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6 Proven Ways Telematics Helps Waste Fleets Cut Costs & Boost Efficiency

  • Writer: GPSFMS
    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.


Geotab Waste Management Solutions
Geotab Waste Management Solutions

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.


Geotab Safety Center
Geotab Safety Center







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.

Geotab Trips History & Video Telematics
Geotab Trips History & Video Telematics

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.


Geotab Fuel Efficiency
Geotab Fuel Efficiency

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.


Geotab Maintenance Fault Monitoring
Geotab Maintenance Fault Monitoring




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.


Geotab Reminder Rules
Geotab Reminder Rules



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.


City of Spokane
City of Spokane


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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