Red Government Fleet with star logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Wash. City Begins Tracking Refuse Fleet

The City of Spokane, Wash., has begun tracking its waste collection trucks to measure key metrics, including service confirmations, missed pickups, landfill diversion, and recycling rates.

December 8, 2018
Wash. City Begins Tracking Refuse Fleet

 

Photo courtesy of Depositphotos

2 min to read


The City of Spokane, Wash., has begun using fleet management technology on its waste collection trucks to track key metrics, including service confirmations, missed pickups, landfill diversion, and recycling rates. The city installed Rubicon’s technology on approximately 100 solid waste vehicles, according to a release from the company.

Rubicon was awarded the competitively sourced three-year contract with the City of Spokane in September 2018, and the city has an option for two, one-year contract renewals.

“Using this new technology, we will be able to operate more efficiently, make business decisions using comprehensive data, enhance our sustainability efforts, and respond rapidly to customer needs,” said Scott Simmons, the city’s Division Director of Public Works and Utilities, in the release.

Tablets loaded with the Rubicon mobile app, as well as onboard plug-in devices, will be placed in the City of Spokane’s fleet of residential and commercial waste and recycling collection vehicles. With the mobile app and plug-in device, the city will be able to take and organize pictures at customer locations, flag locations, dispatch alerts, and provide real-time GPS monitoring of each vehicle. The app will also help deliver precise pick-up times, optimize routes, and reduce the need for truck repairs.  

Rubicon SmartCity phone and pod technology feed waste, recycling, and vehicle data back to the portal, which provides a live map of the city’s entire operations alongside performance statistics and real-time insights. 

Image courtesy of Rubicon Global

The technology will provide the City of Spokane with comprehensive planning data, notably by enabling real-time, transparent information about collection operations, routing, vehicle health, landfill diversion, and recycling rates. The data will help the city understand how to improve its collection operations, as well measure the carbon avoidance from recycling activities and track vehicle emission reduction targets.

More Telematics

SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Public fleets face constant pressure to do more with limited budgets. This eBook outlines how modern fleet software helps agencies extend asset life, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve safety by automating maintenance, using smarter video insights, and unifying fleet data. A practical look at how technology can drive measurable ROI for taxpayers.

Read More →
SponsoredDecember 5, 2025

The Road to Smarter Electric Van Transitions: A practical roadmap for integrating electric vans into your fleet

Electric vans are becoming a strategic tool, not just a sustainability move. Get a roadmap that breaks down costs, charging planning, upfit compatibility, and what fleets should evaluate before making the switch.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Telematicsby Jeanny RoaAugust 20, 2025

Distracted Driving and Samsara AI Safety

The U.S. public sector continues to use AI technology to combat the dangers of distracted driving.

Read More →
Person using Teletrac Navman’s TN360 fleet management platform on a desktop monitor displaying a world map and vehicle data, with the Teletrac Navman logo on a light background.
Telematicsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 11, 2025

Teletrac Navman’s TN360 Now Connects with Factory-Fitted Telematics for Easier Fleet Oversight

Agencies can now tap into factory-installed vehicle data within TN360 without taking vehicles out of service for hardware installs.

Read More →
Telematicsby News/Media ReleaseJune 10, 2025

Element, Samsara Partner to Launch Comprehensive Fleet and Operations Management Offering

This joint offering streamlines procurement and onboarding for shared customers to deliver greater safety and efficiency for fleets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo: Mark W. Clark
TelematicsAugust 19, 2024

7 Ways Fleet Intelligence Can Improve Safety, Savings, and Service

Fleet intelligence technology delivers actionable insights to optimize multiple aspects of government fleet safety and service.

Read More →
Telematicsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 19, 2024

How a South Carolina Fleet is Using Telematics to Improve Safety, Traffic, and Efficiency

Charleston County, South Carolina, has partnered with Geotab to bolster fleet operations through a telematics program.

Read More →
SponsoredJune 10, 2024

The Complete Fleet Management Software Buyer’s Guide

Purchasing Fleet Management Software (FMIS) is a critical decision requiring a significant investment and can transform your fleet operations. An outdated or non-user-friendly system can lead to missed opportunities for efficiency and cost savings. Whether you’re new to FMIS or looking to upgrade, our comprehensive guide covers the basics, latest advancements, and essential features to consider. Download our guide today to make an informed decision and optimize your fleet management.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Telematicsby Nichole OsinskiMarch 15, 2024

How a Tennessee City is Using Samsara for Visibility into Safety, Service Delivery

Through the Samsara Connected Operations Cloud, the Memphis Public Works Division has been centralizing data across its 17 departments while also using the open API to integrate this data with critical business systems.

Read More →