Customer satisfaction is a vital aspect of any municipal service, and the efficient management of waste and recycling is no exception. To ensure that residents’ needs are being met, cities are increasingly turning to innovative software-based solutions.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of putting residents at the forefront of technological change in waste and recycling management and explore the experiences of innovative cities that have embraced these solutions. By using cutting-edge tools like RUBICONSmartCity™, these cities have been able to enhance customer satisfaction, optimize operations and create a more sustainable environment for their residents.

Case study: Houston, Texas

Prior to deploying Rubicon’s technology, Houston faced mounting waste management challenges, including missed services and inefficient routes.

Houston’s teams in the field faced long distances and costly go-back trips, with some round trips reaching up to 75 miles. Rubicon’s route assist feature revolutionized the City’s approach by optimizing routes and preventing overlapping services. With a click of a button, supervisors can allocate specific parts of a route to different drivers, eliminating the redundant and wasteful scenario of multiple trucks on the same route. The result is streamlined operations, reduced fuel consumption and improved time management.

Rubicon’s technology transformed Houston’s waste management processes, improving customer resolutions and overall system functioning. Houston exemplifies the positive impact of technological advancements on customer happiness and operational efficiency.

Case study: Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Cleveland Heights, in its transition from manual, paper-based waste operations to Rubicon’s digital platform, witnessed remarkable improvements in recycling rates. However, it became evident that a portion of the increase was due to improper recycling practices, sometimes known as “wishcycling.” To address this, the City used Rubicon’s data and analytics platform to help educate residents about correct recycling practices through personalized letters, which helped the City avoid taking punitive measures.

To further enhance efficiency, Cleveland Heights employed Rubicon’s route assist feature. This collaborative effort improved service completion and overall customer satisfaction. By leveraging Rubicon’s technology, Cleveland Heights successfully tackled the challenge of wishcycling, educated residents and optimized waste collection processes.

Case study: Dubuque, Iowa

Rubicon’s technology empowers Dubuque’s waste and recycling drivers, who are proud of their role as custodians of a clean environment. Using the Rubicon app, drivers can report items outside designated carts, prompting customers to correct their disposal practices by obtaining stickers for proper disposal or opting for larger carts. This proactive approach decreased overall tonnage and reduced tipping fees for the City.

With Rubicon, Dubuque can educate customers, keep base rates low and promote responsible waste disposal practices. Dubuque’s case exemplifies how Rubicon’s solutions make it easy for cities to empower drivers, educate customers and enforce rules effectively. The partnership between Dubuque and Rubicon demonstrates the transformative power of a proactive approach to waste management, leading to reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction and a more sustainable future.

Case study: Glendale, Arizona

Through its work with Rubicon, Glendale digitized its fleet management, optimizing waste collection and reducing time on the road for its waste and recycling vehicles. Rubicon’s software provided route optimization, issue reporting and route assist capabilities, leading to significant mileage reductions and cost savings.

Glendale’s partnership with Rubicon extended beyond waste collection. The City used the software to help address similar issues in other departments, improving efficiency and resident satisfaction. As a result of Glendale's pioneering efforts, neighboring cities now look to them as a leader in digital waste management. By spearheading Rubicon’s implementation in Arizona, Glendale’s proactive approach and innovative strategies have set a benchmark for enhancing resident service across the state.

Read more about how Glendale’s solid waste department built its digital future on Waste Dive.

Rubicon created a documentary featuring the success story of Houston, Texas; Glendale, Arizona; and Kansas City, Missouri. Watch the full documentary on YouTube. 

To learn more about how Rubicon can help your city maximize resources, optimize routes and become more proactive, visit rubicon.com/governments.