The U.S. waste management industry is a significant player in moving more than 290 million tons of municipal solid waste each year. Despite the potential trillion-dollar market, much of the industry still relies on outdated methods such as paper tickets, clipboards, and spreadsheets. However, there is a shift happening towards digital transformation, and one company leading the charge is CurbWaste.
CurbWaste, founded by Mike Marmo, is revolutionizing the waste management industry with its end-to-end operating system designed for independent waste haulers. Mike, a fourth-generation waste industry professional, started his career working at a family transfer station in New York before starting his own hauling business called Curbside. After facing challenges due to COVID shutdowns, Mike pivoted to focus on the software platform his company had built, eventually selling the hauling business in 2021 to fully commit to CurbWaste.
The platform serves more than 150 haulers across 40 states, offering solutions such as order management, real-time dispatch, route optimization, automated invoicing, driver apps, and e-commerce capabilities. Additionally, CurbWaste’s CurbPOS system for transfer stations tracks inbound and outbound materials with scale integration, providing automated LEED diversion reports and Recycling Certification Institute certified documentation. This functionality helps haulers qualify for environmental incentives and provides third-party verifiable proof of waste diversion from landfills.
The chain-of-custody data generated by CurbWaste’s platform is essential for meeting the requirements of extended producer responsibility programs in seven states, where producers are mandated to fund and document the recycling of their packaging materials. By tracking the flow of materials and value within the circular economy, CurbWaste is helping to create a more transparent and efficient waste management system.
In October, CurbWaste secured a $28 million Series B funding round led by Socium Ventures, the venture capital arm of Cox Enterprises, bringing the total funding to $50 million. This investment will further support CurbWaste’s mission to transform the waste management industry and create a more sustainable future.
Mike Marmo’s vision for a data-driven circular economy within the waste management sector is promising. By leveraging technology and innovation, CurbWaste is paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally conscious approach to waste collection and processing. To learn more about CurbWaste and its initiatives, visit their website at curbwaste.com. But as the industry has evolved, and as the focus has shifted towards sustainability and environmental concerns, there has been a greater emphasis on extracting value from the waste stream. This shift has led to a reevaluation of how waste is managed and processed, with a focus on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste.
With this shift in focus, there is a greater need for data-driven decision making in the waste industry. Larger competitors like Waste Management and Republic Services have invested heavily in proprietary systems that leverage AI-powered business intelligence tools to optimize operations and improve efficiency. However, independent haulers have often lagged behind in adopting these technologies due to the costs involved.
CurbWaste, a software platform developed by Mike Marmo, aims to bridge this gap by providing independent haulers with the tools they need to modernize their operations. The CurbPOS product, designed for transfer stations and recycling centers, automates tasks and aggregates data to provide a digital experience for users. By digitizing processes that were previously paper-based, CurbWaste enables haulers to track materials, comply with regulations such as LEED, and improve operational efficiency.
The transition from managing landfills as mere holes to extracting value from the waste stream has also changed the focus of the waste industry. Rather than simply disposing of waste, there is now a greater emphasis on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste to minimize environmental impact. This shift in focus has necessitated a reevaluation of how waste is managed and processed, with a greater emphasis on sustainability and resource recovery.
Overall, the investment in AI-powered business intelligence tools like CurbWaste represents a step towards modernizing the waste industry and building the data infrastructure needed for the circular economy. By providing independent haulers with the tools they need to make data-driven decisions, CurbWaste is helping to level the playing field and drive innovation in the waste industry. The waste management industry has undergone a significant evolution in recent years, particularly in the way pricing is structured and materials are managed. In the past, pricing was largely based on volume, with waste haulers charging based on the amount of waste they collected. However, as the industry shifted towards weighing materials and placing a greater emphasis on the value of commodities in the global supply chain, pricing models began to change.
Facilities started pricing based on tonnage rather than volume, leading to a shift in the industry as a whole. While some waste haulers continued to use volume-based pricing, many facilities adopted tonnage-based pricing structures. This shift has had a significant impact on the industry, particularly in terms of how waste is managed and processed.
For example, when ordering a dumpster, customers now often pay a base price for a certain amount of allowable tonnage, with additional fees charged for excess weight. This shift has led to a more nuanced and complex pricing structure within the waste management industry.
Furthermore, the evolution of the industry has also been influenced by the availability of landfill space in different markets. Some markets have ample landfill space with long lifespans, while others are facing shortages of landfill space and are moving towards alternative waste management methods such as intermodal transport and material recovery facilities (MRFs).
One key challenge facing the waste management industry is the lack of a standardized unit of measurement for waste. Waste is often seen as a utility that is difficult to quantify, making it challenging for businesses to accurately measure and manage their waste streams. This is where software solutions like CurbPOS come into play, offering a way to aggregate and analyze operational data to make more informed business and regulatory decisions.
CurbPOS, for example, tracks inbound and outbound materials at transfer stations, providing valuable data on the types and quantities of materials being processed. This data can help waste management companies extract value from their waste streams by identifying recyclable materials and optimizing their processing methods.
For smaller waste management operations looking to implement software solutions like CurbPOS, the onboarding process may seem daunting at first. However, as businesses grow and seek to improve efficiency and visibility, investing in software can be a worthwhile endeavor. Software solutions can streamline operations, provide insights into performance, and ultimately help businesses scale more efficiently.
While the transition to new software may involve some challenges and change management, the benefits of increased efficiency and scalability make it a worthwhile investment for waste management companies looking to grow and adapt to the evolving industry landscape. By embracing new technologies and pricing models, waste management companies can position themselves for long-term success in an industry that continues to evolve and innovate.
As businesses and industries continue to evolve, one of the major changes driving this transition is the introduction of extended producer responsibility laws. These laws require businesses to measure material types, weights, recyclability, and whether materials are being recycled or diverted from landfills. This shift has opened up new opportunities for companies like CurbWaste, a software company focused on interconnecting the supply chain from a data perspective.
When developing CurbWaste, the founders had a grand vision of interconnecting the entire supply chain, from material generation to disposal. Initially, the focus was on aggregating data and providing value to haulers, transfer stations, and disposal centers. However, the ultimate goal is to connect the data sets across the entire supply chain to track material generation, movement, and end use.
With a vision of achieving a circular economy, CurbWaste aims to plan regional material flows and optimize material recycling processes. By leveraging data and technology, the company believes it is possible to turn the circular economy into a reality. Drawing parallels to companies like Amazon, CurbWaste envisions a future where the waste industry can understand and optimize material flows to minimize waste and maximize recycling.
For businesses and individuals looking to recycle materials, having specialized collection processes can lead to cleaner loads and more effective recycling. By measuring and tracking data, companies can make informed decisions and take action to improve recycling processes. Data aggregation and a single point of truth are essential for driving positive change in the waste management industry.
Ultimately, for initiatives like CurbWaste to succeed, there must be a focus on providing value and finding return on investment for businesses in the industry. By working alongside haulers, transfer stations, and landfills, companies like CurbWaste can help optimize operations, improve recycling rates, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Understanding how businesses think about their operations and how they generate revenue is crucial in developing successful partnerships. By delving into the key performance indicators of return on investment (ROI), we can identify what is valuable to them and work together to create mutually beneficial solutions.
In a conversation with CurbWaste CEO Mike Marmo, he emphasized the importance of visibility, transparency, and collaboration in the waste management industry. By aligning goals and strategies, businesses can optimize their operations and drive growth.
Marmo highlighted the potential for partnerships with industry giants like Amazon, leveraging their data insights to plan efficient waste hauling solutions. By understanding the waste stream at its source and implementing integratable solutions, businesses can streamline their operations and reduce environmental impact.
As the industry shifts towards a more planful economy, Marmo underscored the role of tech adoption in driving innovation and differentiation. By showcasing the ROI and addressing pain points, businesses can accelerate mass adoption of digital solutions and propel industry growth.
When discussing the need for patient capital in funding transformation, Marmo emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation before scaling operations. By prioritizing operational management systems that meet the diverse needs of waste haulers, businesses can ensure long-term success and sustainability.
In conclusion, fostering collaboration, embracing technology, and investing in foundational growth are key strategies for driving transformation in the waste management industry. By aligning goals, leveraging data insights, and prioritizing operational efficiency, businesses can create a more sustainable and profitable future.
As a tech partner, it is crucial to establish trust and belief with the clients. This is the first step towards a successful partnership. Clients need to know that they can rely on you to provide them with valuable insights and guidance. They are often too caught up in the day-to-day operations of their business to pay attention to industry trends and advancements. It is your responsibility to be forward-looking and anticipate the changes that will impact their business.
When bringing in a partner, articulating a vision for the future is essential. Venture capitalists may expect rapid growth, but building a strong foundation is key to long-term success. It is important to focus on providing tangible value with AI rather than just implementing it for the sake of it. AI should be used to streamline manual and repeatable tasks, offering immediate benefits and scalability for the future.
One example of AI-driven recommendations making a difference for haulers is in change management. By simplifying data migrations and cleanups, you can ease the transition to new software systems. This eliminates manual tasks and provides immediate value to the haulers. Additionally, AI can automate processes like data migration, saving time and improving efficiency.
Looking ahead, CurbWaste is considering becoming a marketplace layer for independent operators in the recycling industry. By providing visibility and insights into materials flows, they aim to help operators plug into broader networks and optimize their operations. This marketplace approach will enable operators to better understand market dynamics and make informed decisions for their business.
In conclusion, building trust, providing value with AI, and focusing on long-term success are key principles for tech partners in the waste management industry. By anticipating industry trends, simplifying operations, and offering innovative solutions, tech partners can help haulers thrive in a rapidly evolving market. We are always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our vision for creating a more sustainable future. Whether you are a waste hauler, a producer responsibility organization, or simply someone who is passionate about environmental sustainability, we would love to hear from you.
At CurbWaste, we believe that transparency is key to driving positive change in the waste industry. By providing real-time visibility into waste management processes and enabling data-driven decision-making, we aim to revolutionize the way we think about waste. Our platform is designed to empower businesses and individuals to take control of their environmental impact and make more informed choices.
As we continue on our mission to build a more sustainable future, we are grateful for the support of our investors, partners, and community. Together, we can create a world where waste is no longer seen as a problem, but as a valuable resource that can be managed efficiently and responsibly.
If you are interested in learning more about CurbWaste and how you can get involved in our journey towards a more sustainable future, please visit our website at curbwaste.com or reach out to us directly. We look forward to connecting with you and working together to build a better tomorrow for our planet. In the world of waste management, there is a shift happening. It’s no longer just about getting rid of trash; it’s about recognizing the value in the materials we discard and finding ways to recover that value. This shift is what Mike Marmo, CEO and founder of CurbWaste, is working towards with his innovative CurbPOS system.
Mike, a fourth-generation waste industry professional, believes that waste is created the moment a product is manufactured. This simple observation reframes how we think about waste and the importance of managing it effectively. Waste management is not just a downstream result of our economy; it is a reflection of the potential value that can be recovered from materials that are no longer serving their original purpose.
During a conversation with Mitch Ratcliffe on Sustainability In Your Ear, Mike highlighted the impact of waste management on society. He mentioned historical events, such as the 1968 sanitation workers strike in New York and the more recent Teamsters strike in Boston, where uncollected trash led to public health emergencies and societal disruptions. These examples underscore the essential role that waste management plays in maintaining the functioning of our communities.
The current cultural attitude towards waste as something to dispose of and forget about has economic consequences. We have underestimated the value of the materials we discard and underinvested in the infrastructure needed to manage them effectively. However, there is a growing recognition of the potential economic benefits of transitioning to a circular economy, where waste is viewed as a valuable resource to be recovered and reused.
Market analysts project that the circular economy could generate trillions of dollars in additional economic output by 2030 and beyond. CurbWaste’s CurbPOS system is designed to connect waste generators with local haulers, closing the loop from product manufacturing to end-of-life disposal. By creating a digital infrastructure that connects independent operators and facilitates the monetization of materials, CurbWaste is paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.
Just as Amazon revolutionized the retail industry by understanding consumer behavior and optimizing logistics, the waste industry can follow a similar path. By identifying waste streams, optimizing collection routes, and creating a marketplace for materials, we can transform waste into value. This shift in mindset, from viewing waste as a problem to seeing it as an opportunity, will not only lead to economic benefits but also a more sustainable and resilient society.
In the end, waste management is not just about getting rid of trash; it’s about recognizing the inherent value in the materials we discard and finding ways to recover that value. With innovative solutions like CurbWaste’s CurbPOS system, we can move towards a more circular economy where waste is no longer a burden but a valuable resource to be utilized for the benefit of society and the environment. Welcome to Sustainability In Your Ear, where we dive deep into stories of innovation and sustainability. Today, we have a special story that we are excited to share with you, one that will unfold and explore the importance of taking care of our planet.
As we move forward, we invite you to explore our archive of over 540 episodes of Sustainability In Your Ear. With six seasons under our belt, there is a wealth of interviews and discussions that are sure to inspire and educate. By writing a review on your favorite podcast platform, you can help others discover the valuable insights we have to offer.
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I’m Mitch Ratcliffe, and I want to thank you for being a part of the Sustainability In Your Ear community. Stay tuned for our next innovator interview, and in the meantime, remember to take care of yourself, each other, and our beautiful planet. Let’s all work together to make every day a green day.
Thank you for your support, and let’s continue this journey towards a more sustainable future. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. The sky was a canvas of vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a stunning backdrop for the evening ahead. As the day came to a close, a sense of peace and tranquility filled the air, setting the perfect stage for a night of relaxation and reflection.
The gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Birds chirped their final songs of the day, bidding farewell to the sun as it dipped below the horizon. The world seemed to slow down, as if taking a deep breath before the nightfall.
In the distance, a lone figure could be seen walking along a winding path, lost in thought. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly through the stillness, creating a soothing rhythm that matched the pace of the setting sun. As they walked, the colors of the sky deepened, painting the world in a rich tapestry of twilight hues.
The figure reached a clearing, where a small wooden bench sat overlooking a tranquil pond. They took a seat, gazing out at the shimmering water as the last light of day faded away. The stars began to twinkle overhead, casting a soft glow on the scene below.
With a contented sigh, the figure closed their eyes and allowed themselves to be enveloped by the peacefulness of the evening. In that moment, all worries and stresses melted away, leaving only a sense of calm and serenity.
As the night grew darker, the figure opened their eyes once more, feeling refreshed and renewed. They knew that whatever challenges the new day brought, they could always find solace in the beauty of a sunset and the promise of a new beginning.
And so, under the watchful gaze of the stars, the figure rose from the bench and continued on their journey, guided by the gentle light of the moon and the memories of a perfect evening spent in the embrace of nature.
