Transforming Waste into Revenue: Opportunities in Recycling

Certified Waste Solutions

Did you know the average person in North America generates 4.9 pounds of trash per day? That's more than three times the global average of 1.6 pounds!

The encouraging news is that each of us has the power to make a difference. While large-scale action from governments and businesses is essential, our everyday choices also play a critical role in reducing waste and protecting the environment.

By adopting wiser waste management habits and encouraging others to do the same, we can drive meaningful change—both individually and as a community.

In this post, we’ll review actions that can contribute to increased sustainability and improved waste management efforts.

Habits that Create Waste-Wise Communities

Here are nine highly effective habits that lead to smarter waste management practices and cleaner, greener living:

1. Talk Trash

Discussions about waste management may not appear exciting, but they have the potential to lead to substantial change!

When we discuss our trash habits, we bring significant environmental issues to the attention of our friends, family, and coworkers. Communicating your own efforts to compost or recycle can encourage others to follow suit. These conversations may even lead to neighborhood-wide projects or put pressure on local government officials to upgrade waste management infrastructure.

Never overlook the impact of simply chatting about improved waste management techniques; your words can affect people far beyond your immediate social circle.

2. Enforce Ordinances

Many cities have established waste management regulations, but these policies are only effective when consistently enforced. From designated curbside collection times to mandated recycling protocols, these ordinances aim to streamline waste collection and promote sustainability. However, effective enforcement requires the ability to identify problem areas and monitor compliance in real time. The Solid Waste Collection team in Spokane, WA recognized this challenge and seized the opportunity to enhance their operations by partnering with Rubicon and implementing its smart waste technology. This digital transformation not only improved overall operational efficiency but also enabled real-time confirmation of service completion and instant documentation of collection issues. As a result, the city uncovered significant cost-saving opportunities, improved response times to service issues, and achieved higher levels of service quality and regulatory compliance throughout the community.

3. Reduce Missed Pickups

One of the quickest ways to boost waste collection efficiency is to minimize missed pickups. When a waste collection truck must return to a missed location, it costs time, fuel, and resources. On a typical residential route, serving 800 to 1,500 homes depending on the type of truck, these "go-backs" can significantly increase operational costs and environmental impact.

Denton, TX, provides a perfect example of this improvement in action. After implementing better tracking technology, the city reduced unnecessary return trips by 70 percent. This simple change saved over $150,000 annually through go-back reductions and prevented 131 tons of carbon dioxide emissions – just by making sure collection times were understood by residents and pickups were more efficiently managed.

4. Make Bins, Sorting, and Maintenance Easily Accessible

Proper waste disposal starts with smart design. It’s not just about having bins—it's about placing them where they’re needed most: near parks, transit stops, busy sidewalks, and public gathering spaces. When waste bins are easy to spot and conveniently located, people are far more likely to use them, helping to reduce litter and maintain cleaner, more inviting public spaces.

However, accessibility alone isn't enough. The size and maintenance of these bins are equally important. Bins that are too small or infrequently emptied can quickly overflow, creating messes that invite pests and allow trash to be scattered by wind or rain. Overflowing bins not only undo the efforts of responsible waste disposal but also signal neglect, which can discourage further use.

Going a step further means offering clearly labeled bins for different waste types – recycling, compost, and landfill. This simple act of sorting at the collection point makes the entire waste management process more efficient downstream. A well-designed waste management system takes all of this into account—strategic placement, clear signage, appropriate bin capacity, and consistent servicing. Together, these elements support a cleaner environment, improve waste separation, reduce contamination, encourage civic responsibility, and reflect a community that values public health and sustainability.

5. Focus on Recycling

Inefficient and unclear recycling practices put unnecessary pressure on landfills. It is essential to manage recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, and textiles appropriately, while also implementing dedicated systems for the collection of electronic waste to prevent hazardous components from reaching landfills. When recyclable materials end up in general waste, it results in missed opportunities to conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and adhere to established recycling regulations.

Establishing a comprehensive recycling infrastructure that enables straightforward sorting and identification of recyclable materials is essential to encourage widespread public engagement. Given that recycling facilities differ in their processing capabilities, it is imperative to communicate what abilities are available clearly and consistently. When citizens are properly educated on recycling protocols, the quality of waste sorting at the source improves significantly, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective waste management system.

6. Implement A Circular Economy

An increasing number of communities are adopting the principles of the circular economy—a model focused on minimizing waste and maximizing the value of resources. At its core, the concept promotes a continuous cycle of reusing, repairing, sharing, and recycling, rather than relying on the traditional "take-make-dispose" approach. By extending the lifespan of products and materials, the circular economy not only reduces environmental impact but also stimulates local innovation and supports the development of resilient, self-sustaining economies.

For waste management operations, integrating circular economy principles requires a holistic evaluation of every component, from the equipment employed to the nature of the materials collected. This includes asking critical questions such as: Can aging collection bins or containers be refurbished instead of discarded and replaced? Are there feasible pathways to process collected waste into marketable secondary products or feedstock for other industries? Such inquiries not only promote resource conservation but also reduce capital expenditure.

7. Go Digital

Minimizing paper use by adopting digital alternatives is a practical and effective approach to improving operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary waste. While digital devices do consume energy, their total environmental impact remains significantly lower than that of single-use paper products when evaluated across their entire lifecycle  —from raw material extraction and production to transportation and end-of-life disposal.

Some digital swaps to consider:

• Choose email receipts instead of printed ones when shopping
• Opt for electronic billing and statements from utilities and banks
• Reduce junk mail by unsubscribing from physical mailing lists

These small changes add up to meaningful reductions in resource consumption and waste generation.

8. Challenge Leaders to Do Better

Holding leaders accountable for waste management practices can drive significant improvements. Whether it's community leaders, business executives, or government officials, encouraging them to prioritize effective waste management often leads to positive change.

When we challenge those in power to set higher standards, they're more likely to implement effective policies and invest in sustainable technologies. This can mean pushing for expanded recycling programs, advocating for composting initiatives, or calling for greater transparency in how waste data is tracked and reported.

By applying consistent pressure, individual voices can collectively drive systemic changes that lead to more efficient resource use, reduced pollution, and better environmental outcomes.

9. Work Together with a Managed Waste Service Partner

Partnering with a managed waste service provider will help ensure that discarded materials are handled methodically, from collection to disposal. Additionally, these professionals seek ways to maximize resource recovery while reducing environmental impact. In practice, this means identifying opportunities to prevent and reduce waste and reuse materials wherever possible—reserving landfill disposal as a last resort.

Effective waste management relies on strong collaboration. Maintaining open and ongoing communication with these partners keeps all stakeholders aligned with evolving industry standards and regulatory changes. Such collaboration promotes transparency, reinforces accountability, and supports waste practices that are both efficient and environmentally sound.

See What Transformations are Possible with CERTIFIED

Transforming waste management and building a waste-wise community require a comprehensive understanding of where waste comes from—such as households, businesses, and industries—and how it impacts human health and the environment through pollution and resource depletion.

Effective change involves not only strategic solutions like waste reduction, improved recycling, and sustainable infrastructure, but also widespread public education to shift behaviors and foster long-term responsibility. By raising awareness and promoting informed action, communities can reduce environmental harm and move toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

CERTIFIED’s Managed Waste Services is here to help! We partner with communities, businesses, and municipalities to provide smart, reliable, and sustainable waste solutions tailored to their unique needs. From advanced sorting and recycling programs to data-driven waste audits and public education campaigns, we are determined to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency and compliance. Our team of experts works alongside you to design and implement strategies that not only manage waste—but transform it into an opportunity for progress. Let us help you lead the way toward a cleaner, more resilient future.

As you make changes in your neighborhood, workplace, or home, remember that even small modifications in waste management practices can have a big impact on everyone.

Reach out to CERTIFIED today to learn more!