Waste Data Collection in Backpack

💡 As of May 2025 Backpack changed the way we collect and display waste information. Learn more about that in this article, then come back here to learn how to tackle your waste information now!

Waste Data Overview

Backpack tasks a simplified approach to waste data collection that benefits customers by saving time all while assuring you have the data you need for reporting, ESG initiatives and Green Building Certifications (GBC's.)

Simply enter a few details about services at the building & you are done. When things change, come back to the Backpack and update the values. The Backpack will store your old and new values allowing you to create a timeline of services and easily access the values you need for reporting.

What is Included in Waste Data

Waste data includes:

Trash
Recycling
Composting

If you have other items you need to track please reach out to our support team at support@backpacknetworks.com for assistance.

How to Setup Waste Data tracking in Backpack

Backpack enables users to take control of their waste data by entering details of their services right into the Backpack.

Before you get started

Gather all the information about your trash, recycling and composting services. You may need to track down invoices, contracts or even contact your hauler to get the details on services.

Backpack Waste Data Collection at Onboarding & After

Onboarding

- - During onboarding our team will talk with you about your trash, recycling and composting activities at the property. Based on that conversation we may request a few bills to confirm details
  - Or - you can enter the capacity and frequency yourself
- After Onboarding
  - You can Make changes only when something changes at the property
  - Our team will confirm details at the annual check-in and adjust as needed

Finding the Waste Data Tab

Navigate to a building by using the top search bar or clicking the image of the building on the Backpack home page
Click the UTILITIES section in the left menu (you may have to expand the menu by clicking on the building name)
Scroll down the UTILITIES page about half way. The Waste tab is to the left of the billing chart in grey text. Waste appears at the bottom of the list of utilities and has a trash can icon next to the words "waste"

Adding Waste Data

Click on the black "+ ADD CONTAINER" button on the far left of the new tab
This opens a popup allowing you to select the waste type (trash, recycle or composting) and enter all the details of the service. Fill in as much information as you have about the services. You can always make changes after this information is saved by adding a new container and start date. TIP: if you have multiple containers at a site you will need to enter each container separately. For example, if you have 3 4 yd containers for trash, you will have 3 lines of data when you finish your work on this page. Here is some helpful information about each field:
- Name: the name you use internally for this service (ie: Retail Compactor #1, Loading Dock Dumpster, Recycling Dumpster for Starbucks only)
- Type: Select the type of service from the options listed
- Size & Unit: Enter the size of the container & the unit type (ie: 4 yd, 8 yd, etc.)
- Frequency: Enter the frequency of pickups PER WEEK, the software will then calculate the monthly cost using this data (note: you may have to do some estimates here depending on the details you have from your waste provider, if you aren't sure, enter your best guess and then come back and edit the data when you have more details) the software will calculate the monthly cost using this data.
- Average Percent Full: This is an estimate and utilized in some GBC reporting, for example, if you believe your containers are always completely full select 100%, if you think they aren't that full at pickup select 25%
- Start Date: This is the date this service started at the property in the current configuration. If you are unsure of the official start date, we suggest selecting either the first day of the current year OR today
- End Date: This field is utilized when you make changes to your service, for example, if you increased weekly pickups from 1x/week to 3x/week you could enter and end date on this container and then go back to step 1 & add a new container.
- Service Provider Name: Enter the service provider, this field is helpful for internal tracking
- Notes/Location: This is an open field for you to type any notes on the services, location, contract details, entries above, etc.
When you are done, click ADD, if everything was successfully saved a confirmation message will pop up, if there is missing information that will be highlighted in red. Note - all fields except "end date" are required on this form.
Repeat the steps above until you have added all your containers.

Editing Waste Data

If you make changes to your trash, recycling or composting services simply come back to this page, click on the container(s) that have changed, enter and end date and then repeat the steps above to add a new container.

The old container(s) will still appear in the backpack but with an end date to

Accessing Historical Waste Data

Navigate to the Waste Tab & select "Historical Data" to view invoices collected before May 2025
All the prior invoices will be listed here, a CSV of the waste data can be downloaded as well using the download icon at the top of the chart

Exporting Data

To export your current or historical data simply click on the export icon at the top of the tab. Here's a brief explanation of the two types of data:

Current Waste Data Export

The export will include one line of data for each container & start/end dates. To annualize this data for use in reporting or GBC's multiply the containers

Historical Waste Data Export

There are two export options for historical waste data: meter or invoice. The invoice data includes cost, the meter data is only consumption. Learn more about exporting utility data in this great article: Navigating the Utilities Page.

Questions?

Contact our support team at support@backpacknetworks.com.