Posts

Commercial Waste Disposal

Commercial Waste Solutions: Tailored Strategies for Businesses of All Sizes

/0 Comments/in /by

Commercial Waste Solutions: Tailored Strategies for Businesses of All Sizes 

Effective waste management isn’t just about keeping the trash out of sight—it’s about creating a cleaner, more efficient environment that fuels your business’s success. Whether you operate a small café or manage a sprawling corporate office, having the right commercial waste solution in place is essential for maintaining a sustainable, organized, and compliant workplace.

For businesses both big and small, managing waste effectively often feels like a daunting task. But with the right partner, like SBC Waste Solutions, you’ll find that efficient waste management isn’t just possible—it’s easy. This blog dives into the importance of commercial waste solutions, explores tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes, and showcases why SBC Waste Solutions is the go-to partner in waste management services.

Introduction to Commercial Waste Management

Waste management is more than just taking out the trash. It’s about adopting a systematic approach that addresses how waste is generated, processed, and disposed of. Poor waste management can have far-reaching impacts, including harm to the environment, legal penalties, and unnecessary operational costs.

Environmentally, improper disposal increases greenhouse gas emissions and fills up landfills with materials that could otherwise be recycled. Economically, businesses risk additional expenses through inefficient practices and non-compliance penalties. Socially, poor waste practices can harm local communities and damage your corporate reputation.

Commercial waste solutions aren’t just about handling waste but about doing it smartly and sustainably. SBC Waste Solutions, a leader in the industry, offers businesses tools and services to help them meet these evolving challenges.

Commercial Waste Disposal

Commercial Waste Disposal

Understanding Your Waste: Types of Commercial Waste

Before you can solve any problem, you need to understand it. The same principle applies to waste management. Businesses generate various kinds of waste, and identifying these types is the first step in creating an effective strategy. Here’s a breakdown of common waste categories:

  • General Waste: Everyday garbage includes packaging materials, broken items, and disposable products. This non-recyclable waste typically ends up in landfills, making it essential to limit its production wherever possible. 
  • Recyclable Materials: Recyclable waste includes paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals that can be processed for reuse. Recycling these materials reduces landfill loads and promotes sustainable practices for a greener future. 
  • Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste, such as chemicals, batteries, and electronic items, needs proper handling. Specialized disposal prevents environmental damage and ensures compliance with safety regulations for community health. 
  • Organic Waste: Organic waste consists of food scraps, yard debris, and biodegradable materials like paper towels. Composting organic waste transforms it into nutrient-rich material that supports sustainable gardening and farming.  

Understanding the waste your business generates is critical for creating a streamlined management approach. For instance, retail stores primarily deal with packaging waste, while restaurants may handle significant quantities of organic waste. A 2018 study revealed that U.S. businesses generate 7.6 billion tons of industrial waste annually—highlighting the sheer magnitude of this issue.

Tailoring Waste Solutions: The Importance of Customization

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to waste management. Each business is unique in its operations, size, and waste-production patterns. A generic approach may result in inefficiencies and increased costs. This is why customization is essential.

Assessing specific business needs involves understanding the types of waste produced, waste volume, and disposal frequency. For instance:

  • A small office might benefit from a focus on paper recycling and e-waste disposal.
  • A restaurant that produces a high volume of food waste needs tailored organic waste solutions.
  • Manufacturers creating hazardous waste would require advanced compliance protocols.

SBC Waste Solutions specializes in creating customized strategies, ensuring that businesses of all sizes receive services that match their exact needs. A retailer who partnered with SBC reduced their landfill waste by 40% by implementing targeted recycling programs. By customizing waste management, businesses not only streamline operations but also save money and reduce their environmental footprint.

Exploring SBC Waste Solutions’ Offerings

SBC Waste Solutions provides an extensive list of services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses. Here’s a closer look at what they offer:

  • Dumpster Rentals: Perfect for temporary or large-scale waste disposal needs, such as during renovations or seasonal operations. Dumpsters provide flexibility for managing significant waste volumes over short-term projects effectively.
  • Front Load and Rear Load Services: Ideal for businesses with regular waste pickup requirements, such as offices and retail outlets. These services ensure waste is collected efficiently, maintaining cleanliness and convenience for daily operations.
  • Compactors: Designed for businesses producing large volumes of waste, such as warehouses and factories. Compactors reduce waste volume significantly, lowering disposal costs and streamlining waste management processes for businesses.
  • Recycling Programs: SBC offers tailored recycling services adapted to specific industries, enabling businesses to meet compliance standards. These programs promote sustainability while ensuring efficient waste handling for various materials.

For example, a small restaurant struggling with limited space for waste storage might opt for compactors—saving both space and cost. Meanwhile, a retail chain could benefit from SBC’s flexible dumpster services, where waste volume changes based on seasonal trends. SBC’s reputation for reliability ensures businesses never face disruptions, enabling smooth operations.

Trash Pickup Service

Trash Pickup Service

The Role of Recycling in Commercial Waste Management

Recycling is more than a buzzword—it’s an essential pillar of sustainable business practices. Over two-thirds of non-industrial waste in the U.S. is recyclable, yet much of it still ends up in landfills. By prioritizing recycling, businesses not only help the planet but also gain tangible benefits.

  • Cost Savings: Recycling helps businesses cut costs by reducing reliance on costly landfill disposal services. Diverting recyclable materials from landfills minimizes waste management expenses, offering long-term financial benefits for companies.
  • Improved Corporate Image: Adopting recycling reflects a commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally aware consumers. Businesses that prioritize green initiatives enhance their brand reputation, fostering loyalty and setting themselves apart from competitors.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Recycling ensures businesses meet legal requirements in regions with strict waste management regulations. Adhering to recycling mandates avoids penalties and demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental responsibility.

SBC Waste Solutions’ recycling programs ensure businesses can maximize recoverable materials, such as paper, metal, and plastic. For instance, partnering with an electronics retailer, SBC helped recover over 30,000 pounds of recyclable e-waste annually.

Compliance and Regulatory Considerations

Navigating the regulatory landscape of waste management can feel overwhelming for any business. Federal, state, and local governments enforce strict guidelines on how waste must be handled, stored, and disposed of, especially when dealing with hazardous materials.

Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage. SBC Waste Solutions mitigates this risk by offering expert guidance to businesses. From proper waste documentation to real-time consultations, SBC ensures organizations stay up to date with regulations.

Imagine a pharmaceutical company dealing with stringent hazardous waste guidelines. By working with SBC, this business can implement proper protocols and tracking mechanisms, providing peace of mind while maintaining compliance.

Waste Reduction Strategies for Businesses

Waste reduction is a proactive way to save money, conserve resources, and lessen environmental impact. Here are some practical approaches businesses can adopt:

  • Conduct a Waste Audit: Analyze waste generation processes to uncover inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Focus on reducing waste at the source effectively.
  • Employee Training: Educate staff on recycling techniques and proper waste disposal to foster a culture of sustainability and shared environmental responsibility.
  • Adopt Technology: Leverage advanced waste tracking tools to monitor waste volumes. Use data insights to refine and enhance waste management strategies.

SBC Waste Solutions works closely with businesses to develop tailored waste reduction plans that align with their goals and values. By implementing these strategies, businesses can achieve significant cost savings while minimizing environmental impact.

SBC Waste Recycling Service

SBC Waste Recycling Service

Cost-Effective Waste Management Solutions

Managing waste efficiently isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also great for your budget. Businesses may not realize the hidden costs of waste mismanagement, from higher landfill fees to inefficiencies in recycling.

SBC Waste Solutions offers competitive pricing models, designed to cater to businesses of all sizes and budgets. For instance:

  • Small Businesses: Flexible pickup schedules to accommodate lower volumes.
  • Mid-Sized Companies: Bundled services for recycling, waste disposal, and compaction.
  • Large Corporations: Comprehensive packages integrating technology and compliance support.

One example of SBC’s impact is a national restaurant chain. Through enhanced waste separation efforts and recycling partnerships, the company saved over $200,000 annually on waste disposal costs. These results demonstrate how strategic waste management contributes to long-term savings.

Conclusion

Waste management may not always be a business’s top priority, but it should be. Tailored strategies ensure businesses handle waste responsibly, stay compliant, and reduce costs. SBC Waste Solutions provides the expertise and flexibility needed to craft waste solutions that work for businesses of any size.

Take the next step in transforming your waste management strategy. Contact SBC Waste Solutions today for a personalized consultation. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more cost-effective future for your business.

(312) 522-1115
2401 Gardner Rd, Broadview, IL 60155
Commercial Waste Disposal

SBC Waste Solutions: Pioneers of Sustainable Waste Management in Chicago

/0 Comments/in /by

SBC Waste Solutions: Pioneers of Sustainable Waste Management in Chicago

Your local garbage collector isn’t simply taking away garbage to hide it in landfills anymore. Today’s waste management companies are responsible partners in creating a cleaner and healthier environment. SBC Waste Solutions, a woman-led waste management company in Chicago, is at the forefront of this movement. Led by CEO Karen Coley and her experienced team, SBC Waste Solutions is pioneering green and sustainable waste management practices in the region, emphasizing their innovative approaches and community impact.

Putting People and the Environment First:

With a combined 100 years of industry experience, CEO Karen Coley and her team at SBC Waste Solutions are experts in waste management. As a family and woman-owned waste disposal company, SBC Waste Solutions places people and the environment at the heart of their operations. Their core values of sustainability, benefit, and capability drive everything they do. They genuinely care about the environment and their clients, working hard to keep Chicagoland clean for future generations.

Educating for a Greener Future:

SBC Waste Solutions goes beyond providing dumpsters and recycle bins. They believe in educating businesses and citizens about the path to an eco-conscious future. From small yard cleanups to large-scale waste removal projects, SBC Waste Solutions demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental safeguarding and community upliftment. They understand that collective action is essential in creating a sustainable future.

Large-Scale Waste Removal

Large-Scale Waste Removal

Supporting Climate Solutions:

In June 2023, SBC Waste Solutions sponsored the GreenTown Climate and Equity Event. This event aimed to unite Chicago communities in the search for sustainable practices across various aspects of modern life. By promoting responsible waste disposal and inspiring climate solutions, GreenTown addressed critical issues such as water conservation, technology innovations, energy, transportation, waste management, workforce development, and equitable solutions to climate change. SBC Waste Solutions actively collaborates with community leaders, including Mayor Katrina Thompson of the Village of Broadview, to find equitable solutions to the climate crisis. This partnership ensures that their initiatives align with local efforts to promote equity and fight climate change.

Guiding Customers Towards Sustainability:

SBC Waste Solutions provides valuable resources on their website to guide customers in their sustainability efforts. Through regular blog posts, they offer practical tips and information on partnering in sustainability. For example, they remind individuals about the importance of recycling aluminum, avoiding single-serve items and disposable packaging, and opting for water filters instead of buying bottled water. By empowering individuals with knowledge, SBC Waste Solutions encourages everyone to contribute to a greener future.

Saving Money through Sustainable Practices:

Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also save businesses money. SBC Waste Solutions understands this and provides businesses with information on how being green and sustainable can lead to cost savings. Waste management is essential for all businesses, but the frequency of trash pickups directly impacts costs. By investing in a commercial waste compactor, businesses can reduce waste disposal fees and improve workplace safety by minimizing cluttered environments. SBC Waste Solutions emphasizes the economic benefits of adopting sustainable waste management practices, making it a win-win situation for businesses and the environment.

Over the past 15 years, Shawn Flood, the vice president of operations and customer care at SBC Waste Solutions, has earned a strong reputation in the waste management and recycling industry. His approach is unique – he aims to create friendships and partnerships with clients, making them feel like part of the community, like one big family. Flood’s love for the industry is infectious, as he proudly proclaims, “I love to talk trash, and that’s literally what I do.”

Karen Coley, CEO of SBC Waste Solutions, shares Flood’s business philosophy and believes in placing customer service at the core of their operations. At SBC, every employee is empowered to deliver exceptional service based on bottom-line principles. This level of empowerment sets SBC apart from others in the industry. Drivers have the autonomy to circle back on any account to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Coley explains that this decision to give employees such authority is not only good for business but also for the community. Even during last winter’s treacherous heavy snowstorms, SBC Waste Solutions drivers braved the elements, picking up their clients’ garbage when other companies failed to provide their services.

The dedication and commitment of the SBC Waste Solutions team have not gone unnoticed. The growing number of customers, which has reached an impressive 40,000 in just five years, is a testament to their outstanding service. Karen Coley and Shawn Flood couldn’t be prouder of their team’s accomplishments.

SBC Waste Solutions continues to excel in waste management while prioritizing diversity and innovation. As Coley envisions the future, her goal is to build an automated/robotic recycling facility, becoming the first woman in that space. This ambitious plan not only makes business sense by processing SBC’s recyclables in-house but also represents an investment in local sustainability. By bringing newer and greener ways to deal with materials, SBC Waste Solutions is leading the way in changing the local industry’s approach to recycling.

Join SBC Waste Solutions in their mission to revolutionize waste management and create a cleaner, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference one bin at a time.

Waste Management Company

Waste Management Company

2401 Gardner Rd, Broadview, IL 60155
(312) 522-1115
Dumpster Rentals Services

Karen Coley, Chicago’s Local Hero: SBC Waste Solutions’ Impact on the Community

/0 Comments/in /by

Karen Coley, Chicago’s Local Hero: SBC Waste Solutions’ Impact on the Community

In the bustling city of Chicago, amidst the concrete and steel, lies a local hero making a significant impact on the community. Meet Karen Coley, the CEO of SBC Waste Solutions, a waste management company with a difference. With a strong focus on sustainability and community empowerment, Coley has transformed her business into an agent of positive change.

Karen Coley’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in every aspect of her business. She named her first two garbage trucks “Unity” and “Humility” to signify the principles that guide her company. Coley’s dedication to these values has earned her recognition, with SBC Waste Solutions being certified by the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). But Coley’s impact goes far beyond certifications and accolades; she is actively empowering other women entrepreneurs and supporting family-owned businesses throughout Chicago.

One shining example of Coley’s passion for sustainability can be seen in the Solar Initiative. Observing a cluster of 20 businesses along an industrial corridor in Broadview, Coley envisioned the potential benefits of switching to solar power. She realized that such a transition would not only benefit the environment but also the community and industries at large. Thus, the Solar Initiative was born, becoming the first of its kind in Illinois.

Shawn Flood of SBC Waste Systems explains, “Karen has always had a passion for recycling and the environment. In fact, we’re trying to go to solar energy with our company.” By embracing solar power and prioritizing recycling, SBC Waste Systems aims to reduce costs, create local jobs, and promote environmental sustainability. The company is even exploring the possibility of developing its own automated recycling facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology. This bold move would allow them to process waste and recycling themselves, eliminating the need to rely on external service providers.

SBC Waste Systems’ commitment to local service is another aspect that sets them apart. Unlike other companies with distant call centers, SBC Waste Systems ensures that their customer service center is staffed locally. This personalized approach resonates with customers who appreciate the prompt and reliable assistance they receive. As Flood explains, “Our call center has people who live here. You can’t find that type of service in this market anymore. We’re family-owned, you know. Bigger isn’t always better.”

Waste Management Services

Waste Management Services

But SBC Waste Solutions doesn’t stop at waste management. Coley’s visionary thinking has led to innovative additions to their operations. The company has installed video cameras on the front of their garbage trucks, serving a dual purpose. Not only do these cameras help monitor the waste collection process, but they also aid in crime prevention. SBC Waste Systems shares access to their cameras with the local police, creating a partnership that enhances community safety.

Looking to the future, Coley envisions continued growth and diversification for SBC Waste Solutions. Plans include the development of a commingled recycling facility and a construction and demolition facility. Coley believes that continuous advancement and sustainable growth are not only beneficial for her business but also for the community as a whole. More jobs, a better community, and a cleaner environment are the rewards of careful and sustainable progress.

Karen Coley, Chicago’s local hero, is making a lasting impact through SBC Waste Solutions. Her commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and innovative business practices is transforming the way waste is managed in the city. With a strong local presence and an eye toward the future, SBC Waste Solutions is revolutionizing waste management and paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Chicago.

2401 Gardner Rd, Broadview, IL 60155
(312) 522-1115
Dumpster Rental Company in Chicago

Karen Coley’s Woman-led SBC Waste Solutions Leads Personalized Waste Management

/0 Comments/in /by

Karen Coley’s Woman-led SBC Waste Solutions Leads Personalized Waste Management

In the dynamic world of waste management, where bigger isn’t always better, Karen Coley’s SBC Waste Solutions emerges as a beacon of personalized service and innovation. Transitioning from the high-stakes world of event planning, Coley’s new venture embodies a commitment to providing Chicago residents with a more intimate and customer-centric waste management experience.

A Shift from Extravagance to Essentials

Coley’s journey into waste management wasn’t a conventional one. Having orchestrated extravagant events, including renting out the Sistine Chapel, she realized that the essence of success lies not just in grandeur but in addressing everyday needs. The result? SBC Waste Solutions is a small, family-owned company that puts personal service at the forefront.

The Power of Local Connections

Unlike major corporate waste companies with call centers scattered across the country, SBC Waste Solutions keeps it local. Their call centers, nestled in the heart of Chicago, are staffed by individuals who live and breathe the same city air as their customers. Shawn Flood, a representative from SBC, emphasizes their commitment to a personal touch that extends to being available to customers even at 10 o’clock at night.

“Customers can call one of the owners of this company on their personal cell phone, and other companies don’t offer that,” Flood highlights. This accessibility sets SBC apart, fostering a level of service that goes above and beyond competitors.

The Personal Side of Garbage

Garbage, a seemingly mundane aspect of life, becomes a personal concern for many. SBC Waste Solutions recognizes this and meets the demand for a more personalized service in the waste management industry. Flood notes, “The consumer craves a more personalized service in our industry. People want their garbage picked up, and they want it picked up now.”

Garbage Pick Up Services

Garbage Pick Up Services

A Remarkable Shift, Propelled by Determination

The inception of SBC Waste Solutions was a bold move by Karen Coley. Fueled by her experience of being undervalued and underpaid in a previous role, she decided to forge her path. Flood recounts, “I told her, ‘You’ve got so much talent, you’ve got so much grace, you’re so smart. Go start your own company. And she did!”

Coley’s journey from a boss’s disregard to leading a waste management company showcases the resilience and determination that define her entrepreneurial spirit.

Innovation in Unexpected Places

In a surprising twist, Coley introduced a unique feature to SBC Waste Solutions – cameras on their garbage and recycling trucks. This innovative approach not only aids in ensuring driver safety but has proven instrumental in solving crimes, providing valuable footage to law enforcement.

Women Leading the Charge

SBC Waste Solutions proudly earned its Women’s Business Enterprise National Council certification, a testament to the influence and impact of women in Chicago who recognized and celebrated a woman entering the traditionally male-dominated waste management market.

Despite challenges in hiring more women for positions on garbage trucks, Coley remains unwavering. “You know, for being on a garbage truck, we don’t get a lot of women applying for those jobs, but our office is filled with women,” notes Flood. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion remains a work in progress.

Conclusion: Redefining Waste Management

Karen Coley’s journey from orchestrating grand events to leading a personalized waste management company highlights the transformative power of determination and innovation. SBC Waste Solutions, with its local touch, commitment to personalized service, and groundbreaking initiatives, is reshaping the landscape of waste management in Chicago. As Coley continues to break barriers and set new standards, her story stands as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the impact of a woman-led business in unexpected industries.

Waste Management

Waste Management

2401 Gardner Rd, Broadview, IL 60155
(312) 522-1115
Waste Management Services

From Zero to 35 Million: SBC Waste Solutions’ Woman-led Growth 

/0 Comments/in /by

From Zero to 35 Million: SBC Waste Solutions’ Woman-led Growth 

Karen Coley’s family- and woman-owned waste management company is rapidly encroaching on the big Chicago waste companies, and it plans to keep expanding. SBC Waste Solutions wants to bring its excellent customer service to more homes and businesses in Chicagoland. 

“Five years ago, we were basically nothing,” says vice president Shawn Flood. “Now we’re over 40,000 to 50,000 customers, and we have more than 50 trucks.” 

Shawn is the VP of Operations and Customer Care as well as one of the partners of SBC Waste Solutions. He has built up a strong reputation in the waste management and recycling business over the past 15 years. Adding his experience to the quality and quantity of the rest of the team, they have 100 years of combined industry experience to help build a waste company that puts people first. 

CEO Karen Coley brings a lot of experience and tenacity to the company. Karen earned a degree from Rutgers and has owned other businesses before SBC. She grew up in Ohio and Illinois, the youngest of six children in a tight-knit family. 

CEO Karen Coley

CEO Karen Coley

“You’re at the bottom of the food chain in her position when you come from a family of six kids. You learn to fight your way through things, and you learn from everybody’s mistakes above you, which she has done,” Shawn says. 

Karen brought a large investment from her previous business, an events planning company. She thought big planned big and earned big. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down this sort of business, Coley simply moved on. She focused on waste management and continues to be successful in this business, perhaps even more so than her previous one. 

“Our growth is pretty much exponential,” Shawn says. “In five years, we’ve gone from zero sales to looking to finish this year at about $35 million, which we should grow next year to over $45 million. Our goal is to reach $100 million by the year 2028. That’s our goal, to be a $100 million company by the year 2028. Which in this industry is pretty improbable.” 

Of course, inflation affects every business, but with the cost of necessary equipment, vehicles, and fuel rising so fast, SBC Waste Solutions is hard hit at times. 

“Waste management is very capital intensive. A garbage truck costs $400,000 right now. The dumpster on wheels you put behind the convenience store costs about $1,000,” Shawn says. 

“So people just don’t go around starting garbage companies. You don’t see that in the industry. There are only six companies in the whole Chicago market.” 

One of the company’s strategies for staying ahead of inflation and other factors is to be proactive. SBC Waste Management relies on good customer service to keep the business growing. It’s a strategy that’s been working. One factor is that SBC has a local call center. Most major garbage corporations have call centers in Arizona and all throughout the country. Customers crave a more personalized service in this industry, and Coley gives it to them. 

“We have a much more personal touch,” Flood says. “Our customers can call us at 10 o’clock at night, and we’ll answer the phone, where the big guys won’t. Our service levels are above and beyond our competitors’ service. A lot of that is because customers can call one of the owners of this company on their personal cell phone and other companies don’t offer that.” 

Waste Management Services

Waste Management Services

And the customer service viewpoint includes some very forward-thinking solutions, like SBC’s crime-prevention program. The company puts cameras in front of its garbage trucks for the communities. Clients and local citizens know that if there’s any type of crime, SBC’s cameras will catch the evidence. The company is glad to provide access to its cameras to law enforcement officials to help stop crime. 

“Two kids got their car stolen, and the thieves took it for a joy ride,” Shawn says. “We helped the police find the car, abandoned blocks away.” 

As SBC expands, so will its payroll, providing more well-paying careers for local Chicago area residents. As a woman-owned business, Coley wants to hire equitable numbers of women and men. But, after all, this is the garbage business. 

“The first thing we want is a good person. And we want to have a good work ethic,” Flood says. “But, you know, being a waste management company, we don’t get a lot of women applying for on-the-truck jobs. So it’s hard to promote them, but our office is filled with women.” 

The initials of SBC encapsulate everything that Karen Coley and her company stand for Sustainable, Beneficial, and Capable. Karen, her partners, and their employees all work together with the community to make sure that these qualities continue to represent SBC Waste Management. 

2401 Gardner Rd, Broadview, IL 60155
(312) 522-1115