New technology helps Clearwater track waste routes in real time

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Trash pickup in Clearwater is becoming more high-tech as the city uses Routeware to manage collection routes, track trucks in real-time and improve customer service.

The city of Clearwater implemented Routeware in July. Solid Waste Director Kervin St. Aimie described it as “an onboarding camera and tablet system” installed on trucks.

The system replaces paper route assignments with information now populated on tablets for drivers. Solid waste worker Edwin Martinez said the change has made the job easier.

“It works great,” Martinez said.

Routeware provides digital route management and real-time tracking that can be accessed throughout the department. St. Aimie said the platform also creates a collection database that helps the city make business decisions and optimize routes.

The system helps centralize issues and trends drivers see during daily pickups. Martinez said workers can use the tablets to document problems.

“Pictures show that people are contaminating barrels,” Martinez said. “And if barrels (are) blocked, we could picture it, send it to them. And if any callbacks we get, we got proof that there’s a reason why we didn’t pick it up.”

Cameras can flag recycling bins that contain non-recyclable items, including food, drinks and plastic bags. Martinez uses the tablet to document those issues on his route.

St. Aimie said the technology has helped the department improve route efficiency, respond to customer concerns and identify operational needs.

“Whenever we’re having a request for new trucks, new employees, we could use that to extract that data and show where we need support,” St. Aimie said.

The system is expected to be integrated with existing city technology to improve customer support and overall service.

“It’s easier. It’s less paperwork,” Martinez said.