Overview

Businesses are constantly looking for ways to cut costs on everything from goods and services to utilities for their properties. However, waste removal is often overlooked because it falls outside the property, unlike more immediately required services such as electric utilities or water.

The fact is that many companies are overpaying for waste removal. They may not be aware of it, let alone consider alternatives to make these services more cost-effective. Enter waste audits and outsourced waste management services.

Outsourced waste management entails working with a dedicated company to manage all aspects of waste removal, including:

• Collection
• Disposal
• Transportation
• Waste material monitoring

How does the process look like exactly? After receiving an initial data set comprised of invoices, and related contracts, we communicated with the hauler(s) to obtain historical usage data.

In addition to the application of proprietary knowledge and methods, the following bullet points outline some of the steps performed throughout the detailed audit process:

• A rate analysis was performed to assure that the cost for like-type service was in line with what the market dictates.
• All applicable aspects of the taxation of waste removal services were investigated including, but not limited to; state and local sales tax, gross receipts tax, and utility tax.
• Container sizes were reviewed to assure “right sized” service at each location.
• Frequency of pickups was investigated, and tonnage per pull, to be sure containers are being filled for optimal billing.
• Where applicable, a cost/benefit analysis was performed looking at liquidated damages versus cost savings potential, to improve both short and long-term spend.
• All options for diversion of solid waste were investigated, and where possible, rebate programs were identified whereby the facilities can recoup funds for recyclable commodities.