6 Proven Ways Telematics Helps Waste Fleets Cut Costs & Boost Efficiency
- GPSFMS
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Managing a waste fleet today goes far beyond simply collecting trash - it’s about doing it smarter, safer, and more efficiently. With fuel costs climbing, vehicle maintenance getting more expensive, and pressure mounting from city officials and commercial clients alike, waste companies are expected to deliver more service with fewer resources. That’s exactly where telematics steps in.
At GPSFMS, we help waste operations unlock meaningful savings and performance improvements by putting the power of real-time data to work.

Whether you're operating in the private sector trying to win and keep competitive contracts, or you're in the public sector striving to meet community expectations with limited budgets, telematics can help you hit your goals with confidence.
Below are six high-impact ways GPSFMS and Geotab technology help reduce costs for waste collection operations while improving uptime, safety, and customer satisfaction.
1. Reduce Liability and Protect Drivers
Accidents happen - but when they do, it’s critical to know what really occurred.
Telematics and video solutions help fleet managers:
Coach drivers in real-time using scorecards, trend reports, and in-cab feedback tools.
Use AI insights like Geotab’s Predictive Collision Risk to proactively identify risk before an incident occurs.
Defend against false claims with detailed collision data, including GPS, speed, braking, and accelerometer inputs.
Leverage video evidence through camera integrations to provide context and protect your drivers.

All safety data can be reviewed in Geotab’s centralized Safety Center.
2. Cut Back on Costly Callbacks
Missed pickups mean unhappy customers and wasted dollars.
With Geotab:
Track exactly where trucks have been to verify service completion.
Reduce disputes with GPS-verified records and stop-level data.
Avoid return trips that burn fuel and crew time.
Increase customer satisfaction with consistent, reliable pickups.
Integrate with waste-specific routing systems to close the loop between planning and execution.

3. Lower Fuel and Idling Expenses
Fuel is one of your biggest line items - but it’s also one of the easiest to reduce with the right data:
Monitor excessive idling and poor driving behavior.
Optimize routes to minimize travel time and unnecessary mileage.
Track fuel usage trends to spot issues before they hit your bottom line.
Lower emissions for a greener, more efficient operation.
Looking for more strategies? Download our Geotab Waste Management Optimization EBook.

4. Minimize Vehicle Downtime
When a truck is off the road, it's not generating revenue.
Geotab telematics gives you:
Predictive maintenance alerts before breakdowns occur.
Regeneration cycle monitoring to avoid expensive filter issues.
Smart scheduling based on vehicle health, not just mileage.
Traffic-aware routing to avoid delays and increase daily productivity.

Custom maintenance rules let you stay ahead of issues instead of reacting to them.
5. Extend the Life of Expensive Equipment
Waste vehicles can cost upwards of $300,000 - making proactive care critical.
Telematics helps you:
Extend vehicle lifespan with better maintenance tracking.
Track DVIR compliance and safety inspections across your fleet.
Use asset health dashboards to monitor performance over time.
Make informed decisions about repair vs. replacement.

Smarter maintenance means fewer surprises and better use of your capital.
6. Streamline Admin Work and Billing
Manual paperwork and disconnected systems cause headaches.
Geotab’s open platform helps you:
Automate route verification and service logs, reducing time spent on reports.
Integrate with ERP/billing systems for faster, more accurate invoicing.
Track overages and additional pickups to ensure proper billing.
Eliminate printing and paper logs, saving thousands per year.

The City of Spokane saves $25,000 annually in printing costs and thousands of admin hours using this approach.
Ready to Take Control of Your Waste Fleet?
At GPSFMS, we help waste management companies across the country use Geotab’s industry-leading platform to:
Cut operational costs
Improve driver accountability
Extend fleet lifespans
Eliminate unnecessary manual work'
Our telematics package includes everything from Geotab GO devices, predictive analytics and Sensors, to AI-powered camera systems and custom route integrations.
Contact us to start your no-risk telematics trial and see how we can help you transform your waste operations.
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