Insightz

Commercial Waste Service: Expectations vs. Reality

Whether you manage one or multiple commercial facilities, chances are you’ve had some pain points around your commercial waste service. If you manage multiple sites, you may be dealing with multiple vendors, multiple invoices and multiple points of contact each time you call or email. And with the 2018 changes in recycling processing, managing recyclables adds another layer of research and responsibility. As if you don’t have enough to do in your day?

Does the reality of your service live up to the expectations you had when you signed that contract? Or do you now get a handful of invoices, a slew of hidden fees, and a different person answering your call each time you have a question? That’s not uncommon. Here are some things to look for when sourcing your next permanent commercial waste provider. Keeping these things in mind will help make sure your expectations meet reality when it’s time to have your garbage hauled away.

Do you have customized service?

Your property is unique. You have a certain amount of space for your commercial dumpster, and you have a specific workflow to accommodate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a warehouse, a strip mall or a high-rise building, your trash solution has to fit your available space and traffic flow. Did you receive a custom solution? Were you offered compactor options? Compactors can save money by reducing the number of pickups. Plus, there are several types and sizes that may work with your facility. Your commercial waste service provider should take the time to get to know your property and your people to find the most economical solution.

Ask about centralized billing

Have you ever signed a contract for waste collection at multiple locations and found out later that you’d be invoiced for each location individually? It happens. And good luck dealing with accounting if an invoice is wrong. (And, yes, you’ll have to check all those invoices individually to make sure you’re properly billed.) Your commercial waste service should provide easy, centralized billing no matter how many locations are on your account. Don’t wait until you’re already in a long-term contract to find out your invoicing wasn’t what you expected.

How much does commercial waste service cost?

Does your facility dispose of hazardous waste? What about recyclables, pharmaceuticals, and occasional bulky items? Did your waste provider explain any additional fees that would be added to your invoice? Do they understand special municipal fees or ordinances in your area? As part of your initial consultation, make sure your account manager understands the reality of your garbage. They’ll be able to research additional fees and help you anticipate whether you’ll have occasional overages and what that would cost. They can also help you decide if a compactor is right for your facility and what size and type would work best for you.

Demand quality customer service

When you talk to a commercial waste provider and ask for a quote, find out if you’ll have a dedicated account manager. One point of contact when you have a problem saves time and helps you build a personal relationship with someone you can trust. Companies that provide dedicated account managers tend to invest in their relationships. Account managers take ownership of their accounts and strive to provide excellent support. They have time to learn about your business. This ensures your facilities have the proper equipment and pickup schedules to stay clean, safe, and garbage free.

At ZTERS, we offer waste solutions for commercial buildings nationwide. Our dedicated account managers make sure you have exactly what you need to meet your commercial waste needs. After all, your garbage collection reality should meet your expectations. Reliable service, transparent pricing, and no hidden fees. Contact us today for a free quote.