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Understanding Waste Data in Backpack

A Step-by-Step Guide to Entering, Updating, and Reviewing Waste Services in Backpack

As of May 2025, Backpack has updated how waste information is collected and displayed. We recommend reviewing this article on these updates before returning here to learn how to manage your current waste data.

Waste Data Overview

Backpack now uses a simplified and time-saving approach to waste data collection that supports reporting, ESG initiatives, and Green Building Certification (GBC) requirements.

By entering a few essential details about your waste services, the system creates a timeline of changes and stores all historical values. This allows you to easily track service adjustments over time and access the information needed for audits and reporting.

What Waste Data Includes

Backpack currently supports tracking for:

  • Trash

  • Recycling

  • Composting

If you need to track additional waste streams, contact our support team at support@backpacknetworks.com.

Setting Up Waste Data in Backpack

Backpack allows you to manage your waste data directly in the platform by entering service details for the building.

Before You Begin

  • Gather available information about your waste services, which may require referencing invoices, reviewing contracts, or contacting your hauler for details.

During Onboarding 

Our team will review your trash, recycling, and composting services with you. We may request a few recent bills to confirm service details.

You may also enter container capacity and pickup frequency yourself.

After Onboarding 

  • Only update your data when a service changes.

  • Our team will confirm details annually and make adjustments as needed.

    Finding the Waste Data Tab

    1. Navigate to a building using the top search bar or by clicking the building image on your home page.

    2. Select Utilities from the left menu (expand the menu by clicking the building name if needed).

    3. Scroll halfway down the Utilities page. The Waste tab appears at the bottom of the utilities list, marked with a trash-can icon.

    Adding and Editing Waste Data

    Adding Waste Data 

    1. Click + ADD CONTAINER on the Waste tab on the far left
    2. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to select the waste type and enter all known service details.
      • You can always make changes after this information is saved by adding a new container and a start date.
    3. Enter one line per container. (For example, three 4-yd trash containers = three separate entries.)

    4. Click ADD to save.
      • All fields besides End Date are required. Fields with missing information will be highlighted in red.
    5. Repeat this process until all containers have been added.

    Field-by-Field Guide

      • Name: Your internal reference (e.g., Retail Compactor #1, Dock Bin, Starbucks Recycling).

      • Type: Select trash, recycling, or compost.

      • Size & Unit: Container size and unit type (e.g., 4 yd, 8 yd)
      • Frequency: Number of weekly pickups. The software uses this to estimate monthly volume and cost.
        • You might need to make some estimates here based on the information you have from your waste provider. If you're unsure, just enter your best guess for now, and you can always update the data later once you have more details.
      • Average Percent Full: An estimate used for GBC reporting 
        • Example: If your containers are constantly full during pickup, select 100%; if they are consistently half full at pickup up select 50%.
      • Start Date: When this service configuration began. If unsure, choose either the first day of the current year or today's date as the "start date". 
      • End Date: Used only when a service changes.
        • For example, if you increase the weekly pickups from once a week to three times a week, you can set the end date on this container, then return to step 1 and add a new container  
      • Service Provider Name: Enter the service provider. This field is helpful for internal tracking
      • Notes/Location: Add any relevant details (locations, contract notes, hauler instructions, etc.).

    Editing Waste Data

    When your waste services change:

    1. Open the container that needs updating.

    2. Add an End Date.

    3. Create a new container entry with updated values.

    Backpack will maintain historical containers with end dates while displaying current services clearly.

    Accessing Historical Waste Data (Pre–May 2025)

    1. Open the Waste tab.

    2. Select Historical Data to view older invoices.

    3. All the prior invoices will be listed here. Use the download icon to export a CSV of historical waste data.

    Exporting Waste Data

    Click the export icon at the top of the Waste tab to download your current or historical data.

    Current Waste Data Export 

    • Includes one line of data per container along with start and end dates.
    • To annualize this data for reporting or GBC use, multiply the container’s values by the frequency and appropriate time period.

    Historical Waste Data Export

    Two export types are available:

    • Invoice Data: Includes cost information

    • Meter Data: Includes consumption only

    For more on exporting utility data, see the Navigating the Utilities Page article. 

    Questions?

    Contact our support team at support@backpacknetworks.com.