In-House vs Managed Services: Optimizing Building-Wide Waste Programs

In-House vs Managed Services: Optimizing Building-Wide Waste Programs

Facility and sustainability leaders often ask whether to run building-wide waste programs in-house, outsource to a managed waste provider, or blend both. The right answer depends on goals such as diversion, contamination control, budget predictability, and tenant experience—plus how well your routing aligns with MRF requirements and regional end markets. This guide compares models side by side, defines the SLAs and KPIs that keep programs accountable, and shows where to find managed waste services for office buildings. Throughout, we ground decisions in standards-aligned material routing (ISRI/ASTM) documented in Recycler Routing Guide, realistic contamination thresholds, and end-market viability—so your fiber, plastics, metals, and organics don’t just get collected, they get accepted. For context on planning and audits, see the EPA’s sustainable materials management framework and waste assessment approach (EPA SMM).