotiable priority.   My family has always said that everyone should go home safe at the end of the day. I think I was fortunate to grow up in a family company that emphasized safety in all aspects of our operations.  

I stress the importance of vigilance, proper equipment use, and adherence to protocols. I always stress to the entire team that safety is a shared responsibility; every team member plays a crucial role to create and maintain a safe workplace.


Waste360: Just how important are drivers to your operations, and how do you select the right person for the job?
Winters: Driving a truck is a big responsibility.  My dad always stressed that selecting the right driver to pick up trash and recyclables requires [identifying candidates] with a balance of technical skills, personal qualities, and situational awareness. 

The science is simple…it involves assessing the driver’s technical skills, their driving record, knowledge of safety protocols, and experience with specialized waste collection vehicles.

Then there is the "art" of the selection and assignment process, which is a little harder because you have to evaluate intangible qualities like the driver’s reliability, attitude, and ability to handle the unique challenges of waste collection.  Selecting the right driver is also about the team…you need to think about how a driver will manage unexpected situations, interact with the community, and fit with the team. 

Balancing all these elements ensures that drivers are not only capable of performing their duties but also align with the company’s safety culture and commitment to excellent customer service.  

Waste360: Obviously you weren’t around when Winter Bros. launched in the 1950’s.  But I guess you have memories dating back to your youth? 
Winters: I have some early memories of my grandfather but most of my experiences came from watching my dad and my uncles work in the business.  I remember the pride that they had in the business.  All of us have an affection for good-looking trucks and equipment.  I think the quality of our trucks, the commitment of our people and our network of facilities set us apart from the competition.  
 
Waste360:What do you love to do in your spare time?
Winters: I am passionate about football—especially the NY Jets.  Football made me realize the importance of teamwork.  There are many lessons learned in football that you can apply to business such as having a good game plan, executing a strategy and playing both offense and defense. 

I also like motorsports.  On weekends when I am free, you will likely find me on a closed-circuit racetrack with my 2018 Chevrolet Camaro or racing dirt bikes. I also participate in Rally2Give, a charitable car rally held in the Northeast, which allows me to combine my love for cars with giving back to the community.

Waste360: What does success look like to you?  And what accomplishments are you most proud of?
Winters:  One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is leading a project to modernize our waste collection operations by implementing a new routing and tracking system. This was a significant step for our family business, as it allowed us to improve efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and enhance service reliability.
I’m proud of this achievement not just because of the tangible benefits it brought to the business, but because it represented a shift towards embracing innovation while honoring our family's legacy. It was a challenging process, involving training long-time employees on new technology and ensuring a smooth transition for both staff and customers. The success of this project reinforced my belief in the importance of balancing tradition with progress, and it showed me the impact that thoughtful, strategic changes can have on the future of our business.