No ticket to Las Vegas? No problem!

We’ve got the top five trends we saw at this year’s WasteExpo and how you can start implementing them without getting into any big debt.

AI Is More Than a Buzzword Now

If there is one big headline from Waste Expo 2025, it is this one: Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for tech nerds or giant fleets with endless budgets.

At the Expo, Battle Motors rolled out Fortris™ AI, a sophisticated system that helps optimize routes and beef up safety by crunching real-time data. AMCS also showed off their Performance Sustainability Suite—basically, a fancy way of saying they want your dumpster rental operations to be smoother and greener.

But here’s the deal: You don’t need to drop serious cash on a full AI system right out of the gate. Even basic dispatcher software with some built-in automation can make a huge impact on your fuel bills and keep your drivers happier (less time in traffic = fewer complaints). Start there, get your feet wet, and see how much more efficient you can get.

Electric and Autonomous Trucks Are Rolling In

Electric and autonomous trucks are rolling in fast—and they aren’t just some futuristic pipe dream anymore. McNeilus made waves showing off their latest electric and autonomous garbage trucks, promising quieter, cleaner, and more efficient collections down the road.

We get it—dropping six figures on new electric rigs might not be in the cards tomorrow. But this trend is real, and it’s coming for all of us sooner or later.

One smart move? Keep close tabs on your fuel and maintenance costs now. Tools like dumpster tracking software can help you get a clear picture of your fleet’s performance today, so when it’s finally time to make the jump to electric, you’ll know exactly where the ROI is.

Safety & Culture: The Secret Sauce

One of the most down-to-earth panels we saw was the Hauler Leaders roundtable. The takeaway? All the best tech in the world doesn’t mean a thing if you’re not looking out for your people. Safety and company culture are still the heartbeat of this industry.

We heard plenty about how investing in safety programs and keeping communication lines wide open can seriously improve employee retention and make your business run smoother overall.

This doesn’t need to be fancy. Regular safety check-ins, driver feedback loops, and basic training sessions can go a long way.

Sustainability Gets Creative

This year’s TRASHION show (yep, that’s exactly what it sounds like: fashion made from trash) was a wild reminder that sustainability is no longer just a side hustle—it’s front and center. More and more customers, and even cities, are demanding eco-friendlier solutions, and the companies that step up are getting noticed.

You don’t need to be sewing old tarp jackets to get in on this trend (but if you do, please send pics). Simple things, like improving your recycling processes or offering customers better junk removal options, can boost your green cred.

Junk removal software can help keep recyclable materials out of the landfill and streamline those pickups so you're not running around like a headless chicken.

Data: Your New Best Friend

We’ve talked about this a lot (check DSQ’s LinkedIn or Facebook page), and if there was one theme running through every booth at WasteExpo, it was this: the more you know, the better you can haul.

We will say it again, but bigger this time:

💡

The more you know, the better you can haul.

Real-time data—on routes, bin pickups, customer feedback, you name it—is becoming the backbone of smart operations.

Getting started here is easy. Dumpster tracking software is a super handy way to gather data without making it a full-time job. Once you’re collecting it, you can start making tweaks—shorter routes, fewer missed pickups, happier customers. Win-win.

Work smarter, not harder

WasteExpo 2025 made it pretty clear: the future of hauling is all about working smarter, not harder. Whether it’s dipping your toes into AI, planning for electric trucks, or just tightening up your day-to-day with solid dispatcher software, the tools are out there—and you don’t need to break the bank to get started.

A cost-effective solution is DSQ Hauler. An easy-to-use, efficient, and worthy roll off software that, for $99/month, provides you with all the features you need without any unnecessary fluff.

DSQ Hauler allows you to:

• Maintain end-to-end communication with your customers and drivers.
• See live status updates via a board, map or list-view of all your work orders.
• Store all your customer and contractor information in one place.
• Track your trucks via GPS.

Try a Free 14-day Trial and let us know what you think!