Urbaser Uses Latest Software and Technology to Deliver Efficient, Paperless Commercial Collection Services

Urbaser Ltd Commercial Services (ULCS) is using ‘next generation’ PurGo software to provide a seamless, efficient, transparent and paperless service to its commercial waste collection customers, as well as improve service provision at Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

ULCS is the trade waste division of Urbaser Ltd, providing sustainable waste management solutions and commercial waste & recycling collections for businesses and local authorities across the UK. ULCS collects the full range of waste streams including general waste, food waste, glass, dry mixed recycling and WEEE, using a range of bins, bags and containers.

Gary McKinnon, Commercial Business Manager, ULCS:

“We offer tailormade, innovative solutions to local authorities, businesses and other organisations to help them manage their waste better and develop more sustainable methods of sourcing, managing and disposing of materials. We can help customers improve their green credentials with circular solutions, as well as achieve Zero to Landfill with more sustainable methods of disposal such as Energy to Waste and other forms of greener electricity production.”

In addition to its own trade waste customers ULCS operates commercial waste collections on behalf of Gloucester City Council, Eden District Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. The company also manages the operation of Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) on behalf of Central Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire councils.

To deliver the most efficient service possible and provide customers with accurate data about their waste and recycling, ULCS uses PurGo software from VWS Software Solutions, which has been designed specifically for waste management and recycling operators.

Joe Barnes, VWS Software Solutions said: “PurGo is a complete ERP system, designed to manage every waste collection and management process end to end. From the first customer contact, providing quotes and signing contracts to scheduling rounds for optimum efficiency, capturing weight data for each bin collected, generating invoices, managing payments and creating reports. It has been proven to reduce administrative costs and prevent duplication. In addition, the issue management function, which is backed up with image capture and tracking data, can reduce the number of queries received by up to 85%.”

For ULCS customers PurGo has a wide range of benefits including sending email alert notifications when a vehicle is en-route or if a collection is running late. A popular feature is the online portal where customers can download weigh tickets, invoices or other data and statistics whenever they need it, from their own configurable dashboard.

The ULCS expanding fleet features the latest low emission vehicle technology, equipped with cameras, safety equipment and dynamic, highly accurate bin weighing equipment. The bin weighing systems and PurGo combined enable the provision of Pay by Weight services. So, customers only pay for what they throw.

Gary added: “PurGo allows us to charge each customer according to what they throw, and we are encouraging all of our customers to utilise this service. From our perspective the weight data provides us with instant information about profitability, whether that’s per round or per customer. So, we can see which customers are making or losing us money.”

A key benefit of PurGo is the ability to reduce or even eradicate the need for traditional administrative processes and paperwork. All ULCS drivers are equipped with a handheld ruggedised Getac ZX70 PDAs, which display allocated jobs and are used to log the details of each collection. The PDAs enable drivers to report any issues immediately, with pictures if necessary, so that customers can be notified.

PurGo integrates seamlessly with ULCS’s other business systems and software packages. From a customer’s first call or enquiry, through to the production of a quote and the signing of a contract, every communication, activity and invoice is recorded by PurGo.

Gary explains: “Our vehicle operations, customer services and back office functions are all integrated onto one platform. The software produces all the relevant documentation automatically and everything is recorded. Customers are able to view all the information via their web portal and can print off weigh tickets and view invoices or live collection data at the touch of a button. They can use the recorded data to make better informed business decisions more quickly, to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of their operations.

“Customers can produce their own tailored reports based on their own KPIs; alternatively, PurGo can produce automatic regular reports. The whole process is entirely transparent and we can track every aspect of their waste and recycling activities. We can educate customers and have conversations to help them improve their sustainability and increase their recycling rates.”

ULCS is only the second waste operator in the UK to implement PurGo software at HWRCs using a custom designed HWRC application for use with weighbridges. The application is simple to use, easy to navigate and captures all the necessary data for compliance and reporting.

Staff are equipped with Getac PDAs to manage, monitor and record all inbound and outbound waste and material movements at the site. The app records driver ID, haulier information, vehicle ID, waste material type and destination.

In addition, ULCS offers a quick turnaround for local businesses who can bring their waste on-site, have it weighed, receive a ticket and pay by credit card there and then.

Capturing all this information provides a detailed audit trail, and meaningful, accurate data about the waste and recycling processed at HWRCs.

Gary said: “We are really pleased with PurGo and the VWS Software Solutions team, who are very responsive and supportive. The software is so simple and intuitive to use, and it has the ability to adapt and grow as we expand our operations.”

Joe Barnes: “ULCS is a forward-thinking waste operator, with a focus on sustainability and we are delighted to be their chosen software provider. PurGo is a very flexible solution and we look forward to accommodating ULCS’ requirements as the company develops.”