Inflation Keeps Climbing. Condo Associations Need a Plan.
The latest CPI report shows annual inflation running at 4.2% in May, the highest level since 2023, with rising energy prices doing much of the damage. That means everything tied to fuel and transportation – including waste and recycling service – is under pressure to get more expensive. Inflation keeps climbing. Condo associations need a plan to manage these rising costs.
For condominium associations, this is one more reason to keep looking for ways to save money without cutting service. Waste and recycling is an easy, often overlooked target. Haulers rarely call to say, “You’re overpaying; let us lower your bill.” Instead, contracts renew, fees creep up, and fuel or “recovery” charges quietly grow faster than the rest of your budget.
Why waste and recycling are low-hanging fruit
Most condo associations lock into multi‑year waste contracts and then file them away. Over time, small percentage increases, fuel surcharges, and “environmental recovery” fees add up, especially in an inflationary environment where haulers are passing along higher operating costs. Meanwhile, boards and property managers are trying to keep assessments flat in the face of rising insurance, utilities, and maintenance.
That’s why waste and recycling is such a good place to start. You are paying for a recurring, measurable service – number of containers, size, and pickup frequency – and there is real room to optimize that mix and the price you pay for it.
How much can associations save?
At Wastemaster, the average customer saves 26% on waste and recycling costs after we review their existing agreement and negotiate a better deal. Some save more, some a bit less, but in almost every case there is meaningful money on the table that can be redirected to reserves, repairs, or simply holding the line on assessments.
The process is simple:
- Share your current waste and recycling invoices and contract.
- Wastemaster analyzes your pricing, service levels, and fee structure against the market.
- We negotiate a lower price with your existing hauler or a new hauler.
- Bottom line…you get a better price.
In summary…
Inflation keeps climbing, and energy‑driven costs are unlikely to fall overnight. Condo associations that want to stay ahead of the curve should start with the line items they can actually control, and waste and recycling are at the top of that list.
Our average customer saves 26% and the process is very simple. Contact Wastemaster today to get started and see how much your association can save on trash and recycling before the next round of price increases hits.