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Best Waste Management GPS Tracking Apps for Teams

Emily Maina
Last update on:
April 18, 2024 3:05 AM
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Without a doubt, managing waste is crucial in our urban infrastructure. According to The World Bank, an estimated 2.01 billion ton of municipal solid waste is produced annually worldwide. Projections indicate an increase to 3.40 billion by 2050.

Waste management involves complex tasks, such as team communication, team organization, fleet planning, and collection scheduling. GPS tracking apps have become essential tools in streamlining these processes and promoting efficiency.

This article will dive into the top waste management GPS tracking apps for crews. We’ll explore their features and cover how they simplify waste management practices.

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What Are the Benefits of Using Waste Management GPS Tracking Apps?

GPS tracking apps offer various benefits to waste management companies. These include: 

  1. Improved Operational Efficiency: By giving managers access to real-time information about the whereabouts and conditions of personnel and vehicles, waste management solutions with GPS tracking help enhance the efficiency of operations. This promotes accountability, and businesses can react quickly to any unexpected situations.
  2. Route Optimization: This is one of the main benefits of using GPS-tracking apps for waste management. These apps create the most efficient waste collection and disposal routes by considering variables like traffic, distance, and number of stops. 
  3. Improved Fleet Management: Any waste management operation needs effective fleet management. GPS tracking apps for truckers give fleet managers instant access to the whereabouts and conditions of every car in the group. This data contributes to less downtime and proactive maintenance planning. 
  4. Reduced Costs: Businesses can lower operational expenses by reducing travel time and fuel usage by utilizing  route optimization. Waste management GPS tracking apps also provide transparency of each worker’s movement. It helps avoid employee time theft and overbilling when reimbursing fuel costs. Read our guide on preventing employee time theft for more details on time fraud.
  5. Ensures Compliance: GPS tracking apps support compliance by giving precise information on the routes traveled, the amount of time spent on tasks, and the locations of waste collection and disposal. Businesses can use this information to verify they follow labor and environmental laws.

The Top 4 Waste Management GPS Tracking Apps

For waste management, it’s crucial to have an app that provides other features beyond GPS tracking. These tools should guarantee the most efficient routes, punctual pickups, and quick fixes for unanticipated difficulties. 

Here are some of the best apps you should consider to meet these needs:

  • Timeero - Best Overall for Waste Management GPS Tracking
  • Connecteam - Best for Team Collaboration
  • Fleetio - Best for Fleet Management
  • Route4Me - Best for Route Optimization

Timeero - Best Overall for Waste Management GPS Tracking

Timeero is a cloud-based time-tracking solution that can be a game changer for waste management processes. Its features make it a go-to choice for companies looking for effective GPS tracking software.

GPS Tracking 

If your waste management company is having trouble staying on top of collecting tons of waste daily, Timeero’s GPS tracking feature is the missing piece of the puzzle. It allows companies to monitor their vehicles and staff in real-time.

Waste management requires intricate logistics, and this feature is handy for keeping track of collections. Because managers have instant visibility into the location of all employees and vehicles, it ensures quick action in the event of any unforeseen problems.

This means that if there is an emergency, a breakdown, or a sudden change in route, administrators can respond quickly and handle the issue with the employees closest to the location. 

Timeero’s Who’s Working
Timeero’s Who’s Working Dashboard

Timeero’s route replay feature lets you understand your staff members’ movement habits. You can improve your logistics for future collections and ensure higher efficiency by reviewing employee routes.

timeero route replay
Route replay on Timeero.

Time is a precious resource, and for waste management to be effective, each team member’s time must be used purposefully. Individual Timeero timesheets provide insights into how employees allocate their time, with information regarding their location, working hours, and breaks taken. 

Mileage Tracking

Accuracy is crucial when tracking mileage, especially when fleet operations are a big part of your waste management business. You need to ensure your fleet drivers aren’t inflating their mileage to get reimbursed more than they should. It’s also beneficial for maintaining records that are IRS-compliant for tax reasons. 

timeero mileage tracking
You can turn on mileage tracking for specific employees. 

Timeero’s automated mileage tracker uses motion-detection technology to automate mileage tracking. All the employee has to do is clock in and head out to assigned pickups. 

Timeero will automatically start recording their miles as they drive from one location to the next. It will also provide the shortest route, allowing you to save on fuel expenses. Having a mileage reimbursement policy can be beneficial when compensating for travel costs.

timeero suggested mileage feature
Suggested mileage on Timeero.

Segmented Tracking

When using traditional tools, workers must clock in and out at different workstations or waste collection/drop-off dumpster points. Because the traditional method depends on the employee’s memory to punch in time, it is prone to human error.

This problem is resolved by Timeero’s segmented tracking feature, which eliminates the need for multiple clock-ins. The employee will clock in once at the beginning of the day and clock out at the end of the workday. 

Timeero Segmented tracking
Timeero’s segmented tracking feature.

With segmented tracking, you can quickly view a visual timeline of your employee’s movements when clocked in. Information, including their clock-in and clock-out times and locations, will be accessible to you instantly. 

You can get some insight into your employee’s driving behaviors and patterns. For instance, you can tell right away if your staff members are spending too much time in specific locations or sitting around when they’re supposed to be on the move.

Geofencing

Timeero enables waste management companies to define geofences and virtual boundaries for specific geographical areas. Employees can only clock in when they enter the designated area. 

If your collection points are located in particular locations, you can use geofences to ensure that assigned drivers can only log hours when they reach these areas. You can enable the blocking feature on Timeero that will block clock-ins outside the geofence for further efficiency. 

timeero geofencing restriction
You can set geofencing restrictions.

Timeero can notify users to remind them to clock in once they enter the geofence. Additionally, it can alert users to clock out when they leave the geofence.

Scheduling

Waste management requires effective job scheduling to ensure that collections are organized and made on time. Businesses can assign tasks and set up shifts with Timeero’s scheduling feature. This enhances overall productivity and makes accurate payroll management easier.

Reports and Integrations

Timeero’s reporting feature helps you keep track of crucial information like hours worked, overtime, and breaks taken. This feature allows businesses to comply with industry standards and labor laws.

The software’s extensive integrations let you link the platform to the most widely used payroll and invoicing software programs to automate the payment process. This includes applications like:

  • QuickBooks 
  • Gusto 
  • Xero
  • ADP
  • Paychex 
  • Rippling 
  • Zapier
  • Vieventium
  • Paylocity 

timeero integrations
Timeero’s integrations

Other Key Features:

  • Facial Recognition
  • Message Blasts
  • Signatures
  • Offline Capabilities

Pricing:

Timeero offers four pricing plans:

  • Basic: $4 per user/month
  • Pro: $8 per user/month
  • Premium: $11 per user /month
  • Enterprise customized plans

For a detailed overview of all of Timeero’s functionalities, read our in-depth Timeero review.

Connecteam - Best for Team Collaboration

In waste management, seamless communication and collaboration among team members are crucial for ensuring operations run smoothly. Connecteam stands out as the best waste management GPS tracking app for team collaboration.

Communication Features

Connecteam offers a centralized platform for waste management teams to communicate in real time. Whether sending messages, sharing updates, or discussing important issues, the app ensures team members stay connected, even when working in different locations.

It has a function that lets everyone on the team talk to each other in a group chat. Additionally, they can message one another individually. The app also provides a directory with all your work contacts in one place. 

connecteam conversations mobile
Your team can communicate on the app in real time.

GPS Tracking

The app’s GPS time clock tracks employees’ location and time as they clock in and out. Connecteam enables customized configurations for each work site, including overtime, payroll, and geolocation information. 

Businesses that have multiple branches benefit from this feature. With the Breadcrumbs feature, employers can even see their employees’ movements in real-time on a map while working. 

Geofencing

Employers can use Connecteam’s geolocation and geofencing features to verify employee attendance and prevent time theft. Using the geofencing feature, they can set up virtual boundaries to restrict the areas where workers can begin and end their hourly workdays. 

connecteam geofencing admin
Setting up a geofence on Connecteam.

Scheduling

You can plan employee shifts with Connecteam’s scheduling system and add overtime hours and recurring shifts. The app offers three features to help with attendance management: time off, sick leave, and unpaid leave requests. 

Through the app, employees can submit their requests for paid time off, making it easier to manage PTO and allowing you to make necessary schedule adjustments.

connecteam PTO mobile
Employees can request time off on the app.

Task Management

Connecteam is a tool that waste management companies can use to assign tasks, set priorities, and monitor the status of different assignments. This feature facilitates workflow organization by informing team members of their jobs and due dates.

connecteam mobile tasks
Creating a task on the app.

Connecteam is a helpful tool for employee management, time tracking, communication, and collaboration. The simple and easy-to-use mobile app is accessible to all employees. But occasionally, the app’s lag can lead to inaccuracies in GPS coordinates and time tracking.

For more information about this solution, read our Connecteam review.

Other Key Features:

  • Forms and checklists
  • Directory
  • Reporting
  • Time Off Management
  • Workforce Analytics
  • Task Management
  • Timesheets

Pricing:

Connecteam offers four pricing plans:

  • Operations Expert: $119/month for the first 30 users + $3.60/month for each additional user
  • Operations Advanced: $59/month for the first 30 users + $1.80/month for each additional user
  • Operations Basic: $35/month for the first 30 users + $0.60/month for each additional user
  • The small business plan: Free (up to 10 users)

Fleetio - Best for Fleet Management

Fleetio is a fleet management software app that tackles the particular difficulties that waste management companies encounter. It provides a unique feature set to meet your goals of cutting down on expenses while guaranteeing your fleet of vehicles stays on track.

Vehicle Tracking 

Waste collection trucks are just one of the many vehicles that can be managed with Fleetio’s tracking system.

Companies that handle hazardous waste can maintain thorough records of every car, manage fleet maintenance plans, and keep an eye on the general condition of business vehicles. This function plays a crucial role in increasing vehicle longevity and reducing downtime. 

fleetio mobile vehicles
You can view vehicle status on Fleetio (Android view).

Maintenance Scheduling

Preventive maintenance is essential in waste management to keep vehicles in top operating condition and avoid unplanned breakdowns. 

Companies can efficiently plan and carry out maintenance tasks like service and inspections with Fleetio’s preventive maintenance scheduling. This raises fleet reliability overall and lowers the possibility of expensive repairs.

fleetio service reminders
You can set up service reminders on Fleetio.

Fuel Tracking

Fuel represents a substantial operational expense for waste management businesses. Fleetio provides insights into overall fuel efficiency, helps identify wasteful fuel practices, and tracks fuel consumption. 

By encouraging fuel-efficient driving habits, this waste management software lowers operating costs for your company and improves profitability.

fleetio fuel history
Tracking fuel on Fleetio.

Reports

Fleetio helps businesses stay compliant by keeping precise records of all required information. 

This covers details about licenses, certifications, and vehicle inspections. Waste management companies are guaranteed to consistently meet regulatory standards through automated reminders for tasks related to compliance.

Fleetio reports
Fleetio reports.

While Fleetio provides essential fleet management features, this app lacks GPS tracking capabilities. The app, however, can still automatically collect telematics data. To do this, you must connect your current GPS hardware to it. Doing this will allow you to handle garbage truck problems and preventative maintenance easily.

If you’re looking for software that makes GPS fleet tracking a breeze, consider Timeero, which offers seamless real-time location tracking. You can also check our list of alternative GPS fleet-tracking apps.

Other Key Features:

  • Issue Management
  • Work Orders
  • Inspections
  • Driver Behavior Tracking
  • Equipment Management
  • Notifications
  • Driver Assignments

Pricing:

Fleetio offers three pricing plans:

  • Starter: $4 per vehicle/month
  • Pro: $7 per vehicle/month
  • Advanced: $10 per vehicle/month

Route4Me - Best for Route Optimization

Efficient route planning is essential in waste management to minimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Route4Me takes the lead as the best waste management GPS tracking app for route optimization. It provides tools to create collection routes that help you save the most.

Route Optimization

Route4Me optimizes routes for logistics using AI. You can enter multiple locations, and the software will recommend the most efficient routes. 

This feature helps guarantee that trash is picked up and dropped off at waste disposal points in the shortest time possible. If you don’t want your drivers to go through certain areas, you can mark these when adding routes on the software solution.

route4me areas
You can mark areas you don’t want drivers to cover.

GPS Tracking

Managers can view the driver’s precise location and the routing tasks they are currently working on owing to the GPS feature on the app. Additionally, users of Route4Me can track breadcrumbs, which display all of the driver’s movements and the date and time they were at each location. 

Planning

With Route4Me, you can give drivers access to routes with just a click. The driving directions and instructions of any required stops will be instantly available on the mobile app. Adding stops allows you to have more control over the collection process.

Route4Me optimization
Adding stops on Route4Me.

You can easily merge routes, add breaks, and make necessary last-minute changes before dispatch. This comes in handy in cases where some human intervention is needed with the routes.

route4me planning
Route planning on Route4Me

Reporting

Waste management companies can evaluate the effectiveness of their routes by utilizing the extensive analytics and reporting tools provided by Route4Me. Companies can find areas for improvement by looking at data on travel times, stop durations, and overall route efficiency. 

They can then make adjustments to improve their operations continuously. 

Route4Me Route Planner is incredibly user-friendly; it automatically plans routes for your company and sends them to a mobile app with navigation. However, during our testing, we noticed that it took a lot of clicks on the interface to get to what you need. 

Other Key Features:

  • Integrations
  • Business Analytics
  • Orders & Workflows
  • Automation
  • Dispatching
  • Multi-stop route planner

Pricing:

Route4Me offers three pricing plans:

  • Route Management: $200 monthly
  • Route Optimization: $300 per month
  • Business Optimization: $450 per month

Pick Timeero - The Best Waste Management Software With GPS

Integrating GPS tracking technology into waste management processes represents a significant transition towards improved efficiency and sustainability. The apps covered in this article offer a range of features to meet the various demands of waste management companies. 

Businesses incorporating GPS tracking into their operations can significantly benefit from using Timeero. This solution offers reliable real-time location tracking capabilities that allow you to monitor employee whereabouts when clocked in.

Discover how Timeero can simplify your waste management processes.

Sign up for a free 14-day trial
AUTHOR
Emily Maina

Emily Maina is a tech-savvy writer with a passion for creating content. With years of experience in the industry, she is well-versed in the latest trends and developments in the tech industry. When she’s not working, Emily enjoys exploring the great outdoors or watching her favorite shows.

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