Supermarket Chain Cuts Costs by 23% and Eliminates Service Interruptions

A leading supermarket chain with locations spanning multiple states faced complex waste challenges that affected efficiency, sustainability, and cost control. This case study explores how they partnered with Sourgum to implement smart solutions, streamline operations, and achieve measurable results.

Challenges

With several sites generating high volumes of waste daily, the grocery chain faced mounting challenges in controlling costs, maintaining reliable service, and managing oversight across their network. They needed a single solution to simplify waste and recycling services, streamline operations, and deliver consistent performance at every store.

The chain partnered with Sourgum to analyze their service levels, waste streams, and hauler performance. We designed solutions to reduce costs, eliminate service disruptions, and provide centralized visibility for all store managers. 

Solutions

Greater control—All services are managed in our portal for real-time tracking, transparent invoicing, and a single point of contact.

Rapid response—When emergencies arose, such as freezer failures, Sourgum dispatched open-top dumpsters same day.

Right-sized services—Using real-time data from waste audits, Sourgum adjusted bin sizes to align with actual usage.

Streamlined coordination—Optimizing pickup schedules reduced unnecessary service trips, simplifying coordination across locations.

Results

Sourgum analyzed every location’s service levels against our national hauler network and pricing intelligence. By matching stores with the most cost-effective providers, the supermarket chain achieved a 17% reduction in waste service costs without sacrificing reliability.

Real-time data allowed Sourgum to adjust dumpster sizes and pickup schedules to match actual waste generation. This eliminated unnecessary pickups and over-servicing, contributing an additional 6% in savings and a total cost reduction of 23%.

Sourgum’s unified network of 5,000+ vetted local haulers guarantees immediate backup if a provider experiences delays, resulting in a 99% on-time service rate. All locations are managed through our portal, providing real-time tracking and simplifying oversight of service performance.

Ready to optimize your waste services?

Contact us to learn how Sourgum can help your business achieve similar results and improve operational efficiency.