Understanding what happens after a container/cart fleet purchase.
Ken Budlong
Implementing a successful waste management program is multi-faceted. While the key goal is removing community waste, it’s a fact that the process has many moving parts, with a significant one being container management and logistics. One of the most noteworthy developments to occur in waste management has been the ability to purchase container/cart fleets for use by customers—and outsource their overall handling and administration.
Step One: Assembly and Distribution
The moment that a purchase occurs, the start date of the overall program is considered and a project management team immediately begins preparing phase-by-phase schedules, deadlines and expectations.
The overall goal of the process is to ensure efficient distribution scheduling, establish effectual truck routes and track progress through daily reporting. Moreover, it is absolutely imperative that certain project-specific factors are considered. For instance, what city requirements are present? Are there IT services or special conditions involved? What is the specific production and deployment schedule? The success of an A&D project exponentially increases when all parties are involved with creating the plan and meeting their deliverables.
These are important parts of the process, as they will not only allow a logistics provider to efficiently deliver strategy but will also allow for container fleet tracking and increased program participation amongst community members.
Work Order Management Strategy
As the program is implemented, the container fleet must be tracked. The latest technology offered uses RFID/barcode systems that link the cart and the address through geo-coding. With the ability to confirm verification in real-time, orders can be accessed, updated and closed while in the field via convenient hand-held scanning devices—allowing for time savings and a reduction in labor costs. Moreover, RFID/barcode scanning systems have proven successful in reducing errors, eliminating duplicate records and reporting on exceptions—protecting long-term viability measures.
Understanding Container Logistics
Much of the success of a comprehensive waste management program is based on community-level acceptance. Outsourcing container logistics allows for transportation and delivery to individual customers and provides for the container fleet to be managed and monitored while in the customer’s possession. For instance, replacement of missing, broken or stolen containers must be handled, as does container removal for customers who have canceled their service or who have had their service terminated for non-payment. This cuts down on unnecessary waste. Customers who have collected multiple containers for other purposes can be identified and this equipment used by other clients.
Container Maintenance as an Investment
Since containers are tangible products, it is necessary to extend material life. This includes repairing lids, wheels, axles, lift bars, welding components, and washing containers as needed. This will protect your investment and leave customers happy with the overall service and experience.
Inventory Management as a Best Practice
Successful waste management programs consider long-term objectives—and a key piece of this is container inventory management. It is necessary to oversee supplies to maintain an organized facility and proper stock levels that come with an alert system when inventory is low. This can often be done by recycling parts of containers that are no longer able to be used in service. For example, a container that is broken beyond repair can be stripped of its lid, wheels, axle or lift bar and then used again for a container that may have a need for a component in order to be placed back in service. This style of inventory management reduces the overall expense in purchasing replacement stock. Initiating this back-end process allows for efficient supply chain management and benefits the end user.
Route Audits for Strategy Adjustment and Overhead Reduction
As a program progresses, and processes mature, periodical route audits are required. As customers come, and sometimes go, an audit serves to put money back in your pocket while addressing specific issues. Non-paying customers who still receive service are identified. Additionally, to control internal overhead costs and prevent injuries, container conditions must be monitored and external safety hazards reported. Ensuring the auditing process is efficient protects workers and optimizes all equipment.
Lifecycle Operations: Container Evaluation and Recycling
Like all consumer-used materials, eventually containers wear out and need replacing. It is necessary to identify which need to be repaired and which containers should be recycled at the end of their useful life. You also must take into consideration where operator behavior might be impacting overall container lifespan—and implement training to reduce unnecessary expenses.
Finally, note that sustainability and waste reduction start at home. A recycling program will allow old, broken or undesirable containers to be removed from service and purchased by companies no matter their condition or manufacturer. Once the containers are picked up through a coordinated reclamation team, they will be ground into flake and/or pellet material. Additionally, container manufacturers are realizing the benefits of using recycled materials, which cut down on long-term waste.
The Benefits of a Container Management Strategy
The container management process is only one part of an effective waste program—but when done correctly, it has an immediate and lasting impact. There will be fewer issues in the pickup process as containers will remain in good shape, which will in turn contribute to increased productivity amongst your program’s staff members. Not having to handle broken, damaged or faulty containers will allow them to be more efficient on their route. As a result, overall operations will be affected, which will contribute to customer satisfaction and retention. And finally, by ensuring that your program also provides for customer and container recycling, your organization’s overall carbon footprint will be reduced and less landfill material will be created, lowering tipping costs and keeping more money in your organization’s budget.
Kenn Budlong is the Vice President of Service with Otto Environmental Systems North America, Inc., a full service solutions company specializing in products and services for the waste and recycling industry. To learn more about Otto’s residential and commercial containers as well as their container management services, visit www.otto-usa.com.