Waste Nexus Ep. 4: From Route Books to Real-Time Sensors: Lessons from 36 Years in Waste
In this episode of Waste Nexus, we sit down with Mike Nelson, a 36-year waste industry veteran who started as a shop helper and driver in 1989—back when you were handed a route book, a highlighted map, and told not to come back until the route was done.
Mike shares stories from the street (including learning how to dump a truck from a competitor), the realities of customer service in waste, and the kind of “you can’t make this up” moments every hauler has seen
We also dig into how technology is reshaping operations: cameras, sensors, and the growing demand for tilt-sensor verification that reduces disputes, speeds up customer support, and keeps everyone honest. Plus: a lightning round featuring the dream of automated dinner.