WasteBid Launches SWANABenchmarks.com for Benchmarking the Waste Industry

WasteBid.com Press Release
January 9, 2006

Fairfax, VA (January 9, 2006) – The Solid Waste Association of North America’s (SWANA) Applied Research Foundation has launched The North American Benchmarking Study for Residential Solid Waste Collection - a ground-breaking research project designed to collect and analyze stastistically-valid performance and economic data for residential waste collection services in the U.S. and Canada. The study is being conducted utilizing WasteBid.com's SmartEngtine Survey and Data Management Technology. It is being conducted through the WasteBid-developed website (www.SwanaBenchmarks.com) that will be used to manage survey participatants, collect and process the data.

The goal of the study is to develop meaningful performance benchmarks for residential solid waste collection services, as well as to compile comparative data on various collection technologies such as automated and semi-automated collection. Currently, 48 local government participants are providing data as well as contributing support for the study through the contribution of sponsorship fees of $500 to $2,500 based on population served.

The study is being conducted with the assistance of WasteBid's Chief Technology Offiver, Kevin Callen, and Dr. Barbara Stevens, a nationally-recognized benchmarking expert. “This study will help collection managers across North America improve collection practices,” remarked John H. Skinner, SWANA Executive Director and CEO. “We are very proud of the work the Foundation has undertaken and expect the results to be very helpful,” added Skinner.

Additional local governments and organizations have the opportunity to participate as project sponsors. All data provided for the study remains confidential. To contribute to this forward-thinking study contact SWANA’s Director of Applied Research, Jeremy K. O’Brien, P.E., at 704.906.7269 or by e-mail at jobrien@SWANA.org.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Kevin Callen, Chief Technology Officer
WasteBid.com, Inc.
(703)698-5001