At Routeware, we combine our technological know-how with our expertise in solid waste and recycling to create real change in the industry, one organization at a time. While we’re behind the scenes, fine-tuning the tools and providing support, our customers are doing the heavy lifting, using our digital solutions to reduce waste, improve recycling habits, and take big strides toward a cleaner, greener future.
A perfect example of this? The City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario. They’ve shown how a city can revolutionize waste diversion by making it easier for residents to do their part. Sudbury’s organized, systematic approach proves that everyone wins when you make it simple.
Sudbury’s Five-Year Journey to Waste Reduction Success
In 2016, Sudbury unveiled a five-year plan aimed at cutting down household trash. The plan would reduce the weekly garbage bag limit from three to two, eventually down to just two bags every other week.
Sudbury rolled out high-tech tools to help residents stay on track. From their Collection Calendar and Waste Wizard to a handy Mobile App, they gave their citizens the power to easily figure out what goes where, and when to put it out.
Sudbury’s City Council asked staff to create special programs to support households managing higher waste volumes. Over the next five years, the city delivered, rolling out seven innovative programs to help residents manage their waste more effectively:
- Diaper Waste Exemption: Households with children under four can add one clear bag of diapers per week, on top of their regular garbage limit
- Cloth Diaper Rebate: Up to $100 rebate per child for those choosing cloth diapers
- Medical Waste Program: Residents with medical needs get up to 104 free bag tags annually for excess waste
- Dog Waste Digester Rebate: Covers up to $50 for pet owners
- Extra Bag Allowance: Additional waste capacity for pet waste
- Rent-to-Own and Subsidy for Waste Containers: Affordable options for approved waste storage
- In-Home Visits: (pre-COVID-19)
Sudbury’s Step-by-Step Shift to Digital Waste Management
Fast forward to 2019. Sudbury tightened its trash rules again, moving from two bags of garbage each week to just one bag. They also added a Special Collection tool for bulky pickups, making it easier for residents to schedule large-item pickups.
In 2020, they stepped things up again by letting residents order free recycling and green bins through the Special Collection tool. By making it easier to recycle, they kept waste diversion moving in the right direction. As of 2021, 35% of households had made requests through the tool, and over 32,000 bins had been distributed.
By February 2021, the city introduced the final stage of the plan: limiting households to two garbage bags every other week. The city didn’t just adjust how often and how much garbage it collects; it also revamped collection days for around 13,000 households—about 20% of residents—boosting efficiency across the board.
Sudbury achieved success by rolling out its changes gradually and supporting residents every step of the way. The city introduced digital tools incrementally. In 2019, the city promoted its Waste Wizard tool, and by 2020, the focus shifted to getting people on board with the Collection Calendar, Mobile App, and collection reminders. To keep everyone in the loop, Sudbury mailed letters and flyers to those affected by the changes and even created a video for Facebook.
Since Sudbury no longer distributes annual printed calendars (except upon request), their message was clear: Big changes are on the way—download the app to get all the details about your new weekly garbage collection schedule.
The Takeaway: Routeware’s Tools in Action
While Routeware delivers the technology, cities like Sudbury demonstrate the real potential of these tools. Sudbury’s successful waste management overhaul shows that big improvements are possible with the right technology and small steps.
If you’re looking to enhance your waste management efforts, Routeware has the tools to make it happen. Whether it’s reducing waste, boosting recycling, or streamlining collections, we offer the technology to get the job done.
Take control of your waste management challenges. Get started today!
