In this engaging interview, Michael Suarez, Associate Editor with Smart Cities Connect, explores how digital innovation is transforming public works and sustainability with Mary-Clare Bosco, Product Manager, and Sarah Herzig, Customer Success Manager from Routeware. The discussion highlights advancements in waste management and recycling through technology, including tools like Recollect, which enhance community engagement, streamline services, and simplify compliance with sustainability mandates. Mary-Clare and Sarah emphasize the role of data in driving sustainable outcomes and adapting to evolving municipal needs, sharing real-world examples that demonstrate the measurable impact of these innovations. Their insights underscore the transformative power of technology in shaping smarter, more sustainable communities.
Michael Suarez:
Hello everyone and welcome. Today we have two amazing experts that I’m excited to get into a discussion with today. I am Michael Suarez, the Associate Editor with Smart Cities Connect, a brand of Tech Connect. And today I have the honor of being your host and diving into a topic of how digital innovation is transforming public works and sustainability. We have Mary-Claire Bosco, Product Manager, and Sarah Herzig, Customer Service Manager from Routeware. How are you both doing today?
Mary-Clare Bosco:
Doing great, Michael. Thanks.
Sarah Herzig:
Yeah, doing great. Thanks for having us.
Michael Suarez:
Terrific, let’s get started. I’m excited to dive into today’s discussion where we’ll be exploring the latest sustainability solutions and innovations in public works, focusing on how digital tools are enhancing waste management, recycling, and community engagement. As you know, we went through a pandemic and with additional federal, state and municipal funding that has become available, cities around the country are adopting digital technology solutions and it’s happening at a very rapid pace. One of the areas that has evolved quickly is public works, waste and recycling management. Looking specifically at city sustainability solutions. What are some of these innovations that you see happening now?
Sarah Herzig:
Yeah, so I’ll touch on this first. I think that the pandemic had a big impact on the way people are relating to technology. That’s been a big thing. And then there is some funding out there due to what’s been going on. I think that we’re really seeing our communities wanting to engage with technology more and more. With the pandemic and some of the challenges around it, technology became a necessity. We’re seeing a lot of instances where using technology to maybe fill some gaps can help. For example, reducing contact initially with engaging in waste and recycling. Some customers have used our technology to do things like scheduling appointments, which had great benefits. Around the pandemic, it was necessary to stagger people coming through for hazardous waste drop-offs. This not only reduced lines but also added a safety benefit by managing hazardous waste materials more efficiently. Communities now expect updates about waste collection services and the ability to schedule them using technology, which is helping to streamline services and improve efficiency.
Michael Suarez:
Awesome. Mary-Clare, do you have anything else that you would like to add ?
Mary-Clare Bosco:
Yeah, I’d echo what Sarah said about the initiative to improve the user experience for residents as they interact with their municipal governments. A lot of people are online these days and want to access services as simply as they would with any other app on their phone. This push benefits both parties—residents get a seamless experience, and governments save money by streamlining processes and reducing the need for staff to handle paperwork or answer phones.
Michael Suarez:
That’s interesting. Sometimes we think of these efforts on a national scale, but if we focus more state by state, have you seen any variations there, or on a regional level, in how these technologies are being adopted or in sustainability efforts you can share?
Mary-Clare Bosco:
Absolutely. Solutions can vary greatly by state or even city. Local policies often drive sustainability efforts in specific regions. For example, California has been a leader in climate policy with Senate Bill 1383, mandating statewide composting. This regulation drove the adoption of tech solutions to manage record-keeping and reporting requirements. Similarly, Washington passed a similar law, House Bill 1799. There’s also a patchwork of cities across the country adopting zero-waste or diversion goals, which creates demand for tech to meet data and reporting needs.
Michael Suarez:
Absolutely true. Sarah, anything you’d like to add?
Sarah Herzig:
Mary-Clare covered it well. Sustainability initiatives often require significant data management, which is where technology helps communities meet goals and track progress effectively. Quantifying efforts is challenging, but new tools are making this much easier and more efficient.
Michael Suarez:
Great points. It’s interesting how even within the same state, cities implement sustainability efforts differently. For example, when I first visited Washington, DC, I was surprised to have to pay for plastic bags, something I’d never encountered back in my hometown. Similarly, in Austin, Texas, many markets encourage reusable bags, but just a few miles away, those policies may not apply. It highlights the importance of collaboration and learning from each other’s initiatives.
Sarah Herzig:
Exactly, and regulations can differ so much even within a state. Technology plays a critical role in communicating these regulations to residents, especially as people move into new communities and need to understand the local rules.
Michael Suarez:
Absolutely. Collaboration is key. Looking ahead, do you expect to see changes in municipal technology adoption and sustainability efforts in the next one to five or even ten years?
Mary-Clare Bosco:
Definitely. As sustainability policies continue to grow, they will drive demand for tech solutions to meet data and integration needs. More stakeholders will require access to this data, whether it’s for tracking compliance or optimizing city operations. Additionally, emerging technologies like AI could significantly enhance the industry’s capabilities within the next decade.
Sarah Herzig:
I agree. Residents are increasingly expecting technology-driven services, and we’ll likely see continued movement away from paper-based systems to more efficient digital solutions. It’s an exciting time for advancements in this space.
Michael Suarez:
Indeed. With rapid adoption of technology, residents are looking for real-time data and instant solutions. How are cities rising to meet this demand?
Sarah Herzig:
Cities are partnering with companies that offer proven systems to help them implement these technologies effectively. This makes it easier for residents to access information and services seamlessly while improving operational efficiency for the city.
Michael Suarez: Can you describe that product a bit more? How is it being implemented within the context of regulations or the ongoing efforts in the community?
Sarah Herzig: Sure! Recollect is a community engagement product designed to connect residents or customers—whether for municipalities or private haulers—with essential services. It provides tools for scheduling pickups, informing residents about services, and guiding them on how to manage waste. For example, there’s a tool called the Waste Wizard, which helps residents figure out what to do with items like plastic bags—where to take them, how to dispose of them responsibly, and what options are available. It serves as a one-stop shop for waste and recycling management. Plus, it’s adaptable—if a program changes or new waste streams become available, updates are easy to implement.
Additionally, Recollect collects valuable data from user interactions. You can analyze what residents are searching for, identify areas of confusion, and determine where to target new programs. For instance, if bulky waste pickups are being scheduled, you can gather insights about what’s being disposed of and use that data to explore new waste stream opportunities. It could even unlock grant funding to manage specific materials. Ultimately, it’s not just a service tool—it’s a way to enhance engagement and inform better decisions.
Michael Suarez: That’s great to hear! I know we’re talking about waste management and recycling, but is there a specific project you’ve worked on recently or in the past that stands out? Something you’re particularly proud of that had a meaningful impact?
Mary-Clare Bosco: Absolutely. One example is a statewide solution involving Routeware’s Recyclist Program Tracker. This tool was developed to help California jurisdictions comply with Senate Bill 1383, which set ambitious mandates for organics recycling.
When the bill passed, local city and county staff faced an overwhelming data management challenge. So, we built a database tool to simplify and transform messy data into actionable insights. This tool automates annual reporting, allowing jurisdictions to evaluate compliance, identify problem areas, and improve community engagement and education efforts.
It’s exciting because it helped local governments across California manage a complex mandate while providing valuable insights to drive sustainable outcomes.
Michael Suarez: That’s terrific! Hearing about specific applications like this really highlights the impact— and showing that “it can do this” to “this is how it made a difference”, it is great to see how data can drive tangible progress. As we begin to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
Mary-Clare Bosco: I’d like to end on an optimistic note. Sustainability isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. Progress, even incremental, is meaningful. So, for anyone working in municipal tech or sustainability, remember that every step forward matters in this complex and ever-evolving space.
Sarah Herzig: I’d echo that. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how technology can revolutionize processes in an industry that affects everyone daily but is often overlooked. Waste and recycling have remained largely unchanged for decades, but with the right tools, we’re seeing measurable impacts. And the data we’re collecting helps communities grow and improve their practices. It’s exciting to be part of this transformation.
Michael Suarez: Absolutely. Thank you both, Mary-Clare and Sarah, for sharing your insights today. To our audience, please feel free to stay connected and reach out if you have any further questions. Until next time, take care!
Mary-Clare Bosco: Thank you!
Sarah Herzig: Thank you!