Future-Proofing Your Waste Business

The recent news on new tariffs coming into effect in 2025 has stirred up a lot of questions and concerns across multiple industries. For independent brokers, self-managed waste companies, and facility managers, it's a moment to pause and ask: How do we brace for impact if any?

Learning From The Past: Efficiency Is Survival

If the last half-decade taught us anything, it’s that resilience starts with efficiency. Remember the rollercoaster of 2020-2021? The businesses that weathered the Pandemic weren’t just lucky—they were prepared. They had already started to tighten their processes, eliminate manual guesswork, and double down on operational clarity. They trusted tech. This is the moment to revisit those lessons.

Process inefficiencies can be silent killers during uncertain times. If you're still buried under stacks of invoices or spending hours reconciling waste data, you're operating at a disadvantage. Streamlining operations with invoice automation or waste management software isn’t a nice-to-have anymore—it's essential.

Tech: Your Best Ally Against Uncertainty

One of the hardest things about navigating an unstable economy is the illusion of control. We might think we can outguess the market or predict what’s coming next, but more often than not, that’s a recipe for costly mistakes.

This is where technology shines. With robust waste management software, you're not reacting based on hunches; you're making decisions grounded in real-time data. Invoice automation software, for instance, doesn’t just save time—it flags discrepancies, catches errors, and gives you a clear picture of your financial standing at any moment. When uncertainty is high, clarity is power.

And while we are aware of the complicated relationship the waste industry has had with tech (Read more on: The Slow Revolution: Waste’s Management Technological Transformation), this is the time to look into how tech adds value to your bottom line.

Diversify To Strengthen Your Position

Another key strategy is diversification. Relying too heavily on one revenue stream or market segment is risky, especially when external factors—like tariffs—can shake things up overnight. Diversifying your offerings, whether by expanding services or incorporating tech into your portfolio, adds layers of protection. It gives you the flexibility to pivot when needed and keeps your business agile.

💡Did you know that both Hauler and Brokers now offer compactor monitors such as DSQ Pioneer as part of their offer to be more competitive with clients?

What to Watch: Exportation, Sensors, and Steel

While we don’t have a crystal ball, some areas are worth keeping an eye on:

Exportation of Recycling: Tariffs could squeeze margins here, making it more expensive to move recyclables out of the country. This might ripple into pricing models and availability.

Sensor Technology: While a less immediate concern, tariffs could impact the cost of high-tech waste monitoring tools down the line. This could slow adoption rates temporarily.

Steel: Waste handlers dealing with steel—whether scrap dealers or industries relying on steel products—might see price volatility. This has downstream effects on service costs and project planning.

The Bottom Line

Economic ups and downs are part of the game. What sets thriving businesses apart is how well they prepare. Lean into efficiency, arm your operations with smart tech like waste invoice automation, and keep your business model flexible. These aren’t just survival tactics—they’re the foundation for long-term success, no matter what the economic forecast holds.

How Discovery Changes the Game

DSQ Discovery is an invoice automation software that allows clients to improve their bottom line. It leverages your team and provides helpful decision-making data through: