Learn all about the changes to waste data & how it effects your work
What's Changing?
Beginning in May 2025 Backpack changed the way we collect and display information in the waste tab of the utilities section in Backpack.
We have taken a more generalized approach allowing customers to capture usage data with just two key points, capacity & frequency. This change makes your Backpack waste data easier to administer while keeping all the great information you need for reporting as well as Green Building Certification (GBC) applications and maintenance.
Why did we make this change?
We are always looking for ways to make waste data collection easier! After surveying customers, and researching data uses and type of waste data needed for reporting, ESG initiatives & GBC's, we determined that this data has just as much value in a generalized format as it does when we collect invoices from you.
With this new system you can enter the container sizes and frequency of pickups and the software does the rest. No more managing login info needed or time wasted scanning and sending bills. No trying to decipher a providers invoice. No more reminders from us to send bill information to keep your data up-to-date! Just enter the information and let the software do the rest.
Overview of the changes
Here's an overview of the historical process and what to expect now.
Prior to May 2025
Data was collected via:
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- Direct connection to the provider with invoices available in the software
- From customer provided bills that were reviewed and entered by our team into the software.
- From customer provided information on frequency & volume which is repeated monthly until the customer provides new information
- Backpack confirms this data each year
Data Backup:
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- Monthly Invoices (where applicable)
- Verbal or email backup in internal Backpack documents (or recurring values noted above)
Data Provided:
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- Cost
- Volume/Usage
- Service Dates
- Invoice details (number & date)
Data display & Export:
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- Graphing capability for cost & usage
- Export in a monthly format via CSV
June 2025 and forward
Data is collected via:
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- User (or onboarding coordinator) enters minimal data including container size and frequency of pickups
- Changes are made to this data as things change on property
- Backpack confirms this data each year
Data Backup:
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- Documented start/end dates of services & service changes
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- Historical invoices saving within the software
Data Provided:
-
- Volume/Usage
- Service Dates
Data display & Export:
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- Export via CSV
How does this affect me?
This change to the data in Backpack isn't expected to cause any disruption to your use of Backpack or the data collected for waste. We've maintained all the great features of Backpack: the ability to collect & share data.
Now that you you know all the details - head over this great article to learn how to administer your waste data including how to access those historical bills.
We hope you love this new way to collect waste data!
Questions?
Contact our support team at support@backpacknewworks.com.